6 Key Reasons for Considering Pet Supplements, Examined by Lavanya Sunkara and Verified by Brittany Kleszynski, DVM; Updated on March 30, 2024
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Hey there, pet parent! Navigating the world of canine supplements can be a bit bewildering, but it’s essential to understand when and why your pup might need a little extra nutritional boost. The global pet supplement market is projected to hit a whopping $1.05 billion by 2027!
Supplements for dogs can offer relief from hip and joint pain, support cognitive function, help manage anxiety, and aid in maintaining urinary health, among other benefits. Regardless of your dog's age or unique needs, the right supplements can lead to a healthier, happier life for your furry friend. Let's dive into the signs, behaviors, and indicators to determine the appropriate time for supplementation and how to choose the perfect products for your pet.
What Exactly are Dog Supplements?
Dog supplements are concentrated forms of vital nutrients that can be added to your pet's diet to enhance wellness and improve their quality of life. These supplements can be administered at any stage of your dog's life, especially during their golden years, according to Dr. Jennifer Frione, owner of Lakeside Animal Hospital in Florida. Frione suggests considering supplements for pets with anxiety, illness, or disease (pending the pet's diet).
According to Grand View Research's latest report, pet supplements "provide essential nutrients that help in improving the immune system and reducing the risk of heart diseases, cancer, inflammation, and diabetes." They also improve skin health and strengthen resistance against common problems like bacterial infections, itchy skin, and environmental allergies.
Dog supplements can come in various forms such as treats, tablets, liquids, and powders. "The best form to administer is whatever best fits you and your pet's lifestyle," advises Frione. If easy-to-give treats work best for your routine, opt for a supplement in that form. If your dog isn't fond of treats, consider liquid or powder options.
However, always consult with your veterinarian before providing any supplements to your dog, as they can advise on safe and effective options, says Dr. Carol Osborne, an author, integrative veterinarian, and founder of the American Pet Institute. Osborne emphasizes starting your dog on supplements earlier in life as it can help extend their healthier years.
Signs Your Dog Might Need a Supplement
Optimal nutritional supplementation can slow down the aging process and support your dog's overall health and wellbeing, allowing them to thrive throughout their life.
As responsible pet parents, we often notice problems such as weight gain, skin irritation, coat shedding, changes in appetite, increased urination, or the inability to climb stairs or jump out of a car. By supplementing your dog with the necessary nutrients early on, you can potentially reduce or slow these symptoms. "Instead of those body systems being stressed and experiencing aging when they normally would, we're able to kick that back a little bit," explains Osborne.
Different breeds and ages may require different supplements. For instance, large dogs are prone to bone and joint issues and could benefit from supplements specifically designed for those issues, says Dr. Sara Ochoa of White House Veterinary Hospital in Texas. Smaller dogs might have teeth or heart issues and can benefit from supplements tailored to those areas.
Dogs with anxiety issues may find comfort in calming supplements with ingredients like CBD, melatonin, and chamomile.
If you're unsure about whether your dog may require a supplement, consider the following reasons:
Your Dog is Slow to Move
Dog supplements with Omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin can help ease painful joints in dogs with arthritis. Although feeding your dog a high-quality senior diet can offer the proper nutrients, for diseases like osteoarthritis, Frione suggests adding a supplement to your dog's daily regimen to help reduce inflammation of the joints.
"A combination of a supplement with other medications, like an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), prescribed by your veterinarian will help keep your arthritic pet comfortable," adds Frione.
Considered Hip and Joint Supplements:
Your Dog is Anxious or Stressed
Whether your pooch is a pup or senior, they may deal with anxiety when left alone or during stressful events such as veterinary visits or road trips. In such cases, your dog can gain relief from a calming supplement, combined with behavior modification training.
Frione recommends looking for supplements containing L-theanine or L-tryptophan, "These are both amino acids that help reduce the stress response and promote relaxation."
Ochoa supports supplements containing CBD (cannabidiol) for helping manage anxiety in dogs. "CBD affects the endocannabinoid system, a complex system that contains multiple different receptors that play an important regulatory role throughout the body. CBD helps activate receptors in the brain, which produces a calming effect."
Your Dog's Skin is Itchy
Omega fatty acids, found in supplements with ingredients like flaxseed oil and fish oil, can help relieve itching and/or inflamed skin in dogs. Pet owners should look for skin and coat supplements that include EPA and DHA, common Omega 3 fatty acids.
Your Dog has Urinary Tract Issues
Cranberry supplements can help prevent E. coli bacteria from adhering to the lining of your pet's urethra and bladder. However, Frione warns that cranberries contain oxalates that can potentially be harmful for pets with pre-existing conditions, so consult with your veterinarian first.
Considered Urinary Supplements:
Your Dog has Dementia
As your dog grows older, they may experience a decline in cognitive function, leading to disorientation, low energy levels, excessive barking, aggression, pacing, and other unusual behaviors. While there is no cure for canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), also known as dementia, nutritional supplementation can complement medication, behavioral enrichment, and environmental management in treating the symptoms of cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
CBD products for pets can also help support brain function in dogs, according to Ochoa. "CBD has been shown to help protect the brain. CBD cannot reverse dementia, but it can help decrease the stress and anxiety that your pet may be feeling from the disease."
Considered Cognitive Supplements:
Your Dog is Constipated
Probiotics for dogs can help manage your pooch's gut health and alleviate gastrointestinal issues such as constipation. "If your dog has gastrointestinal issues, the good bacteria has died off. By taking probiotics, you are replacing your dog's good bacteria in the GI tract," says Ochoa.
Picking the Perfect Supplement for Your Dog
With so many supplement options, it can be challenging to select the right one for your pet. Both Ochoa and Frione recommend researching supplements backed by scientific studies and possessing positive user reviews.
"Always consult with your pet's veterinarian," suggests Frione.
"When looking for supplements, see if they are actually tested and show that what they say is in the supplement is actually in them," advises Ochoa. "Many supplements are full of filler and very little of the actual ingredient that helps your dog."
To verify the contents of your dog's supplement, especially CBD products, ask the brand if they provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA). A COA is issued by an accredited laboratory and details the contents of the product.
It's also a good idea to check for third-party endorsements, laboratory testing, and consider veterinarian-formulated products over those that don't have a vet working with them.
Remember, supplements should be considered as complements to other treatments and training, rather than a cure for ailments, anxiety, or diseases. Supplements should be part of a holistic approach to your pet's wellness plan.
- Dog supplements, essential nutrients that aid in improving the immune system and reducing the risk of heart diseases, cancer, inflammation, and diabetes, can be obtained in various forms like treats, tablets, liquids, and powders.
- The science behind pet wellness supplements supports their ability to offer relief from hip and joint pain, support cognitive function, manage anxiety, and aid in maintaining urinary health.
- When selecting supplements for your pet, it's crucial to prioritize products that are science-backed, tested, and possess positive user reviews. Always consult with a veterinarian for guidance on safe and effective supplement options.
