Even if you give your dog high quality food, he may still be missing key nutrients. This will be especially true for breeds susceptible to certain illnesses and for aging dogs. Here are three of the most powerful and helpful supplements for canines.
1. CBD Oil
CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of the active ingredients in the hemp (or cannabis) plant. Although medical marijuana has been in use for decades, hemp products have only recently been legalized. One of the first discoveries concerning CBD oil was that it can stop the frequency of seizures. It is also a pain reliever and an anti-anxiety medication. In addition, it can potentially make hearts healthier and slow, or prevent, the growth of tumors.
Since CBD oil became legal, many people have had to experiment before finding the right formulation for them. Dog owners may need to do the same. This is because not all CBD for dogs is from the same strain of plant, processed the same way or mixed with the same ingredients. Try several types of dogs and see which one makes the biggest difference. Continue with that formula and your dog will quickly benefit from it.
For example, if your dog is afraid of thunder or fireworks, try giving him CBD oil at the beginning of the summer. If the usual signs of anxiety are way down during the next storm, that would be a good indication that you have found the right formula and dosage. However, a health or behavioral issue is not the only reason to give your dog CBD oil. It should be a regular supplement to your dog’s diet, since it does many other things to keep him healthy throughout his life.
2. Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a natural ingredient in joint cartilage. As your dog gets older, he may develop a limp or another sign that his joints are painful when walking. The reason for this is that over time, the natural glucosamine in joints starts to wear down. When this happens, cartilage becomes stiff and is painful every time the joint bends. This is especially true for large dogs that put more strain on their joints.
Glucosamine supplements, however, go right to work in that area and infuse the joints with fresh supplies, making them less stiff and painful. Glucosamine works very quickly; it can be found in the joints as early as four hours after taking it. The joints also show a reduction in inflammation very soon after starting a glucosamine regimen. You might just be able to see the puppy in your older dog make a reappearance.
3. Probiotics
Probiotics are important for both dog and human gut health. They are the “good” bacteria that your body needs to help with everything from good skin to digestion and disease immunity. Probiotics can be given to your pet in the form of treats or food additives. However, the best way to provide your dog with the most diverse and high quality probiotic strains is to either give him yogurt or kefir.
Although most dogs enjoy yogurt, you need to be careful about the other ingredients in supermarket brands, which may contain preservatives, sugar or worst of all artificial sweeteners, which can kill dogs. Unless you make it yourself, you should probably steer clear of it. Kefir is the better choice for both dogs and humans for several reasons. First, it’s ridiculously easy to make at home and you get a fresh supply every day. Second, kefir has many more probiotics and other nutrients than yogurt does. Lastly, it is thin enough to be shaken in a jar and mixed with the other two important supplements listed above.
Even if your dog seems healthy, you should consider providing him with these supplements. That way, you will know you are doing the best for your pet and making him feel his best as he ages.
