Probiotics, What Are They?

Do Our Dogs NEED Them? Probiotic literally means "for life," or supporting life. The potential benefits of probiotic cultures seem vast. The applications range from helping to treat acute intestinal infections to aiding in the digestion of lactose and contributing, over the longer term, to improved health and possibly reduced risk of disease.

Antibiotic use, vaccine use, steroid use, pharmaceutical use, radiation therapy, stress, fear, processed foods, surgery, disease, and transport can disrupt your dog's digestions and overall health. Start giving probiotics today!

 

Don't Just Mask the Symptoms: Address the Cause!

How often have you tried a "quick fix" remedy for a condition, only to have symptoms return after discontinuing use? Or how many times have you tried a conventional remedy only to experience more complications and side effects than the condition you initially tried to treat?

Vitamins

You may think that as long as your pet isn't sick, everything's OK, right? After all, vitamins are vitamins, and dog food is already supplemented with vitamins and minerals. What more could my pet possibly need?

I have been asked a lot of times whether supplementing your pets with multi-vits is it essential and good. Do our pets really need them even if they are on a good brand of dog food? Do our pets really need them if they are on HCF or BARF? Will adding more of these cause more problems in our pets?

Vitamins can improve the quality of your pet's life. They help regulate body processes, protect the body from environmental toxins, and break down nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats so the body can utilize them. Vitamins work with minerals and enzymes for digestion, reproduction, muscle and bone growth, and maintenance of healthy skin and haircoat. But not all multi-vitamins for pets are created equal.

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. 

 
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.

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. 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. Nutritional supplements and vitamins for pets like dogs and cats are crucial to pet health.

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.

Glucosamine, Calcium, and Manganese work to help the joints of a dog for deteriorating and strengths overall bone health.

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.