Dogs need to have a balanced diet to keep them healthy and active.
Most dogs do get a complete and balanced diet that contains the vital vitamins and minerals if they eat a good quality dog food that has been made according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s guidelines. Dogs that are fed a diet of homemade food may benefit from supplements.
When considering vitamins and supplements for your dog, the first order of business is to discuss your plan with your pet’s veterinarian. Too many vitamins and supplements can be as bad as insufficient amounts. Never give your dog vitamins that are made for people.
When considering vitamins and supplements for your dog, it is important to base your decision on a few factors such as age, activity and the time of year. Working dogs may require vitamins and supplements that housedogs do not.
Vitamins are beneficial and needed for good vision, bone growth and a healthy body metabolism. Minerals are vital for strong bones and teeth.
Supplements to the diet are beneficial because they help your dog get the most out of their food and can help minimize stress among working dogs and show dogs.
Vitamins B12, C, D and E are commonly prescribed for dogs. Vitamin B12 can help improve a dog’s appetite.
When given in moderate doses, Vitamin C helps maintain the dog’s immune system. It is helpful if fighting off viral infections. Vitamin C is also used to maintain healthy skin. When coupled with Vitamin D, the two work together to produce collagen, which strengthens tendons and ligaments.
Vitamin E helps maintain a dog’s footpads. It is also a good anti-inflammatory.
Many dogs take a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement to maintain healthy joints. Made from shellfish, the supplement works to increase the viscosity and volume of fluid surrounding the joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin should be used as a preventative. It is best to start the supplement at a young age and keep the dog on it for his or her life.
When glucosamine is given with calcium and manganese, the supplements work to strengthen bones and help with deteriorating joints.
Some dogs benefit from taking antioxidants to prevent against harmful diseases. Before starting your dog on a regiment of antioxidants, consult the pet’s veterinarian.
It is extremely important that you follow the veterinarian’s advice when it comes to giving vitamins and supplements to your dog. Too much of some vitamins and minerals can actually be harmful.
For example, too much calcium can actually cause skeletal problems. This is more common in large breed dogs.
An excess of Vitamin A can cause dehydration and joint pain. It has also been known to cause damage to blood vessels.
An excess of Vitamin D can cause a dog to lose his or her appetite. It can also be detrimental to bones and cause muscles to atrophy.
As with human vitamins and supplements, dogs will get the most benefit from good quality supplements. Veterinarians often carry brands they know work. If your dog’s doctor doesn’t have a supply, there are many options available in pet stores.
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