What I Recommend as a Vet: 5 Products That Support Your Dog’s Longevity and Wellbeing
What I Recommend as a Vet: 5 Products That Support Your Dog’s Longevity and Wellbeing
Written by Alessandro Didiano (doctor in veterinary medicine, MRCVS)
Disclaimer: This article is personally written by me, a licensed veterinarian with more than a decade of clinical experience. It’s for general information only and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a vet for health concerns or emergencies.
This is the first of a 2-part series. Next week, I’ll be sharing the same guide—focused on cats—with vet-approved products to help support feline longevity and health.
I was a young and ambitious veterinarian, fresh out of vet school. I was 24, finally starting to feel comfortable in the consulting room.
I was about to call in my next patient. I looked at the file.
Name: Timmy
Date of Birth: 29 March 1989
Symptoms: Vomiting and diarr...
I paused. Wait… what?
I looked again. Date of Birth: 29 March 1989.
That was my date of birth.
Surely, it had to be a mistake. But when I called in the owner and asked for clarification, he confirmed it: “Yes, Timmy was born on March 29th, 1989.”
I was speechless.
I couldn’t help but laugh as I said: “I was born on the exact same day.”
Now the owner was speechless too. We both stared at Timmy (a gentle, grey-muzzled Yorskshire Terrier ) in mutual awe. Was this the only case in veterinary history where the vet and patient were born on the same day?
I asked “What’s the secret to his longevity?”
The owner smiled and said: “A multivitamin every day. And once a month… a tiny sip of beer.”
( Disclaimer: Please don’t give your dog beer. Timmy’s long life was probably the result of good genes and loving care. But I can guarantee it wasn’t the beer to keep him going.)
As a clinical veterinarian, one of the questions I am asked the most is: “What can I do to help my dog live a longer and healthier life?”
The answer definitely starts with some main core factors: loving care, good nutrition and exercise.
But there are also simple (and affordable) products that can support your dog’s health and quality of life. If given appropriately consistently, these products may also improve your dog's longevity.
Here are 5 vet-approved products that I recommend to clients in real life. Each one of the following products targets a key area: brain, teeth, joints, gut, and overall vitality.
1. Cognitive Support: VetPlus Aktivait
Canine cognitive decline is very common in senior dogs. The most common symptoms include confusion, anxiety, increased vocalisation, disrupted sleep, and accidents in the house. Aktivait is one of the few supplements I’ve seen make a visible difference in the brain function and mood of aging dogs.
The earlier you start cognitive support, the better. This product might not have much effect on advanced cases of canine cognitive dysfunction.
Product
VetPlus Aktivait for Small Breeds
VetPlus Aktivait for Medium & Large Breeds
2. Dental Health: ProDen PlaqueOff Powder
Dental disease is definitely the most common diagnosed (and untreated) health problem in dogs. It doesn’t just cause bad breath, but many studies suggest that it is also linked to heart, kidney and liver problems!
I have to be clear here: the best way to protect your dog’s mouth is with daily tooth brushing. If you can do that well and consistently, you are all set, you don't need anything else. But I know very well that in many dogs this is just unrealistic. If that's the case, PlaqueOff is a good secondary line of defence. It works by softening plaque and reducing tartar buildup.
Product:
ProDen PlaqueOff Powder for Dogs
3. Joint Support: Yumove Supplements
Joint health is a huge factor in the quality of life of senior dogs. A dog that can move easily is much more likely to stay active (therefore reducing the risk of being overweight or even obese), pain-free and, overall, much happier. If you want to dive deeper into the topic, I have written a full article about canine arthritis. You can read it here: Dog Arthritis Explained by a Vet: Causes, Symptoms & Proven Pain Relie – Vet Approved Pet Health
When looking for joint supplements, look for glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and omega-3 fatty acids for full-spectrum joint care.
Trusted option:
Yumove Senior Dog Joint Supplement
4. Gut Health: FortiFlora Probiotics
We all know that a balanced gut microbiome helps with digestion. However, research has shown that it also helps with immune health and even improves mood.! Many dogs can benefit from a daily probiotic, especially if they have sensitive stomachs, allergies or intolerances or have recently been on antibiotics.
Please note that probiotics aren’t all equal. You want to use a vet-formulated product with live cultures and quality control.
Recommended probiotic:
Purina FortiFlora Canine
5. Daily Multivitamin: Zipvit Multivitamins for Dogs
Same as for people, the most important thing when it comes to nutrition is a balanced diet. However, even if your dog is eating well, a daily multivitamin can support vital organs, skin, eyes, and immune function (especially for senior dogs).
Recommended multivitamin:
Zipvit Multivitamins for Dogs
Final Thoughts
Next Week:
5 Vet-Recommended Products That Support Your Cat’s Longevity & Wellbeing — Stay tuned!