Holistic medicine is an approach to healthcare that considers more than just the root issue. For instance, if someone is struggling with chronic pain then it may consider the body, the mind and perhaps even the spirit. Holistic treatment will often include numerous treatments beyond standard medical support from dietary considerations to acupuncture therapy and much more.
Holistic medicine has become more popular in recent years. According to the latest research, between 65 and 85% of people across the world depend on holistic medical processes. Interest in alternate healing has also surged in recent years. The search volume for the term ‘alternate healing’ has climbed 837% since 2016 and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.
It’s worth noting that holistic medicine is not just about supporting individual issues but also improving overall quality of life. This is one of the reasons why so many people these days are researching nutrition, acupuncture, and even sound to improve their health.
It’s not just humans that can benefit from holistic wellness processes. Pets can too and it’s no surprise that owners often research the best holistic supplements for their furry friends.
In this guide, we’ll explore how holistic supplements for dogs can provide the right benefits and the key factors that owners should consider.
How To Find Trusted Information On Holistic Supplement For Dogs
It can be difficult to know what holistic supplements for dogs you should consider for your pet. There are so many different possibilities on the market, it’s often hard to know where to start. So, where can you find the right trusted information on choices like this? Well, first you should always consult with your vet. It is often assumed that vets know nothing about options beyond the standard choices of medicine. However, this is not the case. Vets are often highly knowledgeable about the different holistic supplements that exist on the market and will even have choices and brands that they recommend to owners interested in exploring this possibility.
You might also want to check out some pet medical blogs. Here you will find plenty of information on the different possibilities that exist on the market. You may also want to consider looking at reviews of different supplement choices. However, do be aware that these are often paid for reviews and may not be 100% trustworthy. Paid reviews are often used to boost a brand’s reputation.
Medical Conditions Pet Supplements Can Support
Dog supplements can help manage or support a wide range of medical and wellness issues, particularly chronic or non-acute conditions. Here's a breakdown of common health problems in dogs that supplements can help with, and the types of supplements typically used for each:
Joint and Mobility Issues
Arthritis, hip dysplasia, joint pain, aging-related stiffness:
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Glucosamine & Chondroitin - support cartilage health
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MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) - anti-inflammatory
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Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) - reduce inflammation
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Turmeric/Curcumin - natural anti-inflammatory
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Green-lipped mussel - rich in joint-supporting compounds
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Type 2 Collagen- supports joint health
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CBD (cannabidiol-Vet approved)-Analgesic and mobility support
Cognitive Dysfunction / Aging Brain
Canine cognitive dysfunction (dog dementia), age-related confusion or anxiety:
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Antioxidants (Vitamin E, C, CoQ10) - protect brain cells
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Omega-3s (DHA) - support brain function
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SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine) - boosts neurotransmitter activity
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Phosphatidylserine - shown to improve memory and cognition
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Medicinal Mushrooms (Lion’s Mane)- Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Stimulation and neuroprotective.
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Ginkgo Biloba- Neurotransmitter modulation and improves blood flow to the brain.
Skin and Coat Problems
Dry skin, itching, hot spots, shedding, allergies:
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Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids - for skin moisture and anti-inflammatory support
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Biotin and Zinc - promote skin regeneration
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Probiotics - may reduce skin issues related to gut imbalance
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Quercetin - natural antihistamine-like effect
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Coconut oil- moisturizing and barrier support
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Aloe Vera- Soothing, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory support.
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CBD (cannabidiol-Vet approved)- anti-inflammatory and anti-itch.
Digestive Issues
Diarrhea, gas, IBD, food sensitivities, poor stool quality:
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Probiotics - replenish healthy gut bacteria
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Digestive enzymes - aid in breaking down food
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Slippery elm, pumpkin, ginger, psyllium husk - soothe the GI tract
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Prebiotics - feed beneficial gut microbes
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Essential Oils *under Vet guidance- Soothing / anti-spasmodic
Medicinal Mushrooms (Reishi)- Gut microbiome modulator.
Heart Health
Heart disease, murmurs, congestive heart failure (support only not cure) :
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Taurine and L-carnitine - amino acids important for heart muscle
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CoQ10 - improves heart function and circulation
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Omega-3 fatty acids - reduce blood pressure and inflammation
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Medicinal Mushrooms (Chaga, Reishi, Shiitake) Blood pressure support, antioxidant.
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Hawthorn- improves coronary blood flow
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Turmeric - reduces systemic inflammation > can worsen cardiovascular disease.
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Ginkgo biloba- Improves peripheral and cerebral circulation.
Anxiety
Separation anxiety, noise phobia, travel stress:
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L-theanine and L-tryptophan - promote calming neurotransmitters
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CBD oil (cannabidiol-Vet approved) - anxiety and pain relief
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Chamomile, valerian root, passionflower - natural calming herbs
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Melatonin - useful for noise and sleep issues
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Medicinal mushrooms (Lions mane, Reishi)- Promotes calm focus rather than sedation and adrenal function.
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Flower Essences and Essential oils- under Vet guidance- work energetically and emotionally.
How To Test Dog Supplements
There are lots of different dog supplements available on the market. So, how can you find the right choice for your pet? Here are some of the key points that you should consider when you are considering using a dog supplement.
First, check whether the supplement company is well-known or a reputable business brand. Look at their marketing and make sure that you explore whether they have received any reviews. The opinions of other pet owners will always be more relevant and valuable compared to the word of the brand itself.
Do check the ingredient list and look for information about where these ingredients are sourced from. Natural ingredients will always be more beneficial to your pet compared to other possibilities, particularly if they are from clear natural resources. The more transparency the more likely it is that you can trust the products that they are offering for your pet.
Be aware that some supplement brands are trusted and recommended by vets. This is why you should always make sure that you ask your vet about the different holistic supplements that you can give to your pet.
Don’t forget when you are looking at different supplements available on the market to check whether they have quality certifications. There are lots of different examples of this including the NASC seal, cGMP, Third-Party testing and more. You need to make sure that a brand has completed the necessary research and due diligence to ensure that their products are safe for the market.
Do make sure that you read the ingredient list carefully checking for any major red flags that should be avoided. Make sure that you are thinking about allergens specific to your dog. For instance, some dogs will react to wheat, soy and beef to name just a few possibilities. You should use verifiable resources like PetMD to check out the different ingredients and ensure that they are known for providing wellness benefits.
Once you have checked out the ingredients, make sure that you are looking at the dosage information. The dosage should be clear so you know exactly how much you can give to your dog and how much your dog will need on a daily basis. It is also important to guarantee that these supplements are specifically designed for dogs. Holistic supplements for humans will not work on pets and should never be given to animals. The reason for this is that we need different ingredients to support our health compared to our pets. It should also provide information on the right dosage for different sizes of dogs. Smaller dogs should not be provided with the same size of dosage as larger breeds.
Will Supplements Always Benefit Your Dog?
While supplements for dogs can provide massive health benefits for pets, it is important to be aware that it might not be suitable for your pet specifically. For instance, it’s possible that some supplements will interact with medication your dog is already using for an existing health condition. This is another reason why it is vital that you do talk to your vet before you give your pet anything that they have not prescribed specifically. Some supplements may also not be suitable for dogs that are pregnant, young, or in the later years of your life. It is important to consider this and potentially get your vet to do a bloodwork on your pet before you give them anything like this.
Red Flags For You To Consider
When choosing supplements for your dog, it is important to consider some of the red flags to watch out for. First, you should not use a supplement if it promises a ‘cure all’ solution.’ There is no supplement on the market that can guarantee this and it should be considered false advertising. If there is no dosage and no list of ingredients, then it’s possible that the company is hiding useless or even potentially dangerous ingredients. There should always be clear information for any product that you are using with your pet. Finally, make sure that the treatment is definitely for pets and not used for humans.
Using Supplements For The First Time
If you are using a supplement for your dog for the first time, then it is always important to notify your vet. They will check for any changes or signs that the supplement is having a negative impact. You should also gradually add the supplement to your pet’s diet and only use the recommended dose provided by the brand. If you notice any adverse side effects, then you should stop administering the supplement immediately. It is unlikely that symptoms like this will subside overtime and they may even get worse.
We hope this helps you understand some of the key factors that you should consider when exploring holistic wellness supplements for dogs. Remember, these can provide a fantastic range of benefits and may even ensure that your dog has a greater quality of life if they are struggling with certain health conditions. This becomes particularly important as your dog gets older and certain health issues become more likely.
Remember when using holistic supplements, you need to make sure that you are completing the right level of research. While supplements like this can provide significant benefits, it’s always important to check whether they are the right choice for your dogs.