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In the United States, as many as one third of household dogs and cats take supplements, but does your furry family member need pet supplements and vitamins?
Are you a pet owner? Is your pet a family member, one you would do anything for, like buy supplements and vitamins to improve their health?
You are not alone, especially if your pet is a dog or cat. Research shows that nearly one-third of American households use supplements for dogs and one-fifth for cats. No wonder the vitamin and supplement industry for pets is in the billions.
The health of pets has indeed changed over the years. Many dogs and cats are overweight and do not get enough exercise. Some are underweight due to thyroid issues. Other pets have developed anxiety issues and are prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
There seems to be an increase in pet medical problems. A recent survey found some of the top issues for dogs include:
- Ear infections
- Allergies
- Digestive issues
- Arthritis
For cats, some of the top problems were:
- Urinary tract issues
- Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes
- Renal failure
- Vomiting
With problems like these, it’s no wonder why so many pets suddenly need nutritional support. However, you still may question if your pet needs vitamins or supplements. You may ask why isn’t their food good enough, are there risks, do they work, and which ones should you choose?
We get questions like these from pet owners often, and we want to share the answers with you. Keep reading to learn almost everything you need to know about pet supplements and vitamins. Let’s start with how to determine if your pet needs support for its health.
Does Your Pet Need Vitamins or Supplements?
Many families love to give their pets extra treats and sweets and scraps that may not be the healthiest for them. But maybe their pet food isn’t either. Pet companies make many promises for marketing purposes, but how you feed your pet may not match their promises. A serving for a great dane is not good when you have a chihuahua.
Also, consider how much exercise your pet is getting. For example, does it only go outside when it’s time to go potty? Exercise is a vital aid in digestion.
The best way to determine if your pet needs vitamins and supplements is to pay attention to the signs they give you. For example, scratching, itching, licking, and rubbing in excess is a sign something is wrong. Also, how do they look? Do they have a shiny coat, or do they have patches of hair missing?
If you notice abnormal behaviors or appearance, talk with your doctor to determine if it is a medical issue. If so, then you likely need to start giving your pet a vitamin or supplement.
You will quickly learn there are many options on the market.
Types of Pet Supplements
You’ve likely seen the recent surge in CBD products for humans. Well, they are available for pets too. One survey found that two-thirds of the veterinarians surveyed were asked about CBD for pets at least once a month.
Before you ask your vet about CBD, check out the basics first. Examples of Vitamins and supplements include:
- Vitamins A, C, D, E
- Choline
- Fish oil
- Glucosamine
- Probiotics
Each vitamin and supplement provide a different, yet specific, function to improve health.
For example, for a shinier coat, choose Vitamin C. Vitamin A helps with vision, vitamin B aids in metabolism, vitamin D acts as the sun and strengthens bones and muscles, and choline supports brain and liver function. Both supplements and vitamins provide the same benefits to pets as they do to humans.
Supplements for pets are regulated by the FDA and come in a variety of forms. But does that mean it’s safe to share your vitamins or give your pet a dose you think it needs?
Are Vitamins and Supplements Safe for Pets?
While humans and pets need the same nutrients, you cannot share vitamins and supplements with your pets. The amount your pet needs is much less than what you need. Taking too much of a good thing can be harmful.
Purchase pet vitamins and supplements packaged for pets. Before making any purchases, talk to your veterinarian and your local pharmacist.
You may be surprised to learn your pharmacist can create custom-made vitamins and supplements from scratch in their clinic. It’s called compounded pet vitamins and supplements.
What Are Compounded Vitamins and Supplements?
When you go to the pet store to buy vitamins and supplements, you are buying products mass-produced to meet the needs of every pet in a particular category. For example, you may purchase allergy medicine for “large dogs who weigh over 75 pounds”. This means a dog can weigh 76 or 176 pounds, and the effects will be the same. But, they won’t be the same.
Metabolism, exercise, diet, breed, allergies, and many other factors determine how a vitamin or supplement will work.
Your local pharmacist, like Burt’s Pharmacy, can customize vitamins and supplements based on your pet’s medical and personal needs. You can get your pet a specialized multi-vitamin that includes only the vitamins needed, no extras.
If your pet refuses to swallow pills, no matter how many times you’ve tried hiding them in sweets or peanut butter, then your pharmacist can create a liquid multi-vitamin and supplement. They can even add unique flavorings or scents to make dosing easier.
Pharmacists can even take the prescription ordered by your veterinarian and compound the medicine to meet your preferences. Compounding pet medications also ensures each dose contains the exact amount of needed nutrients for your pet.
Steps for Getting Started
If you think your pet could benefit from vitamins and supplements, take steps to ensure their safety in the process.
Always talk to your veterinarian and pharmacist. Get advice on the types and brands available, as well as if compounding is the best option. If you decide against compounding, choose products formulated from reputable brands. Check reviews, recalls, and compliances.
Finally, continue to pay attention to and document any noticeable changes, good or bad. Likely, your pet will benefit significantly from vitamins and supplements, and together, you can grow old gracefully.
