As the colder days roll in, we hoomans start to think about boosting our health with additional vitamins and supplements to stay in tip-top shape. But what about our furry friends? With pets becoming a larger part of families, there are so many vitamins and supplement options available to improve your pet’s health and wellbeing. This can make it difficult to know what’s best for your pet so let’s take a look at types of pet supplements that you can talk to your vet about.

Generally, pet food is filled with most of the nutrients needed to keep your pet happy and healthy. However some pet parents have started to give additional vitamins or supplements to boost their pets' overall health or to help with specific health concerns, such as maintaining healthy joints or to improve skin and coat. If you decide to supplement your pet’s diet, it’s a good idea to discuss options with your vet so you don’t end up giving too much of a certain vitamin or nutrient.

Over-supplementing is a common mistake that can easily happen with the most well-intentioned pet parents. For instance, vitamin A is good for the kidneys and metabolism, but too much could result in joint pain or brittle bones. So while you may want to find a supplement for your pet to support their health and wellbeing, be sure to talk it over with your veterinarian beforehand.

You'll find that there the types of supplements for pets are similar to what is available for humans. Here are a few of the main types that you'll likely come across.

Bone & Joint Support

Your pet’s joints work hard to keep them moving and zooming and, similar to humans, pets are prone to stiff joints as the days get colder, making movement a little more difficult. Or maybe you’ve noticed your pet is finding it difficult to jump, run, or climb stairs like they used to (maybe they are limping or holding up a limb too).

If you’ve noticed these symptoms, it’s time for a vet visit to assess for joint problems and discuss ways to support their joints. If your vet diagnoses your pet with joint problems like arthritis or hip dysplasia, they may recommend incorporating glucosamine or chondroitin into your pet’s diet.

Common ingredients in joint supplements for dogs and cats:

• • • Glucosamine supports the repair of damaged cartilage (the cushion between joints)
    • Chondroitin works to support the elasticity and thickness of joint cartilage.
    • Methyl sulphonyl methane (MSM), a sulphur compound that acts an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant to help the body repair cartilage.
    • Green-lipped mussel (GLM) is a great source of chondroitin and glucosamine, as well as zinc and magnesium that aid in absorption. GLM also contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), which are omega-3 fatty acids that are a natural anti-inflammatory.

Keep in mind that joint support for cats and joint support for dogs are not only for older pets with arthritis symptoms; pets across all stages of life may benefit from them, so chat to your vet about how to incorporate them into your pet's diet.

Skin & Coat Health

A soft, shiny coat and supple skin is often a reflection of your pet’s overall health and well-being. If your pet’s coat is looking a little lack-lustre, patchy, or their skin is dry, flaky and irritated, visit your vet to see if there are any underlying skin conditions and whether there are any supplements you may be able to add to your pet’s diet.

Some common ingredients in skin & coat supplements:

• • • Fish oil: This contains two types of Omega-3 fatty acids - Eicosapentaenoic acid (ELA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3s are considered an anti-inflammatory and can help maintain a healthy skin and coat.
    • Biotin: This is an essential nutrient for pets and humans as it helps process carbs, fatty acids (like omega-3s) and amino acids. A supplement with biotin can turn dull coats and dry skin to a shiny coat and supple skin. Consult with your vet on the safe amount to include in your pet’s diet.
    • Flaxseed: Also found in food and treats for both dogs and cats, flaxseed is a great plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed contains nourishing fats that are good for the skin and coat. It also provides beneficial fibre, which helps keep the digestive system in tip-top shape.
    • Green-lipped mussel (GLM): Not only does GLM contain healthy omega-3 fats, it also contains zinc. Sometimes a zinc or vitamin A deficiency can cause scaly, red, or irritated skin - chat to your vet if you think your pet may be lacking zinc or vitamin A.

With such a wide variety of food, treats, and supplements, skin and coat care for dogs and cats has never been easier but remember, always check with your vet if there are any underlying skin conditions before switching or adding to your pet’s diet.

Anxiety & Calming Care

Like humans, cats and dogs can get anxious or upset in different situations like separation from their paw-rents, travel in the car, or moving to a new home. Calming supplements can be useful to keep you and your pet at ease when encountering stressful situations. These can vary in ingredients with the ulti-mutt aim to promote relaxation and ease stressed pets.

Just as there are different anxiety-inducing scenarios, there are a variety of calming aids for cats and calming aids for dogs. Consult your vet to identify if there are any medical causes behind the stress and anxiety, and what you can do to support your pet.

Some common ingredients you may find in calming supplements:

• • • Natural ingredients like Valerian, St John's Wort, and Passion Flower that are often used by humans for their calming or sedative effects.
    • L-tryptophan, an amino acid, may increase serotonin levels in the brain to aid in regulating anxiety.
    • L-theanine, also an amino acid, may increase dopamine levels in the brain to regulate anxiety.
    • Thiamine (Vitamin B) aids in the function of the nervous system to support regulation of anxiety

Other common calming aids you may come across:

• • • Pheromones: This kind of product mimics the same messages that a mother dog uses to comfort her puppies (think of it like a homemade dish from childhood comforting you). Typically found as a spray for dogs and cats, it is also available as a collar and a diffuser for dogs and cats.
    • Coats or vests: These provide relief through reassuring, deep pressure through a coat or vest worn by your pet.

Make sure you discuss with your veterinarian on what option might be the best fit for your pet or situation. Keep in mind that, just like humans, there’s no quick fix to feeling anxious or stressed in certain situations. Patience, training, and your commitment all play a vital role in calming your furry friends.

Vets know best

In addition to the supplements mentioned above, there are also supplements available to maintain your pet’s health from puppies and kittens, to eye and brain health, dental care, and digestive and urinary health. With so many choices available, always check with your vet before adding supplements to your pet’s diet (like you would consult your local GP for yourself or your family).

We hope this has helped you gain a better understanding on pet supplements so you can chat to your vet about how to support your pet’s health. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Pet Direct's Customer Service Experts on 0800 200 240.