Throughout their lifetime, dogs can suffer from a lot of illnesses and health problems. A lot of owners give dogs dietary supplements to help improve their health. But to be able to do this, it is necessary to have proper knowledge of what dog supplements are and what they are used for. Since we want our canine best friends to live as long as they could, we have to be responsible enough to research on how to handle supplements properly.
If you are thinking of giving supplements to your dog, the American Kennel Club gives us four popular dog supplements and what they are used for.
Glucosamine
This is the most popular supplement for dogs. Glucosamine is an amino sugar that is found naturally in the fluid around the joints to help build cartilage. As dogs grow older, they are prone to arthritis. Glucosamine is believed by dog owners and veterinarians to be an effective treatment for arthritis and joints. For older dogs, it may relieve them of joint pain and improve mobility. Although some studies show that it has little to no effect, a 2007 study in The Veterinary Journal showed that it has significant results after 70 days of treatment.
Fish Oil
The second most common supplement given to dogs is fish oil. It contains omega-3 fatty acids that are thought to improve coat quality and shine, and also helps alleviate skin allergies. A study in the American Journal of Veterinary Research also shows that fish oil is helpful in reducing inflammation, thus a lot of dog owners use it for this purpose.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are known to help slow down the effect of aging, such as memory loss and cognitive dysfunction. They are also used in treating heart disease in dogs and reducing inflammation. Antioxidants are found in substances like vitamins C and E, and they protect the body from potentially harmful molecules that can damage the cells.
Probiotics
Probiotics live naturally in the body in the form of yeasts and live bacteria. They aid in digestion and intestinal health. In the form of supplements, they are used in treating diarrhea and other digestive problems.