How Do Supplements For Dogs Work?

What are supplements?

Supplements are just what they sound like: the addition of a nutrient, vitamin or mineral to a diet that is lacking in that particular nutrient. Most of us know that humans need to supplement their diets with vitamins and minerals to prevent deficiencies, but did you know that dogs also require supplementation? Just like people, dogs can have specific nutritional requirements that may not be met by their regular diet. As such, dogs may benefit from certain types of dietary supplements which are specifically designed for their needs.

What ways can supplements be supplied?

Supplements can come in a variety of forms, including powders, pills, chews and liquids. The type of supplement you choose will defend on the intended function it serves in your pet’s body. For example, if you want to support healthy skin and coat while easing arthritis pain and inflammation, choosing a powder supplement is ideal because it can be mixed with food to provide nutrients that help keep your pet’s joints moving smoothly.

How can supplements help my dog?

There are many different types of supplements available for dogs, from kidney help to urinary aid. Supplements aim to help ease an animal of their symptoms and provide comfort when they is lacking a certain vitamin, mineral or nutritional requirement. 

How can stress and anxiety supplements help my dog?

Supplements can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. They can do this by supporting healthy levels of serotonin, a mood-regulating chemical in the brain. Stress and anxiety supplements can also help improve sleep by reducing cortisol, a stress hormone that disrupts restful sleep.

How can joint supplements help my dog?

Joint and mobility supplements can provide the support a dog needs to aid in stiffness and manage joint pain. These supplements can help keep your pet active and aid flexibility whilst combatting the stiffness in joints. If you have an older dog who suffers from arthritis, these supplements can be very helpful. In reducing inflammation, pain and improving mobility. Joint supplements can help improve a dog’s quality of life.

How can brain function and nervous system supplements help my dog?

You may have heard of the term “smart supplement,” which is a dietary supplement that is designed to improve brain function. Smart supplements can help boost brain function and enhance cognitive function whilst aiding the nervous system. Brain function supplements provide key nutrients to support older dogs who may show changes in behaviour, disturbed sleep patterns and going to the toilet inside. They may also benefit younger pets in training and learning.

How can skin and hair supplements help my dog?

Your dog’s skin and coat are very important to their overall health. A healthy, shiny coat is a sign of good health. Supplements for the skin and coat can help by improving the absorption of nutrients into the animal’s body. This can lead to more vibrant, shiny fur and healthier skin. Supplements can also help treat dry skin that sometimes occurs with aging dogs or from environmental factors such as living in a humid area or spending too much time outdoors in the sun.

How can liver supplements support my dog?

Dog liver supplements contain antioxidants which help to maintain a healthy liver which can be given whole or opened and sprinkled over/mixed with food. The liver is an important organ for your dog as it helps with digestion and blood clotting whilst removing toxins from their system. If the liver is not working right, your dog can become sick, so dog liver supplements can be very important.

How can prebiotic and probiotic supplements help my dog?

When a dog has trouble with their microbiome, they are susceptible to symptoms such as loose stools or excess gas. Prebiotic and probiotic supplements can help restore the balance in the gut and microbiome to stop such symptoms, and they can aid with a variety of health conditions such as skin and coat health, urinary tract infection and gastrointestinal problems. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help with digestion and absorption of nutrients, so these supplements can also help replenish beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Conclusion

If you think your dog could benefit from a supplement, ask your vet for advice on what would be best. If you’re unsure about which one to choose, consider browning our dog supplement page on The PharmPet Co as we host an abundance of pet medicine. The key to choosing the right supplement for your dog is ensuring that it’s safe for their age and health condition as well as compatible with any other medications they may be taking at the time. If you require any further information or help with pet supplements, feel free to contact us today.