Pet Vitamins and Supplements: The Pros and The Cons

Like any good pet owner, you may be wondering if there is a place for vitamins or supplements for your favorite pal. Before diving into a vitamin and supplement routine for your animal, you need to look at the benefits and drawbacks of this route. Here are a few of the pros and cons of pet supplements and vitamins for you to consider before you make a decision.

Pro: Supplements and Vitamins Can Be Effective

The bottom line is that pet vitamins and supplements can be an effective way to boost the overall health of your fur baby. Even if you are feeding your pet the best food that money can buy, they still may not be getting all the nutrients that they need. You should look at supplements and vitamins as an extra layer of health insurance for your pet.

There are several different vitamins and supplements on the market, designed to meet the specific health needs of every animal. Regardless of if you are looking for products to promote better oral health or to calm upset stomachs, there is a good chance that there is a vitamin or supplement to meet this need.

Pro: Aging Pets Will Particularly See the Benefits

While any pet can see the benefits of vitamins and supplements, aging pets will particularly see these advantages. For example, the right supplement can provide relief to animals that may be struggling with poor eyesight as they age.

Older pets also tend to develop arthritis as they get up there in years. A targeted glucosamine supplement may be beneficial in decreasing this discomfort while lubricating aging joins. A multivitamin designed for older pets is another tool that should be in your arsenal as your animal ages.

Pro: You Will Feel Good

There is no doubt that you will feel good about doing all that you can to help your pet lead a healthy and happy life. From making sure that your pet gets plenty of exercise, eats the best food, and is always comfortable, most pet owners want to feel confident that their favorite animal feels loved and taken care of.

Vitamins and supplements play an important role in guarding the health of your pet. You will have peace of mind knowing that your pet has everything that it needs to be healthy. Why stop short of doing all that you can for your furry friend?

Con: You Will Need to Research

Just like with the use of human supplements and vitamins, you will need to do your research before deciding on a regiment for your pet. Not all vitamins and supplements are created equal, making it important that you understand exactly what you are giving your animal.

If you are not careful about reading the labels, you may end up wasting your money on products that are not effective. Be sure to pay close attention to the filler ingredients on the label. Your veterinarian is a good resource if you are unsure about what to give your pet. You can also do your research online, however, it is important to check your sources carefully to make sure that you are getting objective reviews and information.

Con: Supplements May Interfere With Your Pet's Medication

You must realize that some supplements may interfere with prescription medications that your pet may be taking. This is why it is so important that you consult with your vet before starting your pet on any vitamin and supplement program.

A vet will be able to advise you on any potential contraindications. You do not want to give your pet a supplement thinking that is good for them only to find out that it is neutralizing the needed prescription medication. Be sure to let your vet know if you are giving your pet any additional vitamins or supplements at every appointment.

At the end of the day, whether or not to give your pet vitamins and supplements is a decision that you should make in consultation with your veterinarian. After reviewing all of the pros and cons and doing your due diligence in research, you will feel empowered to make the best decision for your pet.