Supplements for dogs
Over-the-counter supplements are commonly used by dog owners to support their pet’s health, often adding beneficial ingredients, vitamins, and nutrients to a dog’s diet.
One of the most common additives are probiotics. They help to regulate your dog’s digestive system, especially if there are other dietary changes. Probiotics come in various forms and brands, but the most important consideration is choosing products made specifically for dogs — not humans. Dosage and type are typically based on the dog’s weight.
The top recommended and used brands are: Proviable, which come in capsules that you can open and sprinkle or chewable tablets. Purina Fortiflora, which come in granule packets and tablets. Less expensive is Naturvet Powder Probiotics and Enzymes; they also come in a chewable form which is more expensive. If your dog is already experiencing digestive upset, having on hand Pro-Pectalin, which is a paste, can help.
Another common category of supplements is for joint pain, arthritis, and stiffness. These often include ingredients such as collagen, MSM, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and curcumin (turmeric) combined with bioperine for absorption. Check ingredient labels carefully, as joint support research is continually evolving.
Top choices are Jope, Wuffes, Flexadin, Zesty Paws and Dasuquin. For recovery from injury or chronic conditions check out: Serraquin ES15 and Synovigy. Both are higher grade and more expensive but useful with for pups with chronic conditions.
Also commonly used are a variety of calming chews and drops. Whether it’s for vet and groomer visits, hyperactivity, separation anxiety, thunder and fireworks or other stressful situations. These may include Hemp seed, CBD, L-thianine, colostrum, valerian and other formulations.
Different formulas work for each dog so you may have to try several over time. When you try these be prepared to use them for about a month before you know if they are suited to your dogs specific anxiety.
Zesty Paws Calming Bites, Charlie & Buddy Hemp Oil, Bark and Spark Advanced Calming Hemp are popular brands to try.
itching and scratching are conditions often seen in the Lowcountry. Skin and coat supplements can help with southern weather conditions, as well as what may be missing in diets. Most of these supplements have Omega 3 fish oils and Omega oils 6 and 9. Many are salmon oil based. When purchasing, look for the most natural least processed ones.
Options include Zesty Paws makes chews and oil in a variety of formulas. Vet IQ Skin and Coat chews. NaturVet Omega Gold chewables. Welactin Omega chews.
As with all things they ingest it will take time before you see results so be patient.
Abby Bird is the owner of Alphadog Training Academy. AlphadogTrainingAcademy@gmail.com
