For most pet owners, the health and happiness of their animals are top priorities. They know that it’s important to feed their animal’s high-quality food, ensure that they have a constant supply of water, give them plenty of attention, and take them to the vet when they get sick. Few pet owners have fully explored the benefits of giving their companion animal supplements, though. Read on to learn about five types of pet supplements that can help to keep pets happy and healthy to find out why that might be a mistake.
Hip and Joint Supplements
Dogs need to stay active to maintain good health and a good disposition, but strenuous activity can take its toll on their joints and bones. As dog’s age, they often become predisposed to arthritis and other hip and joint problems. Giving older dogs supplements to reduce their pain and increase their mobility is one of the best things pet owners can do to improve their companion animals’ lives. Pet owners can learn more at vetnaturals.com about how they work.
Skin and Coat Supplements
Skin and coat supplements are formulated to help keep dogs and cats’ fur and skin healthy and shiny. They usually contain fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, which are known to improve skin health and reduce dryness. Fatty acids can also help when it comes to addressing fur issues such as excessive shedding by preventing them from drying out.
Calming Supplements
Not all supplements are formulated to improve physical health. Calming supplements are designed to quell excessive anxiety, which makes them perfect for dogs and cats that get stressed out during thunderstorms, trips to the groomer, or adventures in new places. Calming supplements usually contain safe, natural ingredients like melatonin, chamomile, and ginger to provide comprehensive stress relief. Keep in mind that it takes an hour or two for the effects to kick in and give these supplements to anxious pets in advance of potentially stressful situations.
Cardio Supplements
Just like people, some dogs are more prone to cardiovascular problems than others. Heart disease in dogs can be extremely serious, or even fatal, so dog owners should consult their veterinarians regarding their animals’ unique risk factors. If a dog is at high risk of developing heart disease, the right dietary supplements can help reduce that risk and help the animal live a longer, healthier life. This is especially true when pet owners combine supplementation with positive lifestyle changes such as weight loss, increased exercise, and a healthy diet.
Immune Supplements
A malfunctioning immune system can leave animals prone to a whole host of problems ranging from increased risk of infection to cancer. Pet owners can minimize their animals’ risk of developing many serious diseases by boosting their immune systems. The best solution is to combine lifestyle changes like increased exercise and a healthier diet with select immune-boosting supplements. Don’t overdo it, though. If the pet already takes other supplements, check their ingredients to avoid potential problems like conflicting supplements causing nutrient absorption issues.
The Bottom Line
Dog and cat owners want their pets to be happy and healthy, but not all of them know how helpful specialized pet supplements can be in accomplishing this goal. It’s important to purchase supplements from a reputable supplier that specializes in developing and manufacturing supplements specifically for pets. Don’t use products intended for humans. Instead, buy high-quality, vet-approved products online to start a new supplement regime as soon as possible.
