As loving dog parents, we’re always trying our best to ensure that our furry friend is getting everything they need to thrive, from a well-balanced diet, to daily exercise. But not many of us have considered or ventured into dog supplements!
Just like with humans, the right supplements can be a good addition to your pooch’s life. Many dog supplements help keep your furry friend’s skin and coat healthy and shiny, boost energy, strengthen bones and teeth, and much more.
Here are 3 of PetFitness’ top essential dog supplements:
Glucosamine
Is your dog not too enthusiastic about going up the stairs? A little slower than normal when getting up? Or maybe, you’ve noticed some stiffness in your furry friend’s joints? All of these symptoms hint at your dog possibly needing glucosamine. Extracted from the shells of shellfish and formulated in a lab, glucosamine is an amino acid that naturally occurs in the fluid around the joints, helping build much-needed cartilage. Glucosamine has been shown to alleviate pain and joint wear caused by hip dysplasia, as well as helping treat spinal disc surgery. It’s also great for dogs recovering from joint surgery.
Turmeric Tablets
Inflammation can be devastating for dogs, especially for the older ones, often leading to joint issues such as arthritis. Much like it does for humans, turmeric’s main strength is helping fight or prevent inflammation, thus helping alleviate or prevent an array of joint-related ailments. Turmeric also serves as natural pain relief for dogs, so it’s definitely a great 2-for-1 for dogs suffering from the aches and pains of joint issues.
Note: It’s important to get medicinal turmeric for dogs, not the one used for cooking.
Omega-3 Dog Supplements
We all want our dogs to have luscious, shiny locks of fur. This can achieved with good ol’ omega-3, which is also revered by the human species and praised for its amazing benefits. Omega-3 nourishes the skin, helping with dandruff, itchiness, and shedding. It also reduces inflammation, promoting heart health, as well as helping with joint health due to its essential anti-inflammatory properties. Trying to teach Rover the alphabet? Omega-3 gives your pooch a one up, aiding with brain development as well as helping prevent brain deterioration.
Valerian Root Dog Supplements
Here’s another ancient supplement that’s just as good for dogs as it is for us humans. Valerian root is a herbal supplement with very mild sedatives properties that have for centuries helped humans with anxiety, stress, and even insomnia. Of course, the same benefits apply for dogs, and this root has been known to help dogs who suffer from separation anxiety, for instance. During thunderstorms and fireworks, this nifty root also comes into play, helping keep dogs at ease.
Tree Barks Powder
Containing slippery elm, which assists with soothing the digestive tract, tree barks powder is good for dogs with intestinal and digestive issues, helping firm up stools. This is a gem of a supplement you want to keep around in case you need to fight streaks of bad diarrhea.
Remember, its important to first check in with your vet before giving your dog any of these supplements.
We hope you found this post helpful! Be sure to check out our Instagram post, “4 Oils Good for Your Dog,” for more healthy tips.
