petcarefun.info

August 31st, 2009 by KittyKitty

Many dog owners believe that a good dog food and exercise alone is enough to keep their dog healthy. While it is certainly true that commercial dog foods have greatly improved digestibility and nutritional value when compared to pet foods of years past, dog vitamin supplements are an important component of your dog’s health. Just like us, dogs can live a longer, healthier life as a result of the benefits provided by vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Vitamins are as important to dog’s as they are to people. More veterinarians and dog lovers than ever recognize that the key to pet health is a strong, healthy immune system and the prevention of premature aging and illness. Dog vitamins are a necessity if your want to increase your dog’s health and longevity.

Dog vitamins have a host of benefits when it comes to your pet’s health. Dog vitamin supplements rich in antioxidants fight cancer causing free radicals, while also improving certain bodily systems that tend to fade with age. Some of the signs of deterioration that come with age include weak bones and cartilage, poor eyesight, and a sluggish immune  system. Dog vitamin supplements will help to counter act these problems.

Dog vitamins have been shown to increase a dog’s lifespan.In fact, the research has shown that a regimen of dog vitamins that is started early in your dog’s life will yield the greatest benefits.  Dogs who began supplementation with vitamins while they were puppies showed better health and resistance to illness across the lifespan.

It is important that your dog’s individual needs are taken into account when choosing a dog vitamin supplement.  Older dogs will need different nutrients than puppies, and active dogs have different needs than sedentary dogs.Discuss with your vet the needs of your dog and how it relates to the dog vitamin supplements you choose.  Choose supplements that contain all natural ingredients, and avoid fillers and artificial ingredients.  

A good supplement will include, at a minimum, vitamin A to fight free radicals; B complex vitamins for a healthy immune system, improved liver function, red blood cell production, antibody formation, and healthy eyes, mouth, skin, and coat; and vitamin C for improved immune function.Other helpful nutrients include glucosamine, Omega fatty acids and chondroitin.These help keep your dog’s skin healthy, rebuild cartilage and maintain a healthy, shiny coat.

In most instances, pet owner notice obvious improvements in their dog’s health and behavior within mere weeks of starting them on a dog vitamin regimen. The most obvious effects are a healthier coat, along with increased energy and stamina. But, the most important benefits can’t be observed right away. These include counteracting the effects of aging in the long term, and prolonging your dog’s life. This allows your pet to be with you as long as possible and to be happy and healthy for as long as possible. You’ll be able to enjoy your dog’s company longer, while saving money on the trips to the vet that you won’t have to take.

Take control of your dog’s health and starth him on a regimen that includes a quality dog vitamin supplement. Even though this is an additional expense right now, it will pay off for you in the long run by reducing unnecessary trips to the vet. More importantly, it will provide you with the maximum possible time to enjoy the company of your loyal companion.