Taking care of your own health requires exercise, a well-rounded diet, and vitamins. Whether you pop a daily vitamin or you have a fairly intense supplement regimen, you’re aware that your diet may not meet all of your nutritional needs.
The same isn’t always true for your dog. Their food is very carefully balanced in terms of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients because that’s the only food they get to eat, so it has to be balanced. But there are dogs that don’t get everything their body needs from their food, regardless of how high quality their food is.
Supplements should never be given without your veterinarian’s recommendation. No matter how “healthy” or “natural” a supplement is supposed to be, there are some that are toxic to dogs if they’re given in excess.
Consulting with your vet not only ensures your dog’s safety, it also guarantees you’re giving them the most ideal supplement for the condition you’re trying to help treat.
Dogs get dry skin and coats for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s an inadequate diet, other times it’s allergies, a thyroid condition, or even old age. If your dog’s coat or skin is dry and/or itchy, have them examined by your veterinarian before you start adding things to their diet.
Underlying health conditions can’t be treated with supplements, and if they have a thyroid or adrenal imbalance, for example, they’re going to need more than a supplement. Fatty acids are the most commonly recommended supplement to combat this problem.
Dogs deficient in fatty acids suffer from a dull coat or flakey skin. Fatty acids like fish oil, coconut oil, or brewers yeast will supplement any essential fatty acids missing in their diet.
Arthritis isn’t curable, but it can be managed with a well-balanced diet and anti-inflammatories. Some dogs benefit from adding additional joint support in the form of chondroitin, glucosamine, or omega-3 fatty acids.
These alone won’t eliminate the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, so these should be given in conjunction with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and steroids.
Joint supplements and fatty acids help reduce some of the inflammation and prevent further joint damage, but they won’t help with the pain of joint deterioration.
The gut is filled with a variety of good and bad bacteria. They’re necessary for optimal digestive function, but sometimes an illness, a round of antibiotics, or even stress can throw this precarious balance out of whack.
When a dog’s gut bacteria is unbalanced, they end up with diarrhea, loose stool, or a decreased appetite. Probiotics reintroduce the good bacteria and eliminate a host of minor digestive issues.
You can buy probiotics made especially for dogs, or your vet might recommend a drugstore brand instead. Plain yogurt is also sufficient, and most dogs like the taste of it.
Supplementing has its place, but it should never be used to replace proper medical diagnoses and treatments. Work with your veterinarian to ensure your dog’s optimal health, but don’t use supplements in lieu of proper veterinary care.
Dogs are known for their love of food, and it’s no surprise that many of them enjoy eating human food. While dogs can survive on a diet of solely dog food, many pet owners like to treat their furry friends to various foods. However, it’s important to remember that not all human foods are safe … Read more
L-Theanine for dogs will naturally calm that pup in a matter of minutes. Don’t you love that your dog really understands you? We all know that our dogs can feel when their hoomans are stressed. Smart Dog owners should know the other way around too. Sure, your dog can’t speak, and it can’t let out … Read more
Dogs love to drink water, and when they’re thirsty, nothing quenches their thirst quite like a nice cold glass of water. But vitamin water is something different altogether. Can dogs drink vitamin water? Let’s find out! Can Dogs Have Vitamin Water? Vitamin water is a type of flavored water that contains vitamins and minerals. It’s … Read more
If you ask a veterinarian about the supplement they most commonly recommend for their canine patients, they would probably say fish oil. This dietary supplement is a safe addition to most dogs’ diets and has a wide range of benefits from alleviating itchy skin to helping manage joint discomfort from arthritis. The Benefits of Fish … Read more
Glucosamine is a joint supplement administered to relieve arthritis pain or prevent joint issues from occurring. Dogs aren’t immune to joint degeneration like humans are, especially as they get older. Have you been considering adding a glucosamine supplement to prevent arthritis or alleviate the discomfort from existing joint disease in your dog? Glucosamine might be … Read more
Supplements that are safe to add to your dog’s diet are best when your veterinarian approves them before you administer them. While safety is definitely a concern, so is its efficacy. There’s no point in supplementing your dog’s diet if it isn’t going to do anything, especially since some supplements are incredibly expensive. Fish oil … Read more
Holistic medicine is still quite controversial in veterinary medicine. Some vets embrace holistic remedies while others scoff at its efficacy. Regardless of your opinion on natural remedies, it’s important to remember that some conditions require pharmaceutical interventions to keep your dog healthy. Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs: Is It Safe? Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is … Read more
Have you heard that urban legend about people getting fired from their job and/or arrested because they tested positive on their drug tests for opioids, yet they claim to be drug-free? According to the legend, these unlucky souls tested positive because they had eaten something containing poppy seeds. The burning question is: do poppy seeds … Read more
There aren’t too many things in your pantry that are good for your dog. You know the ones that are incredibly bad for your dog (garlic, onion, chocolate, etc), but do you know that items that have health benefits for your dog? Is Olive Oil Safe for Dogs? Olive oil is safe for your dog, … Read more
When we talk about getting relief from serious ailments such as seizures, cancer pain and anxiety, the option of medical marijuana comes to our mind. Similarly, pet owners and vets are these days wondering if CBD oil is safe for dogs or not. The benefits or side effects of CBD (cannabidiol) or cannabis oil have … Read more