The Best Age to Start Longevity Supplements for Your Dog or Cat: A Vet-Backed Guide

As pet owners, we all want our dogs and cats to stay healthy and active for as long as possible. But when is the right time to introduce longevity supplements? Is it only for senior pets, or can starting earlier make a difference? Here’s what the science and veterinary experts say about the best age to start—and why timing matters for your pet’s lifelong wellbeing.

Why Consider Longevity Supplements?

Longevity supplements are designed to support your pet’s healthspan—the years they spend healthy, energetic, and engaged—not just their lifespan. Ingredients like NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) help maintain cellular health, energy production, and organ function as pets age, addressing the root causes of age-related decline.

When Do Aging Changes Begin in Pets?

Aging in pets doesn’t start suddenly. Dogs and cats begin to show subtle signs of aging well before they’re considered “old.”

• For dogs: Early aging changes can start as soon as 6–7 years old, depending on breed and size. Larger breeds age faster and may benefit from earlier support.
• For cats: Many cats show the first signs of aging around 7–10 years, but cellular changes can start even earlier.

The 25% Rule: A Proactive Approach

Veterinary experts and longevity researchers often recommend starting supplements when your pet reaches about 25% of their expected lifespan. This means:

• Small dog breeds (lifespan ~15 years): Start around 4 years old
• Large dog breeds (lifespan ~10 years): Start as early as 2.5 years old
• Cats (lifespan ~15 years): Start around 4 years old

By supporting cellular health before obvious signs of aging appear, you give your pet the best chance at a long, healthy life.

Why Start Earlier?

Prevention is better than cure. NMN and other longevity ingredients help maintain healthy NAD+ levels—a molecule vital for energy, DNA repair, and organ function. As pets age, NAD+ naturally declines, leading to reduced energy, slower recovery, and increased risk of age-related diseases.

Starting supplements early can help:

• Maintain energy and playfulness
• Support joint, brain, and organ health
• Slow the onset of age-related changes

Signs It’s Time to Begin

If your pet is showing any of these early signs, it may be time to consider a longevity supplement:

• Slower to get up or move around
• Less interest in play or walks
• Subtle changes in coat, eyes, or appetite
• Occasional stiffness after rest

Remember, you don’t have to wait for these signs—starting at the recommended age can help delay them altogether.

Why Choose Pawever’s Longevity Supplements?

Pawever’s NMN-based formulas are designed for proactive pet owners. Our supplements are:

• Formulated for both dogs and cats
• Tested to human-grade standards for safety and purity
• Available in options with added joint support for older or larger pets
• Flexible for all life stages: Pawever for healthy, younger pets; Pawever Plus for pets needing extra joint care

Always Consult Your Vet

Before starting any supplement, especially if your pet has existing health conditions or is on medication, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you decide the right time and dosage based on your pet’s breed, age, and health status.

The Bottom Line

The best time to start longevity supplements is before your pet shows clear signs of aging—ideally, when they reach about 25% of their expected lifespan. By taking a proactive approach, you can help your dog or cat stay healthy, active, and happy for years to come.

Ready to support your pet’s lifelong health? Learn more about Pawever’s science-backed longevity supplements today