At first glance, this looks like an easy task. You just need to come to a pet supplies store and get the multivitamins they promote. However, you should know that coming unarmed can cause some serious health issues for your dog.
Choosing a multivitamin is more than just getting what is on sale or choosing the one that covers the most benefits. On the contrary, you must tailor the supplement intake to match your dog’s situation. You may have to add or even reduce the vitamins over time.
5 Things to Check Before Buying Supplements
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Dog Breed
The terms "pure" and "mongrel" may sound harsh to many people. However, if your dog comes from several breeds, it may have underlying health issues inherent to its specific genetics.
Unfortunately, the only way to know is by taking several tests on your dog. Yes, it will cause stress for your dog for a little while. But these tests are necessary for a complete assessment.
Coming from the same litter also doesn’t guarantee that they will share the same health risks. This is why you must do an early vet check when the puppies are under four weeks old: the earlier you know, the sooner you can notice the risks.
Purebred dogs also have their inherent health issues. French bulldogs are prone to certain health issues, each with specific risks. Large dogs such as the Wolfhound and the Belgian Malinois are prone to joint issues. While smaller dogs’ health issues primarily revolve around their digestion and internal organs.
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Choose Based on Age
Most multivitamins are available for people of all ages. Or at least, that’s what they want you to think. Dogs’ supplements will always indicate whether they are for puppies, adults, or senior dogs.
Each life stage requires a different set of vitamins, as people at different stages have different health needs. Vitamins for puppies are always about boosting energy and building the immune system. And the ones for older dogs focus on maintaining their current health and energy levels.
When you have an elderly dog, the supplements will focus on their mobility. The last thing you need is for your dog to suffer from a spinal disc or joint issues because they didn’t get enough nutrients after all these years.
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What Are Their Specific Needs
A dog with a history of joint issues will need a different set of supplements than a generally healthy dog. Yes, even when they are still a pup, you need to choose the supplements that will delay the deterioration. More specific need you can check from DomiTail store.
Keep in mind that these health issues are not only genetic but also can happen after an incident or being on a specific diet for years. And while tailoring the supplements based on the dog’s needs can be troublesome at first. You can be sure you will have a happy, healthy companion for many years to come.
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Certifications
The Food and Drug Administration is doing its best to ensure that all products are safe for consumption. But they are not the only governing bodies responsible to the consumers.
When you look at the packaging, check for the certification label. The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) is one of the organizations that works hard to ensure that all commercial pet supplements are safe, along with the United States Pharmacopeia and the Good Manufacturing Practices from the USDA.
Having a certification means the product has passed quality controls on ingredient purity and manufacturing standards and that it has the correct label. Moreover, you can always check whether the certification is valid to verify its authenticity.
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Ask Your Vet
Perhaps the simplest method is to directly ask your vet for a recommendation. You can ask them if your dog may need specific supplements.
Keep in mind that some vets may have different preferences or be under sponsorship with a brand. So you can’t feel too dejected if they don’t recommend the brands you know. And if you think their recommendations are still out of your budget, ask for a more affordable option.
Your vet may refer you to a pet dietician who has better knowledge on the matter. They can direct you to some specific ingredients that will help your pet.
Know the Risk of Combinations
Sometimes, your dog can have a serious condition and be on long-term medications. Unlike humans, who can have a cocktail of supplements, your pet’s body cannot take that many multivitamins at once.
Giving them numerous products is not the answer to boost their immune system. At worst, you’re risking your dog’s health for some illegal vanity experiments.
Your vet will recommend the primary vitamins your dog needs most, along with any supplements you can add. They’re likely to introduce vitamins or a new diet that will suit your dog and your availability.
Watch for Any Red Flags
Multivitamins, just like any other supplements, cannot cure any disease. Yet it can alleviate your dog's pain and help prevent health risks. So when you see a product claiming to successfully cure a serious health condition, it’s likely to be a fraud.
You also need to be careful if the product is too cheap or always on discount. It doesn’t mean expensive products are better. But the low pricing means it can be an inauthentic product or have other serious manufacturing issues.
Another red flag is whether the product or its manufacturer has had a recall in the past five years. You should also check whether they offer good customer service or after-sales support that can answer your questions about their other products.
Before you adopt a dog, you must understand its basic needs. In addition to food, toys, and activities, providing the best supplements will ensure the dog’s well-being. Don’t forget to do thorough research on what your dog needs so they can live a healthy life.
The easiest way is to choose based on the breeds and age. But this can be tricky if you’re a first-time owner or barely know the dog. Thus, consulting with a vet is always the safest choice. Showering the vet with questions shows that you really care about the pet and only wish the best for them.
