At Food & Fitness Always we talk about our own health a lot. For some people living a happy, healthy life involves a canine companion. Studies have repeatedly shown there are many health benefits to being a dog owner, including improved physical fitness and lower stress levels.
Our dogs do so much for us the least we can do is make sure they’re happy and healthy. Many of the things we do to keep ourselves healthy can also be beneficial for dogs. Supplements are a great example. Recently, we discussed types of supplements that benefit the human body, but there are also health supplements made specifically for canines.
Dog Supplements for Pain Relief
One of the worst things in the world is seeing a loved one in pain. Our dogs are real champs when it comes to pain. They have a high pain threshold, and dogs are skilled at hiding discomfort as a survival instinct. When your dog does show signs of pain it means there’s an issue that needs to be addressed. These issues can often be solved through the use of supplements that can help nurse a dog back to full health.
Dogs can experience pain for a wide variety of reasons. Illness, injury and aging joints are all common causes of pain in dogs. Some of today’s most effective dog pain relief supplements include cannabidiol (CBD). This cannabis compound has been shown to relieve pain in dogs just as it does in humans. Cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body help manage pain and inflammation. The endocannabinoids in pain relief supplements activate the receptors to reduce discomfort. To find more examples of such products, visit the website of an online pet CBD retailer where you will also find a wealth of information regarding its use.
Glucosamine Supplement for Joint Health
Joint health supplements, like those available from Waggedy supplements, are the most common condition-specific supplement for dogs. There are so many good supplements out there that can help improve or aid with the health of your dog. The go-to dog supplements for joint health is glucosamine. It has been used for years to support the joints of aging dogs with osteoarthritis.
The Veterinary Journal published a study in 2007 that concluded dogs treated with glucosamine-chondroitin sulfate for 70 days showed less pain and greater mobility. If your dog is showing signs of joint problems (slower to get up, limping, stiffness), then you may want to try a glucosamine supplement before more invasive treatments.
Omega Fatty Acid Supplements for a Healthy Heart and Shiny Coat
Another supplement that’s commonly taken by humans and dogs is omega fatty acid. Omega fatty acids, naturally found in fish and oils, is a lipid that supports the cardiovascular system. Long-chain fatty acids have also been shown to reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for the heart.
Fatty acids can improve a dog’s coat as well, making it shinier and reducing how much a dog sheds.
Probiotics That Aid the Gastrointestinal System
Stomach troubles are far from rare. Dogs get into all sorts of things and eating is a way of exploring something new. Dog owners are helping to ease their furry friend’s stomach discomfort with probiotics.
Dog Vitamins That Support General Health
We take multivitamins to support general health, and your dog can too. It can be difficult for your dog to get all of the necessary vitamins and minerals from food alone, especially if you feed them a homemade diet.
A third of dogs take supplements, and multivitamins are the most common. Like our own daily multivitamin, the version for dogs contains a variety of nutrients based on veterinarian recommendations. However, be cautious when giving your dog a multivitamin. If they aren’t nutrient deficient they may receive excessive amounts of a vitamin or mineral.
Be Cautious of Dog Supplements That Claim to Increase Energy
When your dog is a puppy they seem to have an endless supply of energy. As dogs age, they mellow out, and like humans, their energy levels can decrease. However, energy supplements aren’t the best way to put more pep in your dog’s step.
Many dog supplements that claim to boost energy contain chemicals that can be potentially harmful. A better solution is to adjust your dog’s diet and make sure joint pain isn’t the problem.
Before giving your dog any type of new supplement or vitamin, discuss it with your veterinarian first. Some supplements shouldn’t be combined or taken while your dog is on another medication. Dog owners should be aware that pet supplements are low priority for FDA regulators and may not actually meet potency tests. You can see which pet supplements pass quality tests at ConsumerLab.com.
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