A couple of weeks ago, we shared our top dietary supplements for pets. The supplements we included have many benefits and uses; they support the body as a whole and can be a great way to prevent illness and support aging. Today, we’re discussing 3 targeted pet supplements that can help improve pets’ quality of life when they need to support specific organs and systems.
3 TARGETED Pet Supplements: Urinary Health
Many pets – cats and dogs alike – suffer from UTIs, urinary crystals, reduced kidney function, and other urinary health concerns.
We know of a dog that had an anatomical anomaly in her nether regions. Because of her condition, referred to as a recessed vulva, Sox suffered from chronic bladder infections. Infections were the result of trapped bacteria due to excess skin in the area. To ward off infections, her family used supplements that contained d-mannose and cranberry along with other targeted herbs, homeopathic remedies, and probiotics.
A recessed vulva can often be corrected surgically. Yet, other urinary health concerns are not as easily addressed. Many bladder and kidney issues have more complex causes, including pH levels of the urine, genetic predispositions, and diet.
Adored Beast Apothecary makes a targeted product that is safe for both cats and dogs. The makers recommend it be used up to four times per year to ward off urinary issues. This product is great for pets that often lick their nether regions, dribble urine, or have a hard time controlling their bladders. Using a product like this can ease a pet’s urinary discomfort while also making pet parenting easier for the human.
3 TARGETED Pet Supplements: Hip & Joint
According to this Washington Post article, “Dogs that, by their owners’ estimation, were inactive, were nearly 6.5 times more likely to have dementia than highly active dogs of the same age.”
Because movement and cognitive decline are so closely intertwined, targeted bone and joint supplement smay extend a pet’s life, The right supplement may keeping a pet mobile, slow down the aging process, and ward off dementia. While cats aren’t studied as closely as dogs, we can assume that the same is true for cats. Studies show that movement wards off dementia in humans as well.
One of our favorite hip and joint supplements is WinPro Pet’s Hip & Joint Health chew. Made of porcine plasma – pig’s blood plasma – these chews naturally fight inflammation and use collagen to restore connective tissues. Most of the dogs we know who take these also love them, making them a treat for the dog and their bodies. Winpro has not yet released a cat-specific line but we’ve heard that they are working on it.
3 TARGETED Pet Supplements: Liver Support
Like humans, pets’ livers are overworked. They filter toxins from every day exposure to cleaning products, pesticides and herbicides, medical procedures and anesthesia, medications, commercial diets, and more. It’s no wonder that many pets have elevated liver enzymes, signaling that the liver is taxed.
While feeding our pets high quality single-ingredient beef or chicken liver treats can boost liver health, there are targeted products on the market to gently regenerate the liver. These supplements usually use milk thistle, which has shown in clinical studies that it can heal the liver across various species. Hepato Support is a popular option for cats and dogs.
In addition, there are products on the market that help detoxify the liver to boost its function. Adored Beast makes a tincture which does just that, using medicinal plants including milk thistle and dandelion root. Again, this product is safe for both cats and dogs.
3 Targeted Pet Supplements: Focus on Quality
When you purchase supplements – whether for your furry family or yourself – make sure you focus on quality. Many over the counter supplements are useless. A product must be bioavailable and effective otherwise it’s a waste of your money.
First, only purchase pet supplements from a trusted retailer – ideally a locally-based pet supply shop like The Feed Bag in Old Saybrook. The Feed Bag can help you choose a diet that is in line with your pets’ needs as well as supplementation that will enhance your pet’s diet and support their health.
Never impulse-buy pet supplements or start supplementation without discussing your pet’s health with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist. Supplements, while often made of plants, herbs, etc., are potenent and shouldn’t be given without proper vetting and consistent observation.
At Shoreline Happy Paws, we believe that a holistic approach to pet care that includes proper nutrition, targeted supplementation, and physical activity is a great way to extend a pet’s quality of life. We love to see pets living long into their senior years while still enjoying our midday walks, hikes, and more.
We are always happy to disuss your needs and how we may be of service.
New Shoreline Happy Paws clients can create an account. We will be in touch to further discuss your needs and set you, your family, and your pet(s) up for success. Existing clients may book dog walking, dog hiking, or pet sitting services by logging in to your client profile.
Shoreline Happy Paws serves the following areas of the Connecticut Shoreline:
- Old Saybrook
- Essex, Ivoryton & Centerbrook
- Deep River
- Chester
- Westbrook
- Clinton
- Old Lyme
- East Lyme
- Niantic
Certain Parts and Certain Service Hours in:
- Lyme and Madison
- Waterford, New London, Groton
- Uncasville, Gales Ferry, Mystic, Noank
