Dog Supplements Tips
Read these 8 Dog Supplements Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Dog tips and hundreds of other topics.
Good Bacteria: Yogurt and Kefir
One common homeopathic dog nutritional supplement is yogurt. It contains "good" bacteria, which can aid in digestion and help keep your dog's digestive system clean and functioning optimally.
Yogurt is also a key in transitioning your dog from kibble or other processed food to a raw diet because of the good bacteria and protein content.
You may want to take your yogurt treatment to the next level and you can do this with a dog supplement called Kefir. Kefir is a cultured milk product like yogurt, but it takes the benefits one step further. Kefir contains friendly bacteria and also colonizes the digestive tract, which helps improve solid wastes, reduces intestinal disorders, reduces gas, and promotes proactive health maintenance. Additionally, it will help with your dog's coat, skin, and reduce anxiety.
*Add a spoonful of acidophilus or naturally cultured yogurt that includes acidophilus to your dog's food to help him digest his meals better or settle an upset stomach.
Supplements for Your Dog's Skin and Coat
Your dog's skin and coat are tightly linked to his diet and nutrition. Try using homeopathic dietary methods to treat skin conditions and coat problems.
You can use the traditional method of raw eggs on your dog's kibble, but nowadays you have several dog supplements available that can help you better your dog's coat and skin.
Fatty acids are essential to enhance your dog's coat condition and facilitate tissue repair (a big factor in maintaining healthy skin). Salmon oil is an excellent source of fatty acids and oils that will benefit your dog's coat, keep his arteries clear, and strengthen his immune system. Cod liver oil, garlic, soybeans, and crude proteins help promote healthy skin and fur and help prevent excessive shedding.
• To keep your dog's coat glossy, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to your dog's food. Safflower, canola, corn, or soybean oils are options to consider.
Supplements for Dog Anxiety
Dogs can suffer from anxiety for a number of reasons, from separation from their owners to thunderstorms to veterinary visits. To help your dog deal with anxiety, your vet may prescribe anti-anxiety medications, but you do have homeopathic options to consider. Some canine supplements are designed to help with anxiety, using herbal remedies.
Anxiety related stress in your dog can lead to other health problems if not treated. Nervous behaviors like compulsive scratching or chewing can cause skin problems. Destructive behavior like chewing shoes or other household items can lead to digestive emergencies for your dog.
Look for products that contain any of the following:
• Horsetail grass – helps to calm the nerves
• Lobelia herb – a powerful relaxant
• Skullcap root – contains a calming effect to reduce worry
• Wood betony herb – helps relax the muscles and nerves
• Chamomile – a calming enhancer
Must Have Ingredients in Your Dog Supplement
The goal of a canine multi-vitamin nutritional supplement is to give your dog optimal health so that he can live longer and healthier. Find a supplement that has a good blend of vitamins and minerals and includes the following:
• Glucosamine
• Manganese
• Calcium
• Antioxidants
• Ginseng
• Green Tea
Glucosamine, Manganese, and Calcium will help your dog maintain healthy bones and muscles, which are necessary for maintaining an active lifestyle. Ginseng and green tea help with brain function and alertness. Antioxidants help fight many diseases that can debilitate your dog and cause him to grow old more quickly.
There are a host of products that contain organic nutritional supplements designed to help your dog. Examine the ingredients carefully and identify which seem to make a difference in your dog's overall health and well being to identify the right supplement for your pet.
Helping Pet Allergic People
Is a member of your family allergic to dogs? You may already have a hypoallergenic vacuum cleaner and your house may be as clean as a whistle, but it is your dog's dander that is causing the problem. Dander is just dead skin cells which are shed by all mammals.
With regular brushing and coat maintenance (done outside) you may reduce your dog's dander considerably.
In addition, many pet supply stores sell dog supplements and sprays that help reduce and eliminate your dog's dander. These products are “pro-biotic” and contain healthy microbes that consume dander. Spray this formula onto your dog's coat frequently during the first week and then once a week to maintain. These sprays can be applied to other surfaces like your dog's bed or favorite spot on the couch.
Hint: If you have an allergy sufferer in the home, you should try to choose a dog breed with a short coat that is known to cause fewer allergies in humans.
Supplements for Diabetic Dogs
Always consult your veterinarian first, but consider organic diabetic dog cookies for your canine. Diabetic dog cookies should combine the right herbs and other natural ingredients to help regulate blood sugar. This will help manage your dog's insulin requirements and slow her metabolic rate. A good diabetic dog treat should contain items like brewers yeast to help her to use blood glucose more effectively, garlic to stimulate digestive function, and kelp, which is another digestive aid.
A nice side benefit of brewers yeast and garlic is that they are homeopathic bug repellants. If you can't find a cookie or food with these two ingredients, you should consider a dog nutritional supplement to accompany your dog's regular diet.
• One of the best things you can do for your diabetic dog is to give her a consistent diet, exercise, and routine to help maintain her blood sugar, weight, and health in the most effective way. Investigate all sources of foods, dog supplements, and treats for your diabetic dog.
• If your dog has diabetes, she should be under the care of a qualified veterinarian. Your veterinarian will teach you to how to monitor your dog's glucose levels and how to maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle for your pet.
Dog Supplements
You may have heard about dog supplements and wondered what all the fuss is all about. Dogs have certain dietary and nutritional needs that they don't always get from typical dog foods and treats.
All of the following conditions can be helped with homeopathic dog supplements:
• Skin Conditions
• Allergies
• Digestive Problems
• Anxiety
• Arthritis
These supplements come in a variety of chewable, tasty choices to make giving them to your canine much easier. If you think your canine is having serious health issues, always take your dog to the veterinarian for an examination.
Supplements for Dog Arthritis
Does your dog suffer from arthritis?
You may already have your pet on a series of medications from your veterinarian, but you should also ask about any dog supplements that might also help with pain relief and joint stiffness.
Products designed for dog arthritis relief should contain organic ingredients like cod liver oil and alfalfa, both of which help with the pain of arthritis. Ingredients like apple, which is high in Vitamin C, will aid in proper adrenal function to help your dog make enough cortisone to fight arthritis.
