Vitamins
for your Dog
Vitamins for your Dog
By: Dr. George Obikoya
To most dog owners their pet is a member of the
family, and increasing their life span and overall happiness is
of prime concern. Dogs of all ages can benefit from taking health
supplements in conjunction with their normal food.
But with so many out there, how and what do we choose? You need
first to make an evaluation of the dog. This evaluation must consider
a number of factors; among those are: age, level of conditioning,
level of training, time of year and competition plans.
Vitamins are required for bone growth, good vision and for the body’s
metabolism. Minerals are essential for strong bones and teeth. Supplements
cannot make up for poor quality of foods, improper or inadequate
training and conditioning. Yet, they are necessary for your dog
to be healthy and strong.
Thus, supplements are just that, supplements or additions to help
get the most out of the food, to help minimize the stressful effects
of the hard work of good training and to allow the dogs to reach
their personal best potential in health and fitness. There are many
of these supplements and some of them are discussed below.
Vitamins: Do dogs need vitamins? Yes, particularly if they are under
the heavy stresses of hard training, vitamin supplementation is
beneficial. As for specific vitamins, there are are several that
have been found to beneficial.
Vitamin B12: This vitamin, given correctly, as a supplement, improves
a dog’s appetite. Dosage should be kept as low as is effective,
perhaps beginning with 1-2 cc/ dog / day; with a maximum dose of
4-5 cc/ day.
Vitamin C: This vitamin in moderate doses may be beneficial in several
ways. It helps maintain the immune system and helps dogs fight off
infections, especially viral.
Vitamin C is also helpful in maintaining the skin; Moderate doses
are approximately 250 mg to 500mg twice daily for the average dog.
It is not necessary to give mega-doses of this vitamin. Vitamins
C and D work together in a dog to make collagen (a substance that
strengthens the tendons and ligaments) and all dogs need vitamin
C, just not from a dietary source.
Vitamin E This vitamin has proven beneficial in two areas, one in
helping to maintain good footpads and as a mild anti-inflammatory.
Normal dosage should be about 400IU / dog twice daily. Nutritional
supplements and vitamins for pets like dogs and cats are crucial
to pet health. Dog vitamins and nutritional supplements are tailored
specifically for canines.
Glucosamine and chondroitin: This supplement has proven value if
given in combination. This supplement, derived from shellfish, appears
to increase the viscosity and volume of synovium (joint fluid).
This, in turn, acts as a protective mechanism for the joint surfaces.
The best use of this supplement is as a preventative medicine. The
most benefit from this application is to start young dogs (2 years)
on the supplement and keep them on it. Aim for a liquid if possible,
it makes administration far easier.
The effects of glucosamine on the older canine appears to be the
same, but if there are already arthritic changes, then the beneficial
"preventative" effects are less; but the supplement is
still helpful and recommended. A dose of 500-600mg per dog twice
daily is adequate. Glucosamine, Calcium, and Manganese work to help
the joints of a dog for deteriorating and strengths overall bone
health.
This allows the dog to stay active well into old age. These elements
also keep younger dogs healthier and minimize that chance of bone
and joint discomfort during strenuous activities. Antioxidants help
fend off free radicals that can cause harmful diseases. When a dog
is given the correct amount of antioxidants, and supplements in
general, their bodies stay healthier longer and they live healthier,
happier lives.
A good multivitamin is the foundation of health
and nutrition. Take a look at our scientific reviews of many of
the popular brands for factors such as ingredients, areas of improvement,
quality level, and overall value. If you are looking for a high
quality liquid multivitamin, we suggest that you take a look at
the Multivitamin
Product Comparisons.
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