When you get a furry little friend, the last thing you would want to think about is what dog health problems they might have in their lifetime. As dog owners, we really should be aware of our dog’s health and well-being. These animals are not just “pets,” as some people incorrectly see them. They are practically a member of the family, and it is up to us to provide their care. A part of being a responsible dog parent is educating yourself about the common dog health problems that your dog might face and how to mitigate such issues by utilizing specific dog supplements.
In this article, we will learn about some typical dog health problems and some ways you can avoid them through incredibly beneficial dog supplements.
Common Dog Health Problems That Can Be Prevented
Dogs are prone to several common and serious health problems. Here are some of the most common dog health problems.
1. Lack of nutrients
Poor nutrition can lead to plenty of severe disorders in dogs, such as obesity, rickets, allergies, and fur loss. These dog health problems are mainly caused due to quality or amount of food that your dog consumes. Not all dog food is created equal, and many are missing key micronutrients your furry friend needs in order to stay healthy. It can also be because of some medical disorders or parasite infestation.
Related Article: Building Health from the Inside Out — Canine Fermented Farm Superfoods
There are various things that can show your pet is not taking in all of the nutrients it needs. Some of the signs are:
- Body odor
- Bad breath
- Dull coat
- Dandruff
- Fur loss
- Excessive shedding
- Obesity
- Flatulence
- Increased allergies
- Weight loss
- Skin disorders
- Stunted growth
It is important to note that your dog may only be able to absorb some of the necessary nutrients from their food if it’s low quality. If you want to ensure that your dog has all the nutrients they need for a healthy life, make sure you provide them with a high-quality diet, using a reputable dog food brand as well as the necessary dog supplements to fill in any potential nutrient gaps.
There are many dog supplements available that can help improve your pup’s health, including things like probiotics, vitamins, and fatty acids. These supplements may be beneficial for dogs with food allergies or other digestive problems.
2. Obesity
According to some statistics, around 60% of dogs are either obese or overweight (Not too far off from the adult owners, right? Do you see a correlation there potentially?). Obesity can lead to health problems for your dog, such as certain types of cancer, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and hypertension.
The best way to avoid and cure dog obesity is to provide your four-legged friend with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Avoid the urge to overfeed your dog just because they act hungry or beg for some food off your plate or treats. Dogs require far lesser calories than humans.
3. Dental health problems
Dental diseases are one of the most common dog health problems. According to research, 80% of dogs will show signs of dental disease by the time they are two years old. Periodontal disease is the most common form of dental disease.
If you don’t brush your dog’s teeth regularly and give him chew toys to wear them down, bacteria can build up on his teeth and cause periodontal disease. This is an infection that affects the gums, causing them to become inflamed and swollen. The infection can spread from the gums into the jawbone and cause tooth loss.
4. Poor skin and coat condition
The fur of your pet is an indicator of its overall health. If you notice that your dog’s fur is dull and dry, it could mean he has a problem with its skin or coat. This is usually caused by fleas, mites, or yeast infections. If your dog’s hair falls out in patches, there may be a more serious issue at hand, and you should reach out to your veterinarian.
5. Ear infection
Ear infections are one of the most common dog health problems. Many things, including allergies, yeast or bacteria, mites, and parasites can cause them. The ear canal is a dark and moist environment that is easy for bacteria to live in and multiply.
Ear infections can cause pain, head shaking, loss of balance, scratching at the ears, and sometimes even discharge from the ear. If your dog has any of these symptoms, it is important to have him checked out by your veterinarian as soon as possible.
The Benefits of Dog Supplements
We live in a world that is full of nutritional supplements. We take them to boost our immune system, help with weight loss, and so much more. Dogs are no different. They can benefit from nutritional supplements as well.
Below are some benefits of specific dog supplements you should consider:
Supplements can boost brain health
Helping your dog stay sharp when they are getting old is important. Besides keeping them active and mentally stimulated with regular exercise, dog supplements for brain health can boost cognitive power. Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids from marine fish sources, medium-chain triglycerides from coconut oil, B vitamins, antioxidants, and L-arginine can support cognition.
Supplements can support joint function
Joints are essential for mobility, but they also take a lot of pressure when we walk, run, or jump up or down off the sofa and bed. If your dog has joint problems, then specific dog supplements with glucosamine may be helpful as it helps to repair damaged cartilage in joints, reduce inflammation in joints, and improve joint mobility over time.
Supplements can help prevent heart disease
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in dogs, so anything you can do to reduce the risk should be explored with your vet. Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil have been shown to reduce inflammation, which helps protect against heart disease. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties which help prevent damage by free radicals in the body, which can lead to heart problems.
Supplements can help with gut health
Probiotics may be beneficial if your dog has loose stools or diarrhea. Probiotics are good bacteria that are added back into the digestive system to help restore balance and prevent further problems from occurring. Probiotics can also help prevent allergies in some cases by reducing inflammation in the gut lining, which prevents allergens from reaching the bloodstream, where they cause an immune reaction.
Supplements promote skin health
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that aids in preventing skin damage and disease. If your dog is deficient in vitamin E, it can develop dry skin and hair loss. This can lead to severe itching that causes further problems with their skin. A lack of vitamin E may also lead to skin irritation, rashes, and more serious conditions like seborrhea, dermatitis, or even skin cancer.
Get the Highest Quality Dog Supplements
Your dog is probably your best friend. And when your dog is sick, it can make your life and theirs miserable. In fact, nothing gets someone out of bed faster than the sound of their dog throwing up (prove me wrong). Therefore, you should consider adding quality dog supplements to your furry friend’s regimen.
At Holistic Bin, we care not only about your health but also your dog’s health. We searched high and low to source the highest quality ingredients on the planet to provide a superior option when supplementing your dog’s nutrition.
The Holistic Bin Canine line of products are not only the highest quality you’ll find but properly dosed to ensure your dog gets the vital nutrients it needs to maintain optimized health.
Our lineup has four main dog supplements: Canine Super Greens, Canine Super Immune Blend, Organic Canine Atlantic Sea Kelp Blend, and Canine Fermented Farm Superfood.
Check out our full line of dog supplements to see what best matches your dog's needs to help prevent dog health problems from occurring in the future. Keeping yourself and your little buddy healthy should always be a priority!