Dog Supplements and Vitamins: It is no news that most people take supplements and vitamins to ensure they stay healthy. As a result of this, many are either considering giving or already giving their dogs supplements and vitamins.
While this has become a practice among many pet parents, there are still many questions that surround the issue of giving dogs these health products. The fact that there are so many types in the market doesn’t make it any easier. You can check the resources by Cheefbotanicals to learn more about the types of supplements and vitamins available to dogs.
Therefore, in this article, we will look at and provide answers to a few of the frequently asked questions that people have regarding dog supplements and vitamins.
Let’s get started…
1. Is it Dangerous to give my Dog Supplements and Vitamins?
It is possible that giving your pooch these health items might be dangerous to their health. This is especially true if your pet is eating a balanced diet, or the vitamins they are already taking are in excess.
Excess calcium intake can lead to skeletal issues, especially for large-breed pups. Excess vitamin A could lead to the blood vessels being harmed as well as joint pain and dehydration. Too much vitamin D might cause your tyke not to eat again, muscle atrophy, and painful bones.
Hence, you can see that vitamins and supplements as good as they are can be dangerous if your dog is already receiving a balanced diet.
2. Does my Pet Dog Require Supplements and Vitamins?
If you are feeding your canine food that is commercially processed and approved by the FDA, your dog will receive a balanced diet. Therefore, in this case, supplements aren’t necessary.
However, if your mutt is being fed homemade food, then they will require these health items to boost their overall general well-being. When you do this, ensure that you do it in a manner that matches the diet of your pet. Hence, you need to consult a nutritionist or veterinarian to assist you in deciding what is needed and what is not.
3. Do Supplements and Vitamins for Dogs Work?
The answer depends on the use of the product as well as its manufacturing process. The clinical trials for these health products are rare; hence, it is difficult to measure the efficacy and even the necessity for these items.
Dogs suffering from osteoarthritis are commonly given a supplement called glucosamine-chondroitin. The test result for this product has been mixed for both humans and pets. Click here to read more about glucosamine-chondroitin and osteoarthritis.
The Veterinary Journal published a particular study in 2007 which said that the canines that took glucosamine-chondroitin sulfate experience more mobility and less pain after 70 (seventy) days.
On the other hand, another study conducted in 2006 surmised that the use of the product didn’t alleviate mild pain in humans. They however said that those suffering from severe or moderate pain might experience some benefits. The study wasn’t conclusive since the size of the test group was small. Hence, they requested that further studies be conducted.
The American Journal of Veterinary Research published a study that says dog coats can look better as a result of fatty acids consumption. It also says that inflammation can be reduced when fish oil supplements are taken.
Inflammation can also be reduced with the consumption of antioxidants which include vitamins C as well as Vitamins E. They also help to improve dog memory.
While all the above are fine and good, you need to still exercise caution when feeding puppies supplements as they are yet to be tested for safety in the long run.
4. Should I Consult my Veterinarian before Giving my Dog Supplements and Vitamins?
Of course, you should. You shouldn’t just assume that the symptoms your dog is experiencing can be fixed with supplements and vitamins alone. Sometimes, the problem might be more serious than you think.
For example, if the coat of your mutt is looking poor, it could be due to hormonal, metabolic, or skin issues. A weak hindmost end on your tyke could be a pointer to a neurological issue. Hence, you need to confirm what the symptoms mean before proceeding with anything.
You should never substitute traditional healthcare for these products. This is a mistake that some pet parents make which eventually leads to more serious problems or the death of the pet.
There are certain ingredients (especially herbal ingredients) in these products that could interact or interfere with the medicine your poodle is currently taking. Hence, when a vet is consulted, they will be able to tell you what kind of supplements to take; that is if there is any need.
5. Are the Nutrients Promised by Producers Contained in the Products?
This answer depends once again on the producer. In most cases, according to https://www.consumerlab.com/, 60% of these products do not contain the nutrients that were promised either in the advertisements or on the labels. Human products fair a bit better with 25% not meeting up to their claims.
Hence, you can see that these products aren’t items you can bank the health of your pooch on unreservedly. Therefore, if your pet doesn’t need it since they are already on a balanced diet, you shouldn’t administer it.
Conclusion
Almost everybody is talking about dog supplements and vitamins, and as such, almost everyone has a question. Hence, we took it upon ourselves to answer some of these very common and important questions in the article above.
Also Read – How To Prevent Hair Loss In Dogs?