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Should I Give My Pets Supplements?

Should I Give My Pets Supplements?

Here at Hillrose Pet Resort, we are often asked the question: “Should I give my pet supplements?”   Our answer to this is always, “ask your vet.” Just like people are often advised to speak with their doctor before adding supplements to their diet, the same is true for our pets. The reason for this is that although some supplements can be good, it is possible to get “too much of a good thing” that can become toxic to our pets.

It is important to point out that as humans, we tend to eat a varied diet and so it can be easy for us to miss out on essential nutrients that our body needs because we do eat more variety. However, this is not the case for our pets; they tend to eat the same thing day in and day out. Manufacturers of pet food know this and so they formulate their pet foods to provide the essential nutrients that our pets need on a daily basis. That being said, there are a few circumstances where your vet may recommend a supplement.

  • A Home prepared diet: Some people prefer to prepare their own pet food in order to know exactly what their pets are consuming, however, this can sometimes cause deficiencies in calcium which is a vital nutrient for dogs. Another vital nutrient is Omega 3 with Vitamin E. These nutrients work together to support heart health, certain skin conditions, and anti-inflammatory needs.  If you provide a home prepared diet for your dog, check with your vet on a good supplement for calcium as well as Omega 3 with Vitamin E.
  • If your dog has skin issues, digestive problems or low immunity: In this case, your vet may recommend that you supplement your pet with a good probiotic.
  • If your dog has joint issues: Glucosamine and Chondroitin are supplements that work together to support joint health. It is important to understand that they are not a cure for arthritis, but they can help with the pain caused by inflammation. A human supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin will actually work for your pet, just have your vet advise you on the correct dosage.
  • If you have an older dog: A Coenzyme Q10 supplement can be very helpful to fight kidney infections, cardiac issues and even some cancers in older dogs. Again, talk to your vet about this in order to ensure you are giving the best supplement and in the correct dosage.

Remember, any time you have a question regarding your pet’s health or nutrition, your vet is the person to consult.  Never add anything to your pet’s diet before consulting them; you may inadvertently be giving your dog more than what they need, which can be just as bad as not enough.

Source: Vanilla Pup

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