Introduction
Vitamins and Supplements are hugely popular in human healthcare, but what exactly are they and how can they help your dog? Because let's face it, we all want the very best for our furry family members!
So what is a vitamin or supplement? Vitamins (and minerals) are nutrients your dog’s body needs in small amounts to work properly and stay healthy. A supplement is something that is added to something else in order to improve it or complete it.
A healthy balanced diet usually provides all the nutrients your dog needs. However, supplements can be invaluable during illness or for specific health concerns. Vets may advise supplements alongside prescription medication, or even instead. Always use vet-recommended, dog-specific vitamins. Human vitamins and supplements aren't appropriately formulated for dogs and may cause imbalances, toxicity or even life-threatening illness. High-strength Vitamin D may be great for sun-starved humans, but it’s poisonous for dogs.
Always consult your vet before giving any supplements. Our Joii Team is available 24/7.
Here’s how supplements we stock can benefit your dog:
Joints and mobility:
Like many of us, dogs can develop stiff, painful joints with age. Joint supplements help rebuild cartilage, increase flexibility and even reduce joint inflammation. Our Yumove range contains green-lipped mussel extract, Omega-3 fatty acids, Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Hyaluronic acid, while antioxidant Vitamins C and E minimise damage and help maintain joint health.
Digestive Supplements:
These boost or replenish the friendly gut bacteria that aid digestion and promote gut health. Vets recommend using them for issues like diarrhoea or gastroenteritis.For acute diarrhoea, choose the Protexin Prokolin pastes, which help to bind loose stools and soothe the gut lining. Protexin’s range also includes sachets and pellets for daily longer term use, while Yumove Digestive care is a tasty tablet option.
Skin Supplements:
May help to reduce itching, soothe sensitive skin and support the skin's natural defenses. They provide essential Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, plus Vitamin E, to nourish and maintain a healthy coat. Options include Yumove Skin and Care or Pooch and Mutt Salmon Oil.
Urinary Support:
Protexin CystoPro helps with bladder and urinary tract problems. Its natural ingredients, including probiotics and cranv[berry extract, fight bacteria and ease bladder discomfort.
Brain support:
Cognitive dysfunction is common as pets age, just like dementia in humans.Supplements like Aktivait and Aprylic support awareness, memory, and overall brain health through antioxidants, essential vitamins and nutrients.
Calming supplements:
These help reduce anxiety and stress and promote a sense of calm. Yumove Calming Care and Zylkene help dogs relax during stressful times with natural ingredients like L-Tryptophan.
Multivitamins:
YuCARE MultiVits options for Senior and Adult Dogs offer broad support,a ‘little bit of everything’ for brain, joints, heart, digestion, and immune function.
Special Use Supplements:
Products like Lypex and Panzym Pancreatic Enzyme should only be used under vet guidance, even though they're available without prescription.
Understanding what dog supplements are is key to ensuring your pet's health and wellbeing.
Simply put, dog supplements are products designed to be added to a dog's diet to provide additional nutrients, support specific bodily functions, or address particular health needs.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Nutrient Boost: Supplements often contain vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, or other nutrients that might be lacking or insufficient in a dog's regular diet.
Targeted Support: Many supplements are designed to support specific areas of a dog's health, such as:
- Joint health: Glucosamine, Chondroitin
- Digestive health: Probiotics, Prebiotics
- Skin and coat health: Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
- Brain function: Antioxidants
- Immune system: Vitamins C and E
Supplements are not a replacement for a balanced diet: Supplements are meant to complement a balanced diet, not replace it. A good-quality dog food should be the foundation of your dog's nutrition.
Vet Consultation: Importantly, supplements are not a substitute for veterinary care, and you should always talk to your vet before giving your dog any supplements. Your vet can help determine if your dog needs a supplement and which one is appropriate.
Dog-Specific: Only give your dog supplements that are specifically formulated for dogs. Human supplements can be harmful or even toxic to dogs.
In essence, dog supplements are dietary additions intended to enhance a dog's nutrition or support specific health needs, but they should always be used in consultation with a vet.
Our friendly Joii team are available online 24/7 for impartial expert advice.
This is a critical question and one that requires a very precise approach to ensure your dog's safety. Unlike simply deciding 'if' to give vitamins, this is about understanding the exact amount, which can make all the difference between helpful and harmful.
Here's why determining the right vitamin dosage is so vital and how to approach it:
Vitamins Aren't One-Size-Fits-All: The correct dosage of vitamins for a dog isn't generic. It's highly dependent on factors like:
- Weight: A tiny Chihuahua will need vastly different amounts compared to a Great Dane.
- Age: Puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs have different nutritional needs.
- Health Status: Underlying conditions or pre-existing vitamin levels can significantly change what's appropriate.
- Diet: The existing vitamin content in your dog's food is a key factor. Over-supplementation on top of a fortified diet can be risky.
Dosage Is Crucial: Vitamin dosages aren't just about 'more is better.' In fact, giving too much of certain vitamins can lead to serious health problems.
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K): These are stored in the body, and excessive amounts can build up and become toxic.
- Water-Soluble Vitamins (B Vitamins, Vitamin C): Although less likely to cause immediate toxicity, excessive amounts can still cause issues, especially in dogs with pre-existing health problems.
How to Determine Dosage: Step-by-Step:
- Do NOT Guess: Never try to estimate vitamin dosages yourself. Guesswork can be very dangerous.
- Consult Your Vet: This is non-negotiable. Your veterinarian is the ONLY one who can provide the proper dosage based on your dog's individual needs and health history. They may advise blood tests to check vitamin levels and create a tailored plan.
- Follow your Vet’s Instructions Precisely: If your vet recommends supplements, they will provide very specific instructions on the exact dosage. Follow these instructions to the letter.
- Be Wary of Product Labels Alone: While supplement labels provide general information, they cannot account for your dog's specific situation. Your vet's advice is more important tahn label instructions.
- Monitor for Any Changes: Keep an eye on your dog for any changes in behaviour, appetite or health. If you notice anything unusual, contact your vet immediately.
Potential Risks of Incorrect Dosage:
- Toxicity
- Organ damage
- Digestive upset
- Bone and joint problems
- Neurological issues
In essence, 'How much' is just as important as 'What' when it comes to vitamins for your dog. It’s a question best answered by your vet. They’re the only ones equipped to tell you the specific amount, based on your dog’s situation. And will keep your furry friend safe
Remember, our Joii team is available 24/7 for general advice and support.
That's a great question! Owners want to ensure they're giving their dogs the best possible care. However, 'best' really depends on your individual dog's needs and health status. Here's some key considerations:
Balanced Diet First: Most dogs fed a high-quality, balanced diet should get all the nutrients they need from their food. Supplements aren't always necessary.
- Talk to a vet: The absolute best approach is a conversation with your vet. They can assess your dog's health, diet, age, breed, and any specific health concerns. This will help determine if supplements are needed at all, and if so, which ones would be appropriate. Self-selecting supplements could potentially do harm, especially for very young or senior dogs.
- Avoid Human Supplements: Never give your dog human vitamins or supplements. They are formulated for humans and can be toxic and cause serious health issues in dogs.
- Dog-Specific Supplements: If your vet recommends supplements, only choose those specifically formulated for dogs. Look for reputable brands and those that list their ingredients clearly.
We offer a range of supplements for various needs, such as joint health, digestion, skin conditions, and brain support. Some examples include:
These products are often recommended by vets to support specific health areas. However, even with these, it's crucial to discuss them with your vet first.
In summary, there isn't a single 'best' supplement for all dogs. The best approach involves consulting your vet to assess your dog's specific needs and then choosing high-quality, dog-specific supplements if recommended.