Dog supplement buying guide

Boosting your dog's well-being

Noticed your dog is losing more fur than usual? Want to sort out your pup's digestive issues? Or perhaps you've noticed a change in behaviour in your dog after a stressful event like a move. There might just be a supplement to help you out! Designed to improve your dog's day-to-day life for a set period of time or given as a regular part of their diet, dog supplements aim to improve the overall well-being of your pet.

Types of dog supplements

Whether you're looking to encourage healthy growth, keep your pet in top shape, improve an old dog's quality of life or help your friend through a stressful period, dog supplements can help your pet feel more comfortable. These products come in a range of forms including powders, liquids and tablets, and are usually made up of vitamins, minerals, plant extracts and protein for targeted action. Your dog supplement should be chosen to match the issue your dog is dealing with. However, be sure to consult your vet before offering any supplements to avoid any unwanted side effects.

Dog supplements combine vitamins, trace elements and plant extracts to deal with any minor deficiencies your dog may have. While they should never be used a substitute for a balanced diet, supplements can enhance comfort, strength or even looks!

Treatment

Dog supplements can be offered to help your dog deal with a stressful situation such as moving or for things like boosting healthy gut bacteria following a stomach issue.

Preventive use

If you know that you have an event coming up that is likely to upset your pet (such as a move, holiday or a new arrival) it is a good idea to provide the supplement in advance. In this case, the supplement is given as a preventive measure to cut down on any unnecessary stress.

Healthy puppy growth

It can be a good idea to offer a supplement to aid with puppy development to help your dog grow at a healthy rate; this is especially important for larger breeds. Similarly, a supplement could help an ageing dog avoid issues like arthritis.

Dog supplements should be chosen according to:

• time of life;

• need;

• event at hand;

• whether you need them before, during or after a certain period.

But remember: it's important to consult your vet before starting your dog on any supplement.

Bone support and healthy growth

You might want to give your puppy a special growing supplement to encourage healthy skeletal development. The extra vitamin A, D3, calcium and magnesium will aid bones as they grow.

Choline supplements are used to detoxify the liver which can be useful to help puppies reach their full potential or to aid pregnant or lactating bitches.

Dog supplements for healthy digestion

Choline is often given in combination with worming treatments or to help with more general digestive issues.

Probiotics are used to encourage good bacteria in the digestive system to help your pet break down their food properly, especially after an upset stomach.

Some digestive aids are designed to work alongside a worming treatment or antibiotics. They are often made mainly of prebiotics like pectin or inulin as well as plant extracts with soothing properties to ease cramps. Be sure to check that these products do not contain any salt or sugar!

The easier the supplement is to administer, the happier your pet will be as they get back to health. Choose between powders, water additives or tablets to hide in a treat, depending on what your pet is most likely to accept.

Supplements for coat health

This category of supplements is aimed at improving coat growth and shine, as well as managing any skin issues. Omega 3 tablets are often given to combat skin conditions or to control excess sebum.

Supplements designed to boost coast shine will often contain things like nut oils, salmon oil or a combination of lecithin and omegas 3 and 6.

Stress-busting dog supplements

Whether you're planning for a trip, a new arrival, a house move or any other potentially stressful event – such as firework night – go for a product designed to help your dog cope better with stress.

Zylkene is a common calming supplement that does not cause drowsiness (contrary to many vet-prescribed treatments). A lactose-free treatment, Zylkene contains a natural milk protein called casein which is also contained in the milk of nursing dogs.

Other stress-reducing products use another type of milk protein (alpha-lactalbumine) in combination with magnesium.

Antioxidants and supplements for older dogs

Antioxidant molecules are often used to help to slow down cell ageing and keep older dogs feeling their best.

These products help to promote healthy brain functioning and can also be used to help dogs recover from strokes more quickly.

Collagen-based supplements are particularly effective in reducing the effects of arthritis in dogs.

Immune-boosting supplements

Dogs that have recently undergone an operation or those suffering from immuno-deficiency diseases can also benefit from taking supplements. These products will commonly contain vitamins A and E.

If you're looking for a plant-based treatment, plants like maitake mushrooms or plantain have anti-microbial properties that can also help to boost immune defences.

If you want to keep your dog in top shape, supplements can offer a wide range of benefits. But please consult your vet before you make any changes!