Dogs are fun, caring, and loving creatures that people enjoy to keep as pets. Even though they sometimes frustrate us, with a house full of torn pillows when we get home from work, we still love them and only want the best for them. Maintaining the well-being of a dog is crucial, as they can develop diseases just like humans. Common conditions often found among dogs include arthritis, ear infections, and much more. With the right supplements, however, a dog can be kept healthy, and the risk of diseases and common health conditions can be significantly reduced.
Many supplements have been released by brands to help people take better care of their dogs. When it comes to buying these supplements, it is important to know how the ingredients that are found in them will interact with a dog’s body – and whether they will actually help to improve the dog’s general well-being.
Salmon Oil
Salmon oil is already an established beneficial supplement for dogs that are used by thousands of people to ensure their dog gains some of the essential nutrients found in the oil. Salmon oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as B vitamins, Potassium, Selenium, Astaxanthin antioxidants, and even protein. The oil is readily available in many different forms for dogs as well, making it easy to administer the supplement to a dog.
Scientists have already confirmed that giving a dog salmon oil improves the level of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in dogs. Basically, these are all omega-3 fatty acids that are good for the dog.
In one study, scientists found that omega-3 fatty acid supplements could help improve atopic dermatitis in dogs, especially when these supplements are provided to dogs at an early stage of the disease. In another study, scientists tested how omega-3 fatty acid supplementation would affect the need for using steroid cream on dogs with existing atopic dermatitis. They compared the results to a placebo group and found that these supplements greatly reduced the amount of steroid cream that owners had to apply to their dogs.
Salmon oil may also be very helpful for dogs who show signs of arthritis. One study tested the effects of feeding dogs food that are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids. The dogs all had signs that suggested they were developing arthritis. After six weeks of consuming the provided food, the dogs were able to start playing with their owners, they walked more easily, and they got up after sitting down for a while faster.
Coconut Oil
Another supplement that has become very popular recently among dog owners is coconut oil. The many benefits of coconut oil for humans was established a long time ago, but scientists have only recently started to look at how coconut oil would affect dogs. The results are quite promising, which is why many dog owners are now starting to include coconut oil in their dogs' diets.
The studies on coconut oil for dogs are still very limited, and further research is needed to provide more accurate evidence. Many have suggested that the benefits should be somewhat similar to those found in humans. Suggestions have been made that coconut oil may be useful in treating skin infections in dogs, due to the potential antibacterial activities of the substance.
Coconut oil has been proven beneficial for lowering cholesterol levels in humans and may also be helpful in weight loss regiments. Human studies have also shown that coconut is a useful moisturizer and it may improve brain health. Furthermore, studies also show that the oil possesses powerful anti-fungi, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that is very popular in curry dishes. One of the main natural compounds that are found in the spice, known as Curcumin, has been proven to offer quite a large range of benefits to humans – and some studies have now also suggested that dogs may experience these benefits as well. Supplementing a dog's food with turmeric is safe. Supplements that contain turmeric may be useful to help reduce pain and inflammation in a dog, which can be beneficial for dogs that are suffering from the dreaded symptoms that may be caused by arthritis.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is another beneficial supplement that people are turning to when it comes to promoting the health of their dog. This supplement is packed with essential nutrients that help to improve the dog’s immune system, while also helping to improve the well-being of their joints at the same time. Bone broth may also be a good option for improving the digestive health of a dog, and it detoxifies the dog’s liver. This will make your dog less likely to become sick, and will also help to improve their quality of life.
So what now?
Dogs can benefit from being given a range of supplements that help to improve their general health. Different types of supplements are now often used among dogs, with salmon oil being one of the most common. Coconut oil is also a new trend that dog owners are turning to in order to attend to the well-being of their dogs. Other supplements, such as turmeric and bone broth, may also be useful. Understanding the effects, benefits, and potential drawbacks of the various options out there can ensure a person is able to improve their dog's health without putting them at risk of side-effects.