dog supplements Archives

Ask A Vet: Should I Be Feeding My Dog “Superfoods”?

There are certain foods that contain compounds that have shown benefit to living systems. The media has coined the phrase “super foods” and there is a lot of talk about them. Restaurant chains are even adding in superfood sections to their menus. These foods are thought to help in the management of certain disease processes like osteoarthritis, cancer and brain aging. Some of these compounds may even have a role in immunity against infectious disease and improving skin and hair coat. Here … Read more

How Much Omega-3 Should I Give My Dog? Fish Oil For Dogs

From the shine of their fur coat to the way their joints help them move around, you want your pup to look and feel their best, because you know it’s a reflection of their health. Fish Oil for dogs or krill oil for dogs – both can contribute key omega-3 fatty acids that they need. Chronic health issues including joint pain and itchy skin negatively impact your dog’s quality of life, but a dietary supplement of omega-3 fatty acids with … Read more

Have You Noticed Your Dog Is Slower To Rise? Try Giving This Daily

Is your dog less active or having trouble with everyday activities like rising after sleeping, climbing stairs, and hopping in and out of the car? Pain caused by the degeneration of joint tissue is very common in older dogs. While pharmaceutical drugs offer relief, they also carry the risk of serious side effects leading many vets and pet parents to seek out natural supplements like Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM. Cartilage – the moist, spongy tissue that cushions the joints – … Read more

10 Times Probiotics Are Especially Beneficial To Your Dog

Up to 80% of a dog’s immune system is located in the gastrointestinal tract, so maintaining digestive health means far more than just preventing upset bellies and loose stools. Related: iHeartDogs Rates the Best Probiotics for Dogs Probiotics replenish the levels of healthy bacterial flora in the GI tract and prevent the “bad” bacteria from taking over. Dogs with unbalanced flora levels experience digestive problems and are more susceptible to illness. In general, probiotics are a healthy addition to your … Read more

How To Determine Which Supplements Are Safe & Effective For Your Dog

Not all supplements are created equal, and unlike the pharmaceutical industry, their safety and efficacy are not regulated by the FDA. How do you know which supplements actually make good on their claims? And more importantly, which ones are safe to give to your best friend? Unfortunately, when it comes to many of the supplements on the market, there is simply no way for a pet owner – or even a veterinarian – to tell if they will promote positive … Read more

What Natural Ingredients Can I Give A Dog With Itchy Skin?

Itchy, irritated skin is one of the most common problems dogs face. To keep them comfortable and healthy, veterinarians recommend a combination of proper nutrition and sometimes natural supplements. In a market saturated with thousands of products promising dramatic results, how do you know which supplements will actually deliver on their claims and give you the most bang for your buck? The very first thing you should do when considering a particular supplement is review the ingredients list. The following … Read more

Think Your Dog is Getting Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Their Food? Think Again.

With the endless stream of dog food recalls we’ve witnessed over the years, it comes as no surprise that consumers are just not trusting pet food companies as they used to. Contaminated food and poisonous ingredients are some of the top concerns. Adding another layer to the problem, some important ingredients claimed in the ingredients list of your pup’s food are very likely to be completely inaccurate. Which particular nutrient is this? Omega-3 fatty acids. A majority of dog food … Read more

10 Ways To Help Your Senior Dog Feel Like A Puppy Again

Getting older can be ruff! Natural aging changes like achy joints, dental disease, and an increased risk of certain illnesses often plague our beloved senior pooches. But just because they are a little slower, calmer, and wiser than they once were doesn’t mean that older dogs can’t recapture their puppyhood! Note: If you aren’t sure whether your pooch has reached his twilight years yet, consider this: small and toy breed dogs live to be about 15 to 20 years old, while … Read more

5 Reasons Dogs Need Collagen In Their Diet

Collagen is the main structural protein found in skin and connective tissues like joints, tendons, cartilage and ligaments. In fact, 30% of the total protein in a dog’s body is collagen. It determines the strength and elasticity of their hair, bones, nails, and teeth. As dogs age, their capacity to produce collagen diminishes making them more susceptible to injuries, painful conditions of the bones and joints, and poor skin and coat health. The depletion of healthy collagen in the body is … Read more

3 Vet-Recommended Supplements For Senior Dogs

Although dietary supplements can be beneficial at any stage of life, many people don’t start thinking about giving them to their pets until they reach their senior years. This is the time when we are reminded of their mortality as we notice signs of arthritis and that telltale gray muzzle. With so many products on the market making different promises, it’s hard to know which ones are safe, let alone helpful for your senior pooch. Dr. Marty Becker has been … Read more

5 Ways To Soothe Your Dog’s Dry Skin

Itchy skin in dogs is often caused by simple dryness. Lack of moisture is an especially big problem during the winter months when there is virtually no humidity. While we can slather on lotion, the solution isn’t quite so simple for our furry BFF’s. In order to keep your dog’s skin healthy year round, pay close attention to these 5 moisturizing tips. 1. Bathing (but not over-bathing) While bathing with a well-balanced, vet-recommended shampoo can certainly help with many skin … Read more

6 Ways Turmeric Can Benefit Your Dog’s Health

Turmeric (or Indian saffron) is the spice that gives curry it’s yellow color. Veterinary approved supplements for dogs often contain Curcumin – the active ingredient in Turmeric – because it acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Researchers and nutritionists are singing its praises as a medicinally effective herb for the mind and body of both people and pets. There is evidence that the Curcumin in Turmeric can provide the following 6 health benefits: 1. Reduce/Prevent Chronic Inflammation Short-term inflammation … Read more

10 Ways Dogs Benefit From Fish Oil In Their Diets

We’re always searching for the next “wonder product” that can guarantee our dogs’ health and vitality. Unfortunately no such thing exists, but the natural compounds found in fish oil come pretty darn close! Fish oil contains two essential Omega-3 fatty acids – EPA and DHA. The canine body is only able to synthesize them in limited quantities so many pup parents turn to supplements to give their dogs a boost. Here are 10 amazing ways that a simple, tasty fish … Read more

Ask A Vet: Why Does My Dog Pee When She’s Excited?

You can envision the scenario. You just arrived home and your dog is excited to see you. As you bend over to pet her, you see her squat and you don’t even have to look to know she has urinated on your floor. Sometimes she will even step in it and smear it around before you can stop her. If your dog is not an adult, she might do this because her bladder sphincter (the muscle that helps her hold … Read more

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