How to Pick the Best Vitamins for Your Dog
People treat their pets like they are humans
We love our dogs. Many people treat their pets as their human counterparts. Over the years, there has been a trend of dogs having people names, entire businesses have profited from clothing for dogs. There are hotels and spas for dogs, and recently Mariah Carey who is pregnant with twins and husband Nick Cannon sent their 4 Jack Russell terriers to a pet psychologist to make sure the dogs adjust well to the arrival of the babies.
For the same reasons people take vitamins, they are now giving to their pets too. Pet owners buy their beloved animals multivitamins and supplements to improve the health and longevity of their canines.
Just as people overeat, obesity is becoming an ever increasing problem in domesticated pets too.
Vitamins May or May Not Be Good for Your Dog
We love our dogs. Many people treat their pets as their human counterparts. Over the years, there has been a trend of dogs having people names, entire businesses have profited from clothing for dogs. There are hotels and spas for dogs, and recently Mariah Carey who is pregnant with twins and husband Nick Cannon sent their 4 Jack Russell terriers to a pet psychologist to make sure the dogs adjust well to the arrival of the babies.
For the same reasons people take vitamins, they are now giving to their pets too. Pet owners buy their beloved animals multivitamins and supplements to improve the health and longevity of their canines.
Just as people overeat, obesity is becoming an ever increasing problem in domesticated pets too.
Know Why You are Giving VPetitamins and Supplements to Your
If your dogs are being fed a balanced and nutritious diet, they probably don’t need vitamins and supplements added to their diet.
The FDA states that most commercially processed food has everything a dog needs without having to add additional supplements. Dogs that are fed home made food may need vitamins for the most balanced diet.
It is important to understand the value of vitamins. An excessive amount of calcium given to your pet, can cause skeletal problems. The bigger the dog, the more likely this could be an issue. Too much vitamin A can be extremely harmful and even life threatening. Too much vitamin A can cause dehydration, interfere with blood vessels, and even cause joint pain. Too much vitamin D can make a dog lose their appetite, cause damage to bones and muscles.
Talk to Your Veterinarian About Vitamins and Supplements
Also, just like with people, vitamins and supplements given to your pet can interact with other medications they are taking. Make sure you tell your vet everything about their nutritional regime, so that they get a full picture of your dog’s needs.
Educate Yourself to Make the Right Choices for Your Pet
It is best not to give younger dogs and puppies any supplements and vitamins, unless advised by a veterinarian.
Dog food sometimes include supplements, but you need to be educated and read the label. Many times, the label will state that it contains vitamins such as glucosamine chondroitin, but the dosage may be so minimal that it may not be effective for treating the pet. There are prescription dog foods that you can buy from your vet and they very often do have therapeutic levels that are high enough.
Some dog foods use a holistic approach that may work for your dog. As an example, a dog food might contain cranberries and this may work to alleviate a urinary tract infection. DHA is sometimes added to some dog foods and this helps the cognitive development of puppies.
While there is some debate as to whether vitamins are necessary for your pet, educating yourself will help you make the best choice for your loving furry friend. There may not be enough research out there to go by data alone. Learn what you can about what your pet needs so that the choice you make for them provide a balanced, happy, healthy and long life.