Adding To Your Dog’s Health

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Adding To Your Dog’s Health

Adding To Your Dog’s Health. Nutritional Supplements Part 1 Ideally, your dog will obtain all its nutritional needs from the diet you give him or her. Most dog foods satisfy the basic nutritional demands of your pet. There are, however, times when you feel it is helpful to add supplements to the diet. Many experts find no problems with doing so. In fact, the addition of certain vitamins and minerals may actually be beneficial in battling certain health or physical issues.

Supplements are recommended in different situations. If your dog has dry skin problems, nutritional supplements may be wise. In instances of poor coats and itchy skin, a change in diet that includes supplements can help overcome these health difficulties. Allergies and specific health issues may also benefit from the addition of certain nutritional supplements.

There are many possible nutritional supplements. The most common are antioxidants. Two other popular ones are glucosamine and EFA or essential fatty acids. Part 1 will look at Antioxidants. It will state their role in maintaining good health. It will also consider the types utilized and in what conditions antioxidants act as effective weapons. Antioxidants In both the worlds of human and animal health, the term “antioxidant” has become a buzzword. There are claims of it being effective against everything, including cancer. Yet, how many people really understand what antioxidants are in the real world? More people have heard the word than can describe what an antioxidant actually is when it is at home.

An antioxidant is a micro-nutrient. It is small but powerful. It is capable of neutralizing any damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules found within the body. They differ from other molecules in their molecular structure. Free radicals lack an electron but carry a charge. In order to become complete, the free radical steals an electron from another cell. In doing so, the free electron damages the cell. A damaged cell can produce all sorts of health problems. These include degenerative conditions and cancer.

Antioxidants include many enzymes, minerals and vitamins. These embrace some common vitamins such as Vitamin A, C and E. Micro-nutrients also contain selenium, Coenzyme Q10, carotenoids and bioflavinoids. These are found in such common food types as fruit, whole grains and vegetables. The vitamins and other supplements also come in capsule and pill form.

The purpose of taking antioxidants is multiple. Overall, it can support the immune system of your dog. This helps them maintain a better resistance to disease. In giving your dog these nutritional supplements, you may be able to help your companion against possible heart conditions, cancer and age-related changes to the brain and nervous system.

A cell breakdown is the cause or is related to other common pet problems. Hip dysplasia is one such health issue. Arthritis is another. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are 2 possible forms of antioxidants that can benefit your pet with these conditions. If, however, the issue is skin problems, the recommended antioxidant is Vitamin E and/or C. Vitamin E helps reduce itching problems while Vitamin C is constructive in healing and collagen production.

Eye problems can also benefit from using antioxidants. Lutein and selenium may help prevent cataracts. The health of the liver may also be improved. In this case, the antioxidant of choice may be silymarin or S-Adenyl Methonine. Never, however, entertain the usage of antioxidants for medical purposes without consulting your vet first. This also applies the nutritional supplements we will discuss in Part 2 of Adding To Your Dog’s Health. Article provided by Lenny Jackson of <a href="http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/grooming-supplies/">ohmydogsupplies.com</a>, where you can find a incredible variety of <a href="http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/dog-car-seat-covers/">car seat covers for dogs</a> online.