Many dog owners are under the impression that proper diet and enough exercise should be sufficient to keep their dog healthy. While it is certainly true that commercial dog foods have greatly improved digestibility and nutritional value when compared to pet foods of years past, vitamin supplements are an important component of your dog’s health. Like humans, dogs can live a longer, happier life as a result of the health benefits that vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provide.
Vitamins for are a critical measure for dogs, just as they are for people. More veterinarians and dog lovers than ever recognize that the key to pet health is a strong, healthy immune system and the prevention of premature aging and illness. Dog vitamins are a powerful tool that can help your pet lead a longer, happier life.
The benefits of dog vitamins stem largely from the ability of vitamins to fight the cancer causing effects of free radicals, and fight the physical deterioration associated with aging. Dogs suffer many of the same effects of aging as people. Some examples include loss of eyesight, weakened cartilage, and a weakened immune system.
Research has also shown that dog vitamins can help a dog live longer. The data indicates that the earlier in life you start your pet on a vitamin regimen, the greater the benefits your pet will reap. Dogs who begin receiving supplements while they are still puppies seem to fare better and suffer less illness and degeneration as they age.
When choosing a vitamin supplement for your dog, make sure to take his individual needs into account. Older dogs will need different nutrients than puppies, and active dogs have different needs than sedentary dogs. Discuss your dog’s needs with your vet, and make sure you research the effects on your dog’s health of each individual component of the supplement that you choose. Choose supplements that contain all natural ingredients, and avoid fillers and artificial ingredients.
As a rule, a good supplement for your dog should include vitamins A, B complex, and C. These have a variety of powerful, health-giving effects, including boosting the immune system, promoting healthy liver function, supporting proper red blood cell formation, increasing antibody levels, and helping your dog to have a healthy coat, as well as healthy skin, eyes, and mouth. Some other nutrients you should consider for your dog include Omega fatty acids, chondroitin, and glucosamine. These nutrients nourish your dog’s coat, keep his skin healthy, and help him rebuild cartilage.
Often, pet owners notice an improvement in their dog’s health within weeks of beginning supplementation. Some things you may notice are increased energy and a healthier, thicker coat. But, most of the benefits of dog vitamin supplements happen over the long term as you spend less on vet bills, and most importantly, get to spend more quality time with a pet who’ll live a long life, as happy and pain free as possible.
Take charge of your dog’s health and get him started on a quality vitamin supplement regimen. Even though this is an additional expense right now, it will pay off for you in the long run by reducing unnecessary trips to the vet. More importantly, it will provide you with the maximum possible time to enjoy the company of your loyal companion.