subject: Supplements For Your Dog: Give Your Pet A Longer, Healthier Life! [print this page] Who would have thought we would live in a world where we give supplements to our pets? It wasnt all that long ago that supplements were a new phenomenon for us humans, let alone mans best friend. Yet many pet owners and especially dog owners are finding that their furry friends benefit greatly from the use of certain supplements. Depending on your dogs condition, and his or her age, you may be able to help heal bruises or sprains and other injuries, alleviate bone and joint pain, reduce bothersome allergies, and even increase their lifespan!
If your dog suffers from allergies to certain foods or environmental allergens, there are measures you can take without costly vet bills. For example, an antioxidant supplement that contains many of the same ingredients that we would benefit from is a great idea for your pet with allergies. Complete with vitamins and minerals like Vitamins A, C and E, Selenium, and certain Carotenoids like Lycopene and Lutein, an antioxidant formula can be the answer to your canine friends uncomfortable allergies.
These supplements can lend serious help to your pets immune system, and fight off free radicals that he or she otherwise would not be able to combat. Remember, your dogs diet is very limited and he likely eats the same thing at every single meal. Even if it is the best food you can buy, it is still probably deficient in some areas. Unlike humans, your pet cannot make up for this dietary deficiency on its own; its up to you to do it for him! An antioxidant can help greatly with this deficiency, especially with regard to fighting off allergens.
Another great supplement for your dog is one that helps her joints, ligaments and cartilage. Just like human beings, your dog can experience great wear and tear on the joints, ligaments and cartilage from exercise and over-activity. Many dogs, especially large dogs, suffer from hip problems even without a lot of activity. Some breeds are prone to hip and joint problems, no matter their activity level or age. If you have one of these dogs, you should look into providing your pet with a supplement that contains glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM, which many humans take for the same conditions with great success.
How do you know if your dog suffers from these type problems? Look at his or her daily behavior. Do you see him limping at all? Is she having problems tackling the stairs or jumping and running as she used to? Does he seem to develop more wounds on his legs than usual? Is she resting more, in particularly unusual positions? If you notice any of this behavior, or your dog is acting in any manner out of the norm related to his or her movement, it may be time to try a natural supplement with glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM.
These supplements could greatly increase your dogs flexibility and mobility, and will not harm him if it doesnt in fact end up helping. This supplement is also very helpful for older dogs that may no longer be very active. Just because your pet is not running around anymore doesnt mean his joints and hips dont bother him. If your dog is elderly, he could be in much greater comfort if he took this supplement. Who doesnt want the best comfort for their elderly pet?
Some pet owners do not limit themselves to vitamins and minerals, but give their dogs herbal supplements as well. One of the best herbs for dogs is milk thistle. Just as it does for humans, milk thistle helps to cleanse the liver, and it is one of the most potent herbs for this purpose.
We all know that dogs are naturally nosy. Even if we watch them closely, they often come into contact with outside sources of contamination. Whether they dig through the trash, nose through the neighbors yard, or eat garbage on the street, many domestic dogs will be exposed to chemicals that are taxing on their small bodies. In the outdoor environment, toxins such as pesticides and herbicides are found a-plenty, and indoor poisons such as household chemicals and cleaning solutions, pest control sprays as well as some of the ingredients in their dog food, even, can create an imbalance in your dogs system. These toxins tend to build up, and without a good supplement to help cleanse the liver the situation will just worsen. Once their immune system becomes compromised, it becomes more difficult to fight off disease.
You love your pet. Your dog is truly one of your best friends and companions. Give him the best possible life by choosing to enhance the great care you already give him with a supplement or two that fits his lifestyle and needs.
