Vitamin supplements for pets can improve quality of life, decrease symptoms and side effects associated with certain ailments and even help restore your pet to normal health. Many people rely on supplements exclusively to keep their pets healthy and strong. Vitamin supplements normally contain natural herbs and substances that are relatively safe to use, even in combination with traditional medications. It is important, however, to properly research any side effects that may be caused by long-term usage of vitamins, and any known complications that may arise when using vitamins and medication simultaneously.
Purpose of Vitamin Supplements
Your pet's body requires different vitamins for survival. Many bodily functions utilize chemical processes that take advantage of sufficient amounts of particular vitamins. Vitamins can be obtained from many different sources, like food and sunlight, or can even be naturally created by the body. When a proper diet is not followed, or an infection or disease disrupts the body's normal function, a deficit of certain vitamins may arise. This is where vitamin supplements for pets may become very beneficial.
Effects of Vitamin Deficiencies
Many problems can occur with pets that are experiencing vitamin deficiencies. If problems are discovered, certain vitamin supplements for pets can help to provide necessary health and improve certain conditions. Following is a partial list of some of the problems that can arise in your pet due to a vitamin deficiency:
- Low vitamin A - Poor growth, skin conditions and coat
- Low vitamin D - Problems with teeth and gums
- Low vitamin E - Problems with the bowels and reproductive system
- Low vitamin C - Immune system problems, potentially leading to increased susceptibility to infection and disease
- Low vitamin B2 - Heart failure and eye problems
- Low vitamin B5 - Premature graying or loss of hair, chronic diarrhea
Choosing Vitamins
Because all breeds and species are different, it's important to understand which supplements for pets may be most helpful. An overload of any substance on the body can create problems, so the best bet is to have your pet examined for a particular deficiency before selecting the appropriate vitamin supplements. Certain animals, such as dogs and cats, experience deficiencies due to aging. Younger pets may be affected by certain conditions, or an improper diet can cause vitamin levels to be low. Select the right vitamins based upon several factors, including:
- Age of your pet
- Breed of your pet
- Present health problems
- Possible adverse reaction to current prescription drugs
- Possible toxins or chemical additives contained in mass marketed vitamins
Fat Soluble vs. Water Soluble Vitamins
Supplements for pets should also be selected based on fat soluble vs. water soluble. Fat soluble vitamins are stored by the body and should only be supplemented under certain conditions. Water soluble vitamins, such as vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6, B12 C, niacin and folic acid are used quickly by the body and should be replenished in one way or the other. If your pet's diet is not providing sufficient amounts of these important vitamins, specific supplements may be recommended.