Dog Supplements

Dog supplements are used to provide extra nutrition or to treat specific ailments. Using dog supplements to try and treat ailments is a good step before electing for more invasive methods of treatment.

The following is a list of the types of dog supplements commonly available:

High Calorie Supplement - used to provide energy if your dog is not eating, and is particularly helpful for sick dogs or for pups (who have higher calorie requirements than adults)

Probiotics - useful after worming, vaccination, surgery, antibiotics, stress or diarrhoea to build up healthy microbes in the gut. It contains a large concentration of living micro-organisms that are vital in regulating digestion and supporting a healthy immune system.

Skin and Coat Care - ingredients such as Omega 3 and fish oils contain fatty acids which are essential to enhance a dogs coat condition and help maintain healthy skin. Wheat germ oil, garlic, and vitamins help promote healthy skin and fur and prevent excessive shedding.

Joint Problems - this dog supplement may contain Glucosamine which stimulates the synthesis of synovial fluid and collagen, Chondroitin which helps build cartilage and inhibits its degradation, Sulphur which is necessary for healthy cartilage, Manganese and Vitamin C which are essential in the pathways to manufacture cartilage.

Pain Relief - dog aspirin provides safe and effective relief for pain, fever, inflammation specifically associated with injuries, surgery, arthritis and joint problems.

Digestion and Elimination - constipation relievers may contain fibres such as Psyllium and Barley, flatulance reducers may contain natural enzymes to help digest food more completely, diarrhoea controllers may kill bacteria such as E. Coli and Salmonella.

Weight Loss Dog Supplements - includes low calorie treats to help combat the hunger pangs and starch neutralizers to cut starch absorption from your dogs meals.

Herbal Dog Supplements - homeopathic dog supplements exist for a multitude of conditions and ailments. Here is a list of some of those available: aggression, anxiety, bladder infection, cancer, coat and skin, constipation, detoxing, diabetes, digestive problems, flatulance, heart and circulation problems, immunity, joint and muscle support, kennel cough, liver health, parasites, performance, sugar control, tick bite relief, urinary tract infection, viral infections, weight management, worming.

When choosing dog supplements you should consider the following:

1. Product Quality - are all of the ingredients functional and active.
2. Efficacy - is there any evidence to support the dog supplements effectiveness.
3. Tolerance - is your dog allergic to any of the ingredients. Will any of the ingredients interfere with his or her current medication.
4. Safety - were there any side effects to animals during testing of the dog supplement.