Pets June 19, 2018
Every pet deserves to be kept healthy and happy.
Most people love their pets. Some would even call them their companions. The thought of feeding a dog something other than their daily doses of kibble may be a bit strange to some. However, what happens if the beloved animal becomes ill? Through pet supplements and vitamins, furry friends everywhere can get and remain healthy for many dog years to come. Grab your trusty animal buddy and tackle the pet supplement and vitamin trend.
You may take supplements and vitamins for yourself. However, giving some to your pet might be a completely different story.
First of all, it is important to note what a supplement actually is. A supplement is a substance that helps or enhances the functions of a body in any type of way. Supplements improve the body’s natural functions. They can even make the body work better in some cases. Pet supplements and vitamins can be used for a myriad of reasons, from pain to plain and simple healthy upkeep.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) states in an article entitled “Assessing Pet Supplements” that the supplements made for pets might not be the same as those approved by the FDA for human consumption. This means that one cannot take any old vitamin C tablet and give it to their pet in hopes that it will boost their immune system.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors pet food in addition to human food, and the two follow similar guidelines. They both must “be safe to eat, produced under sanitary conditions, contain no harmful substances, and be truthfully labeled.” One of the reasons a pet might have to take supplements is because they are lacking in nutrients. The pet might not be getting them from their food alone, just as with some people.
WebMD warns against giving too many vitamins to one’s pet, saying that it could cause a build up in the animals. For example, if a dog has too much calcium in their diet, it can cause problems in their skeletal system. Another scary example WebMD mentions is that an excess of vitamin D can cause the muscles in one’s pet to become extremely weak.
The good news is that pet supplements and vitamins are available in many different forms. One important thing to keep in mind when you begin the process of finding these nutrients is to consult a veterinarian. As stated above, too much of a good thing will become a very bad thing later on.
The Whole Dog Journal gives readers some helpful tips for choosing the right supplement for their pets. Let’s face it, walking into a store and seeing all of the options can be very intimidating. One of the tips they give is to seek out the proper supplement for your pet’s age. Older dogs require different and more specified attention than a younger dog would. Another helpful tip is to be cautious of brands that make outlandish claims. This could be a supplement that claims to cure cancer, or defeat arthritis almost instantly. Keep in mind the phrase “too good to be true.” Probably the most important tip that the Whole Dog Journal gives is to consult a veterinarian before giving your dog anything. You wouldn’t want to hurt your pet more than helping them.
What it all comes down to in the end is the love that an owner has for their pet. Take good care of those who want to care for you.
