A wide variety of vitamins, minerals and supplements are available in today’s marketplace. Typically they come in the form of flavored pills, treats, liquids, and powders. However, premium foods that are designed for puppy growth and canine maintenance may often supply all the needed vitamins and minerals to sustain normal growth, provided the puppy or dog eats it well. It is always best to consult a veterinarian before feeding any supplements to your pet.

When should puppies and dogs be given a vitamin supplement?

Conditions when supplementation are recommended:

• Pets that have been poor eaters or nutritionally deprived
• Pets who have been sick or weakened from a recent illness
• Pregnant or lactating (nursing) pets
• Pets with metabolic diseases
• Pets with special skin problems
• Pets that have been fed table scraps or a poor quality pet food
• Senior dogs and cats that have reduced kidney function lose B-vitamins in the urine. In addition, the absorption of vitamins through the intestinal tract diminishes as the pet ages. A premium food designed for a senior pet, and often accompanying supplementation, are the best choices for delaying the onset of intestinal tract disorders.
• Any time an added preventative measure toward disease or aging is desired or needed

Ingredients that may be found on product labels:

Acidophilus: Beneficial bacteria that normalizes digestive flora (aids in bringing the digestive system to its normal state). Can reduce problems with bloating, diarrhea, dry skin, dull coat, and bad breath.

Antioxidants: This is thought to be the missing link in pet nutrition. Antioxidants help inhibit the oxidation process that occurs in the body during normal cell metabolism. It is believed that oxidation causes cells to become damaged. (For more information on the excellent antioxidant properties of Poly-MVA for Pets, click here.)

Brewers yeast: Good source of proteins and B-vitamins.

B-vitamins: Useful in tissue repair or in stimulating a weak appetite. (Poly-MVA for Pets is an excellent source of B-vitamins - read more here.)

Calcium: Deficiencies are common in lactating pets. A nursing mother can lose a third of her calcium supply. A supplement containing calcium can be beneficial. Calcium deficiencies are also common in cats that are only fed meat. Calcium can also slow bone and joint degeneration in older pets.

Cod Liver Oil: Another fatty acid. It should not be given more than twice a week. Excesses of it will cause diarrhea, interfere with digestion, and cause an excess of vitamins A and D in the system.

Fatty Acids: Deficiency in fatty acids causes skin and coat problems. Linatone and Vitamin E are popular fatty acid supplements.

Garlic: This supplement has a long history of nutritional benefits. Garlic in an animal’s bloodstream has also been known to be helpful for repelling fleas.

Linatone: Fatty acid which can help the skin and give the pet a shiny coat. Helps with shedding, scratching, and dull coats.

Shark Cartilage: Rich in calcium.

Spirulina & Barley Grass: Provides organic phytonutrients not found in pet food. Alternative for pets that like to eat grass.

Taurine: Essential amino acid required by cats. This is found in cat foods, but must be supplemented if the cat is fed table scraps or is fed dog food. A deficiency of this can lead to reproductive problems and blindness.

Despite their popularity, myths about cats persist. Separating fact from fiction provides a greater understanding of how to meet their special needs.

A falling cat always lands on its feet
When a cat falls a short distance, it often twists itself around to right itself and land on its feet. However, falls from heights can cause severe injury or death.

A window without a screen or with an insecurely fastened screen is a life-threatening hazard. Other accidents happen when an air conditioner is removed from the window for cleaning or repair. Balconies are also a danger. A cat may fall from a balcony rail as it chases an insect.

Securely fastened screens and being alert to other high-rise dangers help prevent serious injuries resulting from falls.

Cats have nine lives
This myth probably started as the result of a cat’s flexible skeleton that allows squeezing and twisting to negotiate narrow and awkward places.

The factors that influence a cat’s longevity are proper diet and care, including regular visits to the veterinarian, and the cat’s genetic makeup.

The average life span for a neutered cat who is housed inside is estimated to be from 12 to 14 years. The maximum life span is said to be 35 years. The roaming cat’s life expectancy is usually less than that of a cat housed indoors. This may relate to a more stressful lifestyle as the results of accidents, fighting and exposure to weather extremes.

Cats can see in the dark
Cats cannot see in total darkness, but they can see much better at night with minimum light than humans can. Their vision in dim light is very sensitive.

Protecting a cat’s vision is one of the reasons a cat should never be fed dog food. Unlike dogs, cats cannot manufacture the amino acid taurine. Lack of taurine in the cat’s diet can cause vision problems. Cats require a higher level of protein in their diet than dogs.

All cats like fish
There is no particular food that all cats like. This is why cat foods are available in a variety of flavors and textures. Once you find nutritionally complete and balanced cat food your cat enjoys, stay with it. Frequent diet changes may create a finicky eater and cause digestive upsets. Be certain the package label states that the product has undergone feeding trials in accordance with the Association of American Feed Control officials (AAFCO) protocol.

Neutered cats become fat and lazy
Although neutered cats may become obese, this condition can be prevented. If the cat begins to gain weight, eliminate food from the table and, if necessary, reduce the amount of cat food offered. Cats can be encouraged to exercise through play. If there are questions about a cat’s body condition, a veterinarian should be consulted.

Spaying and neutering have many benefits. Spaying a female cat before her first heat cycle can help prevent mammary tumors and uterine infections.

There is an increasing awareness among pet owners that certain fatty acids are beneficial to a pet’s health. Along with this awareness comes the question, “which fatty acids are important and why?”

Although answering this question tends to be technical, it helps increase our knowledge of the role proper nutrition plays in the lives of our pets. Understanding fatty acid nutrition begins with defining nonessential and essential fatty acids.

Nonessential fatty acids can be synthesized within the body of a dog or cat and are not required in its diet. Essential fattyacids cannot be synthesized by a pet and must be supplied in its diet.

Dogs require one essential fatty acid (linoleic acid), while cats require two (linoleic and arachidonic acid). Both linoleic and arachidonic acids are classified as “omega-6″ fatty acids based on their molecular structure. These fatty acids are found primarily in grain and animal fat and are provided at appropriate levels in high-quality pet foods to:

• help regulate the blood flow to body tissues
• aid in clotting after an injury
• aid in normal reproduction
• help a pet’s immune system respond to injury and infection
• help a normal, healthy pet maintain a handsome haircoat and healthy skin

Another important class of fatty acids are the omega-3 fatty acids. Although structurally similar to omega-6 fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids are not currently considered essential in companion animal nutrition.

Because of their structural similarities, omega-6 and omega-3 compete for the enzymes which convert these fatty acids into their respective metabolites, which serve as cellular signals important in a variety of biological processes including immune function, blood clotting and inflammation. Despite the similarities between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, their respective metabolites differ in intensity as cellular signals. The omega-6 derived signals are generally more potent than those derived from omega-3 fatty acids.

The potential of omega-3 fatty acids contributing to the health of our pets is promising. A growing body of scientific research suggests that this class of fatty acids may benefit pets during certain life stages or when suffering from certain diseases. These studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids have the potential to help:

• manage severe inflammation associated with certain skin disorders
• support the proper development of the nervous system and visual acuity
• aid in the remission and decrease the side effects of lymphoma

A difference in the dietary requirements of dogs and cats is found in their utilization of linoleic acid. If provided at proper levels, dogs can produce all other needed fatty acids. Cats, however, cannot produce all other fatty acids they require from linoleic acid and require the addition of an omega-6 component, arachidonic acid, to their diets.

Understanding what omega-6 can do for pets and the potential benefits omega-3 may offer is a bit complicated, however, the bottom line is that at proper levels and in proper balance in pet food diets, these fatty acids provide health benefits to our pets. Seek out more information on these, and talk with your veterinarian about the benefits to your pet. 

In addition, dietary fat provides other important functions in a pet’s diet. It supplies a concentrated form of energy, contributes to the palatability and texture of a pet food, and carries the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, K and E.

A final thought: It’s good to know that nutrition research scientists continue to learn even more about how pet food diets can be formulated to be beneficial to our cherished companions.

Dogs mature at different rates. As a rule, large-breed dogs mature earlier than small dogs. But if your dog is age seven or older, he’s probably approaching, or already in, his senior years. This may mean a change in lifestyle for him and for you.

Companionship and commitment to your dog have always been important, but these are even more important now. Even though your dog may be slowing down, there is no reason the older years can’t be some of the best years. With regular veterinary attention, daily care and proper nutrition, your older dog can still experience a happy and healthy life.

Recognizing Your Dog is Getting Older

Older dogs go through physical changes in their later years, just as people do. The most practical way to tell if your dog is getting older is by observing his behavior and appearance. Simply put, how old does your dog act, look, and feel? The following signs of aging may indicate more specific changes in your dog’s health. Use these signs as a guideline in determining if your dog is an older dog.

• If your dog doesn’t respond to his name or verbal commands, or suddenly barks for no reason, it could indicate hearing problems.
• Excessive thirst and frequent or uncontrolled urination are often signs of kidney problems or diabetes.
• Inappropriate urination may be a sign of incontinence caused by a hormone imbalance, which is most common in spayed females, or caused by other medical conditions. Your veterinarian should be contacted if you notice incontinence in your dog.
• An older dog is more likely to develop tooth and gum disease. Because of sore gums or loose teeth, he may let food drop out of his mouth or even refuse to eat.
• Dogs are susceptible to heart disease. Coughing, difficulty in breathing and tiredness could indicate possible cardiac problems.
• A hazy, bluish cast on your aging dog’s eyes is normal and usually does not hinder the eyesight. However, the hazy, whitish growth of cataracts can lead to blindness. Your veterinarian can help you distinguish the difference.
• Like humans, a dog’s metabolism slows down as he gets older. And because older dogs may not be as active as they used to be, they have a tendency to gain weight. To tell if your dog is overweight, place your thumbs on his backbone and gently put both hands on his ribcage. If you can’t feel his ribs, he probably needs to lose a little weight. His body should also taper inward behind the ribs.
• Sudden weight loss or unplanned chronic weight loss should be reported to your veterinarian. This could be an indication of a health problem.
• For older dogs, you’ll notice that the skin thickens and becomes less pliable. It’s a good idea to check for large lumps on or under the skin. This could be a sign of a tumor, cyst or cancer.
• You will also notice changes in his hair, like gray hair around the muzzle and ears and light whiskers. A dog’s coat can thin and become dull as he ages.
• As a dog gets older, you’ll notice a decrease in energy level. He may become tired more easily and likes to nap often. He can experience stiffness in his leg, hip and shoulder joints. This could just be normal wear and tear, or it could be a result of an old injury or a sign of arthritis. Check with your veterinarian for a professional opinion and appropriate treatment.

Tips for Caring for Your Senior Dog

There are some specific things you can do to make your older dog’s life more comfortable:

Visit the Vet More Often
Because your dog is experiencing so many physical changes at this time in his life, it is more important than ever that he receive total health care from your veterinarian. In addition to annual vaccinations and checkups, talk to your veterinarian about special geriatric screenings for your dog as often as twice a year.

Give Your Dog Proper Exercise
Obesity and arthritis are two of the most common problems experienced by older dogs, and regular exercise can help stave off both. Exercising helps burn extra calories and can also help reduce arthritis pain. Exercise helps improve circulation and digestion as well. However, if your dog does have arthritis, consult your veterinarian before beginning an exercise program. Leisurely daily walks or a game of catch is good. If your dog has not exercised for a long time, start out slowly, then continue with a daily program. If you see your dog overexerting himself, stop the activity. Also, senior dogs may not have as great a tolerance for weather extremes as they once had. Always be sure he has plenty of water to drink during and after exercise.

Be Aware of Sensory Changes
Some changes in a senior dog’s senses of sight, hearing and smell are inevitable. But experience has shown that dogs who live in stimulating environments–where they are kept mentally alert and physically active through daily play or exercise–are better equipped to compensate for the gradual loss of some of their senses than those dogs who aren’t as physically and mentally stimulated.

Care for Your Dog’s Teeth
Hopefully, your dog has received dental care throughout his life. If so, keep up the practice and continue to provide crunchy foods that help reduce buildup. If your dog has obvious dental problems, however, consult your vet on the proper treatment. Leaving it untreated will only make your dog’s teeth worse and his life less pleasant.

Give Your Dog Proper Nutrition
As dogs get older, they may have special nutritional needs. Choose a dog food appropriate for your dog’s age and condition, preferably one without unwanted additives. Make sure it contains a good amount of protein to help senior dogs maintain muscle and lean body mass, help fight off infections and stay stronger longer. Another thing to look for is one that is calcium-fortified to help maintain strong teeth and bones. Try to also find one with an appropriate balance of vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients needed for good vision, and healthy skin and haircoat. Including a pet-targeted dietary supplement in your dog’s diet can be essential to sustained quantity and quality of life.

Keep Your Dog’s Life Comfortable and Stable
Your pet’s bed should be kept in the same place and in a dry area, free from drafts. Avoid extreme heat and cold. A consistent daily routine is also vital to your older dog’s physical, mental and emotional health. Mealtime, naptime, walks or playtime should be done at the same time every day. Interruptions to the daily schedule can cause stress to your dog.

Care for Your Dog’s Skin and Coat
As part of your dog’s complete home health care program, you may want to schedule a special grooming session at least once a week. Brushing your dog regularly helps distribute skin oils and prevent dandruff for a healthy, pretty coat. It’s also very relaxing to your dog, even therapeutic. You might also use this time to monitor your dog’s health and body condition.

Remember Your Dog’s Emotional Needs
This is a time of many lifestyle changes for your dog. His senses may not be as sharp as they used to be. He may not be as active as he used to be. He may be unusually tired or experiencing pain because of the possible onset of disease. It is your responsibility to be sensitive to what he’s going through and understand that he is also experiencing a lot of psychological changes.

Overall, it’s important to try to do everything you can to make his life as comfortable as possible. Make an effort to provide the extra emotional support he needs by spending as much time with him as you can. With your special loving care and commitment, he can enjoy a quality life during these senior years.