Omega-3 fatty acids, the key nutrient in fish oil for dogs and cats has been making waves for a couple of years, since it has been linked to hair, skin, joint, and heart health in people. As it turns out, it has much the same benefits for dogs and cats.
If you're wondering about adding this supplement to your pet's diet, here are 5 situations where fish oil for cats and dogs can make a difference.
1. Arthritis
Pets suffering from arthritis are dealing with no small amount of pain. When they start showing signs that it hurts to move around, fish oil might help restore some mobility to their creaky joints. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory capabilities of Omega-3, fish oil is an all natural way to help reduce joint tenderness and stiffness, fight back against cartilage-destroying enzymes, and help your pet require less pain medicine to deal with their pain.
2. High Cholesterol
Heart plaque buildup is always a concern, so the fact that fish oil can help reduce the risk of heart disease in pets is great news for pet parents everywhere. Helping to diminish triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and the development of blood clots, easy-to-administer supplements containing Omega-3 fatty acids like Omega Caps for dogs are a handy way to ensure that your dog or cat’s heart stays healthy.
3. Itching
Helping to improve hydration and ease inflammation, fish oil is a great way to help manage your dog or cat’s dry skin or dandruff. It can also be useful in the treatment of hot spots. If your pet is dealing with a skin condition, contact your vet and see if fish oil is worth adding to their diet.
4. Kidney disease
By helping to reduce swelling in the kidneys (thanks to the natural anti-inflammatory effects), fish oil can help pets suffering from kidney disease.
5. Coat health
While the fact that fish oil and Omega-3s help to make your pet’s coat shinier and more luminous might sound like a purely cosmetic benefit, the truth is that coat health is incredibly important. If your pet's coat starts to lose its sheen, it can often result in uncomfortable health problems. Dogs and cats with a dull, brittle coat are often more prone to the elements, giving them dry skin and dandruff, as well as making them just generally uncomfortable. The fact that Omega-3s can help revitalize their damaged fur is a huge benefit, especially during the colder months.
Another benefit: it can keep pets from shedding as much, which means you'll have fewer hairballs to clean up.
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This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.