What are the Benefits of Omega3 Fish Oil to Your Dog’s Health?
  • Save

What are the Benefits of Omega3 Fish Oil to Your Dog’s Health?

What is Omega3 fish oil?

Fish oil for dogs and cats supports the health of the skin, coat, joint, kidneys, heart and immune system. It’s even been shown to aid in more serious problems, like cancer.

Fish oil supplements contain two essential fatty acids: EPA and DHA or eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Both are omega3 fatty acids that can only be made in a limited capacity in dogs and are even more poorly synthesized in cats. These two fatty acids come straight from fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, black cod, herring, anchovies and albacore tuna. 

Some benefits of fish oil?

EPA, one of the two omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, acts as an anti-inflammatory. It will help with any condition that causes inflammation of the heart, kidneys, skin, and joints—such as arthritis. It will ease inflammation due to allergies and reduce itchy skin and dandruff. This can also be an effective way to potentially decrease the incidence of hot spot on the dog. A hot spot is a painful skin infection that can make your pet miserable. Like many fat supplements, it promotes a shiny, healthy coat, and reduces shedding. DHA, the other omega-3 fatty acid in fish oil, is important in brain and eye development in puppies and kittens. Giving fish oil to pregnant or nursing pets can benefit the babies once they’re born. In some studies, fish oil has slowed the growth of cancer. Though more studies are needed to reach conclusive results, some veterinarians recommend it for any pets with cancer.

Why is fish oil good for your dog?

Both EPA and DHA are important components of cell membranes in both humans and animals like dogs and cats. These unique fatty acids act as signals in cells to decrease inflammation. Less inflammation leads to less pain, redness, and swelling in the skin, joints, or other organs. These are the same pathways of inflammation that we inhibit with painkillers like aspirin all the time. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular DHA, also act to promote neuron development. This fatty acid affects cell permeability and the growth of nerve cells. So when a puppy’s or kitten’s nervous system is developing in the first few months of life and even before birth, delivering ideal amounts of DHA is important for optimal development. Fish oil for dogs and cats comes in capsule or liquid form. If your pet will cooperate, give them the capsule to eat. If your pet has no interest in swallowing the capsule, use a clean safety pin or a small knife to open the capsule, and squeeze the liquid onto your pet’s food. If you need a large dosage, look for fish oil sold in liquid form. As with any supplement, dosage of fish oil for dogs and cats is important. You should consult your veterinarian before deciding on the correct dosage for your pet, and read product labels carefully.

Some side effects to watch out for?

Omega-3s have been shown to slow blood clotting, by decreasing the ability of blood platelets to stick together. This effect is more common and more pronounced in cats than in dogs, so be especially sure to consult your vet if you want to give fish oil to an outdoor cat who can get in scrapes or fights. So don’t use fish oils along with any blood-thinning dog or cat medication before consulting your vet. Fish oil is an anti-inflammatory, don’t give it to your dog if it is already on anti-inflammatory medications without first talking to your vet. If your dog is on immunosuppressive therapy for some reason talk to your veterinarian about an appropriate dose of fish oil. If your pet’s breath starts to smell a bit fishy, just lower the dosage. The bad smell isn’t harmful to pets, but getting rid of it will make you happier.

Is Fish Oil helpful for the senior pets?

Senior pets often have weaker immune systems and are much more prone to inflammation and infection. Therefore, supplementation with omega3 fatty acids often benefits these pets. Due to the role of inflammation in many degenerative brain diseases, fish oil and Omega 3 supplements can help lessen and even reverse brain inflammation in many senior pets.

  • Save
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *