Pamper your pets: 4 ways fish oil can be useful to dogs
Your pet is one of the most important beings in your life. You cannot see it suffer and you do all possible things to make its life with you pleasant and peaceful. But pets are not sweet always. They incur chronic diseases, health problems and ailments that need to be treated constantly. With scientific advancements and awareness of pet care, people have come to realize that nutritious food and proper care can keep pets hale and healthy. Fish oils have gained prominence as food supplements for dogs. Many dog owners are confused as to the benefits of fish oils and how it could be useful to their pet. Doubts apart, pet owners are worried about the side effects of fish oil in dogs. This article will make a comprehensive discussion on how fish oils can be helpful to your puppy.
Fish oils for dogs: You always want to pamper your puppy with the best of food and medications. But do you know that something as common and cheap as fish oil can be a healthy nutrient in your dog’s life? Yes! Fish oil can change your pet’s life miraculously when used on a daily basis. Below are a few ways in which fish oil can benefit dogs and cats.
1. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are required by almost every cell in the body. Fish oil contains great amount of eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which are needed for the proper functioning of the nervous system, brain, heart, kidneys, eyes and several other organs. When administered to pets, these omega-3 acids act in the body and make it function better. Though flax seed oil or linoleic acid is an alternative to fish oil, it contains omega-6 acids which cause inflammation in the body. Since pets have high density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol, they are able to digest these fatty acids in a better way than humans, which results in decrease in heart attacks.
2. Skin health: EPA and DHA improve your pet’s skin health and make it glow. The acids improve the fur health and the dog develops a nice fur that is less itchy and softer to feel. They also help in the cure of allergic skin diseases as they can control the action of antihistamines or corticosteroids in pets.
3. Pain, arthritis and inflammation: The primary function of omega-3 fatty acids is that they are anti-inflammatory. They reduce inflammation in any part of the body. This is fish oil can help pets fight inflammatory diseases like arthritis and joint pain. They also minimize rashes and skin disorders in pets.
4. Mental health, heart and kidney ailments: Puppies require nutrition for brain development, and fatty acids like omega-3 help in just that. Research reveals that acids like EPA and DHA can be important for growth of brain health and proper functioning of the nervous system. Fish oil also benefits pets which have kidney problems or heart diseases. Fish oils are recommended for pets with cancer too. Though science is not clear-cut about the benefits, cancerous growth can be minimized to a certain extent with fish oil. However, since fish oil can result in lack of vitamin E, your pet should be supplemented with vitamin E throughout the course of fish oil intake.
