March 15, 2012
Posted in Pet Health, Pet Meds

Everywhere you look these days, pet products are being pumped with fatty acids called omega-3. Everything from pet food to pet drugs has this ingredient, but what is it, exactly, and does it really benefit your dog? The answer is a resounding yes. Omega-3 is a fatty acid that supports healthy cells, skin, coat, joints, heart, brain, eyes and energy levels in animals. It has been found to have positive effects for pets with flea dermatitis and arthritis, as well as kidney, liver and heart disease.

Dogs can be allergic to fleas. If your dog suffers flea bites before you start it on a flea and tick prevention program like Frontline Plus or Comfortis, it might have extreme itching on its skin. As your dog scratches the area, it can become inflamed and raw. Pet shampoo like Oatmeal & Aloe Vera Shampoo or an anti-itch spray like Be Soothed Tea Tree Oil Skin Relief can help relieve the itch immediately, but adding an omega-3 supplement to its diet can heal the skin from the inside out. Try Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet for a pure source of the nutrient, or sprinkle a whole food supplement like Be Well Dog on its pet
food. This product contains 1000 milligrams of omega-3 per serving.

These fatty acids also go a long way in arthritis care. While joint supplements with glucosamine for dogs like Dasuquin and Cosequin help support healthy joints, omega-3 promotes healthy cell growth in the cartilage and reduces inflammation. One of the key causes of pain in arthritis is caused by inflammation, which occurs when the bones start rubbing together and white blood cells flood the area to fight off infection. Omega-3 can reduce the inflammation and soothe some of the pain. However, using items like dog steps and ramps around the house can also help.

Because omega-3 supports healthy cell growth throughout the body, it can make a huge difference when it comes to diseases in the organs – like liver, heart and kidney disease. Once you start giving your dog a supplement like Super Pure Omega 3, you may also start noticing a healthier, shinier coat. If your dog suffers from dandruff or itchy skin, you may also notice that these issues go away. 

Related posts:

1. Treating hypothyroidism in dogs
2. What is Denosyl for Dogs?
3. What is ringworm in dogs?
4. Problems with “purse” dogs
5. Are joint medications safe for cats?