Mary Allen
Help for sensitive stomach, hair loss, and relief for sore joints. The market for various supplements for our dogs is growing. But how necessary are the preparations really?
Dogs’ biggest health problems today are reduced mobility in the joints and skin and fur problems. Allergies in the form of eczema and skin infections have become more common and there are products that can alleviate or remove the problems, so of course, dogs can benefit from supplements.
Eczema can, for example, be due to a lack of fatty acids in the diet. Stable fish oil can not be stored in a feed because fatty acids are sensitive to oxygen. At best, they are ineffective, and at worst, they have become rancid once they end up in the food bowl. And a rancid fatty acid in the body can accelerate inflammation, which causes the dog to eventually become ill.
– There are many fatty acid products on the market today, both good and less good. When you open a bottle, you should smell the oil. If it does not smell good, do not give it to your dog, says Mia Lange who has run a dog and cat shop in Lund for many years.
She believes that there are many good complete feeds, but they do not always cover the entire need. This is not because the manufacturers of the feed are unserious but because some nutrients are only found in fresh produce. Omega-3 fatty acids are one such example.
If the food does not contain enough nutrition, the dog’s immune system deteriorates. If nothing is done to strengthen it, the dog can eventually have problems with fur, skin, joints, heart, brain, and internal organs.
Dog breeder Vera Celander, who a few years ago launched a series of supplements for dogs, says:
– When I researched the market for fish oil, I was surprised that there did not seem to be a single supplement for dogs where stability over a long period of time is documented. I care about my dogs and therefore we produced oil that is of natural medicine quality. Thanks to giving my dogs omega-3 fatty acids and raw food, they smell better, have finer fur and skin, have no bad breath or tartar, and are strong and healthy.
Janet Johansson is an agronomy student and is studying for the fifth and final year at SLU in Uppsala. She thinks that there has been some fashion and trend in dietary supplements for dogs and says:
– If the dog is completely healthy and receives complete food that contains all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, you do not need to give it supplements. A supplement can rather cause the dog to ingest too much of certain things. However, if the dog gets allergies or other problems on the skin that itch, then a preparation containing fatty acids can make the skin well again.
Janet Johansson also says that the market for dietary supplements for animals is not as controlled as on the human side. If the dog does not feel well, you should first consult a veterinarian.
– If the dog has, for example, bad breath, it may be due to inflammation in the gums or problems with the stomach and intestines. Then treatment is needed.
Like humans, the dog can become stiffer and less mobile with age. The fact that mobility is impaired may also be due to the dog training a lot. A dietary supplement can help relieve the pain and even help it live longer.
– Dog food usually contains a lot of grain and thus a lot of omega-6 fatty acids. Therefore, they would need a daily supplement of omega-3 to get a well-balanced diet, says Vera Celander.
According to her, omega-3, -6, and -9 from giant evening primrose and rapeseed, as well as natural and stable sardine oil, get rid of eczema from within. The fatty acids strengthen the skin and the cells’ functions and accelerate the formation of new cells. When the natural skin barrier is strengthened, the ability to bind moisture increases. It causes dandruff and irritation to decrease or disappear completely and makes the skin more elastic.
This is how the supplements work:
Skin
There are several factors that contribute to the dog getting skin problems. A poor immune system can cause itching, eczema, or allergies. Pests in the fur also itch and open wounds can cause infections. Fungi and bacteria cause skin problems. If dogs have a deficiency of essential fatty acids, itching can also occur.
Products: As a supplement to the feed, you can give fish oil, B-vitamin complex, or vegetable oil. Cream and spray strengthen the natural skin barrier and counteract dehydration.
Omega Skin contains polyunsaturated and stable fatty acids that, among other things, help the formation of new skin cells. Vetzyme B + E is an example of B-vitamin preparations and NP Genuine Wheat Germ Oil, a well-proven oil that has been on the market for a long time.
Fur
When the dog sheds hair, usually during spring and autumn, there are supplements that can speed up the process. A B-vitamin complex or oil with fatty acids helps. Give the dog it as a temporary cure. If the coat is lifeless, the same dietary supplement is something that gives shine and strength back.
Products: Omega Skin, Shine, Vetzyme B + E, NP Genuine Wheat Germ Oil, Swedish Animal Pharmacy Blood Powder.
Joints
When the dog has problems with the joints, it can be an aging process when the dog has got osteoarthritis. If the problems occur at an early age, it can be wear and tear due to hard work, for example in competition and draft dogs. Inflamed joints can also be due to hereditary factors.
Because joint problems are so common, there are also a lot of supplements designed to alleviate them.
Products: There are several glucosamine preparations, including Stride, a combination preparation that also contains chondroitin sulfate, MSM, and vitamin C. Flex contain glucosamine, curcumin, phenylalanine, and various herbs. The rosehip powder Litovet, which is anti-inflammatory and analgesic, is available in health food stores. Green-lipped mussel is sold by the Swedish Animal Pharmacy.
Oral health
Poor oral health can be due to tartar. The vet effectively removes tartar with ultrasound, but you can supplement with supplements, bones, raw vegetables, and so on.
Products: PlaqueOff is an algae powder against tartar and bad breath. There are also chewing sticks of various kinds that are good for dental health. Most famous is Pedigree DentaStix.
Claws
Just as a beautiful coat is built from the inside, so does claws. B vitamins, zinc, and silicon strengthen the claws.
Products: Shine, Vetzyme B + E.
Stomach upset
If the dog can not assimilate the nutrition in the food, it can have problems with the stomach. The dog may also have ingested something inappropriate that results in a loose stomach.
Products: Stomax based on, among other things, fiber and the prebiotic inulin can be used for temporary problems. Some dogs may need longer or permanent treatment. Z-G Petbact contains freeze-dried yogurt/lactobacilli that help the stomach and stop diarrhea.
Public health
You can give supplements for general well-being both continuously and in the form of cures at some point in the year, for example during felling and running.
Products: BioCan is a multivitamin preparation. Hoka Mix is a vitamin, mineral, and herbal preparation. Kelp or Spirulina algae are available at the Swedish Animal Pharmacy.