If your beloved dog is feeling under the weather, you wouldn’t hesitate to take them to the vet. But what about when they’re feeling fine? While it might seem surprising, the best time to think about pet wellness is when your pup is perfectly healthy. Proactive choices can make a big difference in your dog’s overall health.
Why is pet wellness so important?
Pet wellness is a broad term that encompasses all the little puzzle pieces of overall health, from snout to tail and everything in between. Thinking back to your dog’s last routine checkup, you may remember the veterinarian checking your dog’s weight, examining their teeth and coat, and asking questions about bladder and bowel habits.
Each of these factors can be important indicators of good health — or signs of potential health problems. Spotting issues in the early stages will help you manage, or even reverse these issues before they become more serious.
Upgrade your dog food, preventive care starts at mealtime
Nutritional intake has a huge effect on physical wellness, so a great first step is your dog’s diet. When selecting a kibble to feed your dog, it’s important to pay close attention to labels and choose an option with a range of nutrients from recognizable ingredients like meat, whole grains, and vegetables.
But here’s the added challenge: Consuming nutrients does not necessarily mean absorbing nutrients. This is where a dog supplement can help. Dietary supplements have focused, protein-based delivery systems to optimize your dog’s intake of essential compounds. This ensures that all nutrients are bioavailable for maximum absorption in your dog’s body, rather than just ‘passing through’ on their way to your lawn.
Your dog needs a nutritional supplement
On top of a healthy lifestyle, nutritional supplements can offer a smart way to round out your dog’s everyday diet or target a specific concern. Here are a few common reasons for pet parents to explore nutritional supplements for their fur babies:
For overall nutrition: A nutritional supplement can boost your pet’s diet with enriching nutrients designed for optimal absorption.
For a vitamin deficiency: If your vet has observed a vitamin or nutrient deficiency in your dog, a supplement can help correct those levels.
For a specific health condition: Some health conditions respond well to targeted nutritional supplements. For example, a fish oil or omega-3 fatty acid supplement can help treat arthritis, or an antioxidant supplement can help treat allergies.
For breed-specific ailments: Some breeds are predisposed to developing certain health conditions, and supplements can be used as a preventive measure. For example, a vet-recommended glucosamine supplement could help dog breeds that are prone to developing hip dysplasia.
For digestive health: Some dogs are prone to chronic tummy troubles, while others experience occasional constipation or loose stools. Often, supplements like probiotics or soluble fiber can make noticeable improvements in their digestive health.
For aging pets: Aches, pains, and other issues associated with aging can slow dogs down over the years. Supplements designed for senior dogs offer proactive support for common concerns like hip and joint health.
Choosing the right supplement for your dog
Every dog has different needs, so there’s no one-size-fits-all supplement. In addition to any symptoms, you are hoping to address, it’s important to consider individual factors like your dog’s age, size, and breed.
Next, you will find that health supplements for dogs come in a variety of different formats, like pills, powders, chews, and oils, and it is important to research which format provides optimal efficacy and absorption into your dog’s system.
Above all, always check with your veterinarian before starting a new routine for any pet. In addition to medical guidance, they can provide helpful tips for when and how to safely introduce new ingredients into your dog’s diet, and how to find the right balance.
Common dietary supplements for your dog’s health
Now that you know why you might consider a dog supplement and how to choose a good one, let’s talk about what options are out there. Here’s an overview of some popular supplements and what they can do to promote your dog’s well-being.
Fish oil: Omega-3s are fatty acids that support brain, heart, and joint health, but dogs don’t produce them naturally so they must be consumed through their diet. Be sure to select a real fish oil rather than a synthetically derived form like ethyl ester.
Probiotics: When dogs experience digestive issues, it could mean their gut health is out of balance. A probiotic supplement designed for dogs can support the growth of beneficial bacteria in their intestines to support proper digestion and bowel function. A powder format helps protect the integrity of the ingredients and avoid over-processing.
Bone broth: Rich in collagen and nutrients, bone broth is a popular supplement for joint health and immune support. Choose a bone broth made especially for dogs; bone broth products for humans may be made with onions, garlic, and high levels of sodium, which make them unsafe for your pet. In comparison to liquid products, powdered options help the product last longer without preservatives.
Allergies: Seasonal allergies affect dogs, too, but allergy supplements can help address their symptoms of sneezing, itching, and scratching. Many of these options are available in soft-dried chews, but air-dried chew allows for natural ingredients with less processing and no additives.
Bladder support: If your dog urinates frequently (and an infection has been ruled out by your vet), a bladder support supplement may help by normalizing bladder health and control.
Hip & joint health: Fatty acids like omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can be a proactive supplement to support the aging process in adult and senior dogs.
Proactive care for a lifetime of tail wags
Adopting a proactive mindset toward your dog’s well-being can help you tune into their needs and notice little areas where they could use extra support. You may even be able to spot and solve a problem before it becomes a real concern.
The Native Pet team is committed to educating pet parents and creating innovative and effective supplements to enrich every dog’s diet. Native Pet offers a large variety of supplements including Omega Oil, Probiotics, Bone Broth, Bladder chews, and Relief chews in powder or air-dried formats.
The Native Pet Probiotic and Bone Broth supplements are offered in a powder format, designed to protect the integrity of the ingredients and avoid over-processing. A powder format also helps the product to last longer without the use of preservatives.
Native Pet’s Bladder chews and Relief chews are air-dried to maximize their effectiveness and allow for the use of natural ingredients with less processing and no additives. Relief chews are made with a shellfish superfood called green-lipped mussels, which has been clinically shown to support healthy joint function, and minimally processed for optimal efficacy.
There may be clues right in front of you identifying ways that you can help your pup thrive. Your dog is your best friend, and you can be their best advocate.
- Authored by: Native Pet
