Dogs need to drink fish oil. If you choose the right dosage, you can solve many health problems. The multicomponent composition of fish oil provides the animal with the necessary elements for the full development and harmonious growth.
When to Give Fish Oil
Veterinarians note the need for the presence of fish oil in the pet’s diet. The use of the substance is especially important for certain diseases and conditions:
- problems with the organs of the cardiovascular system;
- allergy;
- inflammatory skin diseases;
- disorders of the immune system;
- rickets;
- disorders of the organs of vision;
- digestive problems.
Fish oil helps to strengthen muscles and bones, it stops the development of arthritis and arthrosis, and alleviates the painful condition in these diseases. Various skin rashes also become less pronounced. In particular, it is an allergy, dermatitis, eczema.
Useful composition
Fish oil contains the following beneficial elements:
- polyunsaturated fatty amino acids. The same omega that improves the metabolism in the body;
- other acids: palmitic and oleic. They also help to improve metabolism, improve the functioning of the immune system;
- iodine, bromine and phosphorus. Improve the work of the central nervous system;
- vitamin A and D. They are responsible for the condition of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and teeth.
Regular use of fish oil makes the coat healthy and shiny. This substance improves the absorption of calcium. All body systems begin to work much more efficiently. Immunity improves, the nervous system returns to normal, visual acuity and hearing increase.
Which fish oil to choose?
Fish oil can be purchased in capsules or in liquid form. Of course, taking a substance in a capsule is much easier. Firstly, it is easy to calculate the dosage, and secondly, there will be no problems with storage. In addition, there is no unpleasant smell and taste that can repel the dog. But the liquid substance is cheaper, it can be added to food, and it also does not cause allergies due to the absence of a gelatin shell.
Before buying, it is necessary to study the label. In order for fish oil to be of high quality, it must be produced not from the liver of the fish, but from its muscles. Preferably, the substance should be extracted from herring or mackerel, or even better – from salmon.
In no case should you buy unrefined fat, it may contain harmful components. It is better if there are no additional components in the composition, since usually perfumes are needed to mask violations in the production process.
Also, you can not give human capsules to your dog, be sure to use funds from a veterinary pharmacy. It should be written on the packaging. Pay attention to the pharmacist to get fish oil from the refrigerator, since only under these conditions does the substance retain its properties. After exposure to sunlight, the product becomes unusable.
How to choose a dosage
The dose is determined by the age of the pet, the level of its activity, and the state of health.
Puppies should consume fish oil first of all. It will protect them from rickets, as well as delays in development. If the babies are on artificial feeding, then he will need fish oil from the first days of life.
The dose should be appropriate for age. So, up to a month is given one capsule or half a teaspoon of liquid substance. From a month to six months, they give twice as much, and from six months to a year – one and a half teaspoons or three capsules.
The whole first year of life, the use of fish oil is mandatory every day, after a year – if necessary. It is possible to cancel fish oil for a puppy only in case of a disorder of the digestive system. In this case, the drug should be canceled for 10-15 days.
An adult dog can be given complex vitamin preparations instead of fish oil. If you feed the animal with a full-fledged feed, you can do without additives at all.
In general, an adult animal can use a “child” dosage. This is one capsule or half a teaspoon per day. At the same time, it is worth giving the drug in courses. Three months to take and three to rest. It is desirable that the reception falls on the autumn and spring months.
But pregnant and lactating animals need fish oil daily. The first month of pregnancy is given a preventive dosage, and then until the end of feeding – double.
How to give?
It is preferable to give fish oil not at the time of the meal, but separately, but rarely will the animal go for this. Therefore, it is necessary to find ways to give the drug unnoticed by the dog. It is permissible to mix the supplement with any food, the main thing is that the animal eats the entire portion to the end, since only in this case it will be able to receive the entire dose of the substance.
Contraindications and side effects
Fish oil should not be taken in case of acute intestinal diseases, in case of intolerance. Also direct contraindications are:
- tuberculosis;
- kidney disease;
- urolithiasis disease;
- tumors;
- diarrhea;
- failure in digestion.
If surgery is planned on a dog, fish oil is also canceled. When feeding with high-quality complete feeds, the use of additives is contraindicated. When receiving vitamins, an overdose can occur, which is no less dangerous than a lack of certain substances.
There are no side effects of fish oil. But there are allergic reactions, overdoses. Problems can also arise if the drug is expired or stored incorrectly. Also, a dog can become ill from cheap fish oil. Often there is nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased immunity. If you notice one of these symptoms, you should stop using fish oil.
When the dose is exceeded, various pathological conditions may occur. So, the dog may start to eat poorly, become lethargic and lethargic, her skin will begin to peel off or become covered with rashes, and her coat will become dull. Very often, exceeding the dosage leads to disruption of the reproductive system.
If you give an increased dose of the drug regularly, calcium deposits may appear in the soft tissues, and as a result, osteoporosis will develop. More serious consequences include bleeding, diabetes, and hepatitis. To avoid negative consequences, before using the drug, you should consult a doctor.
How to store the drug
Fish oil can be stored in a place protected from sunlight. If you purchased a bottle and did not open it, you can store it for a year, after opening – only a month. It is preferable to keep the medicine in a cool room with a temperature not exceeding 10 degrees.
Capsules are stored for two years. Keep them in a dark place, but it is not necessary to observe the temperature regime.
Fish oil is a healthy nutritional supplement for children and adults. It has a beneficial effect on all systems of the body, if it comes in the right amount. Before use, you should always consult a doctor, never exceed the dosage and choose a high-quality expensive remedy.