When our pets are young and full of energy, it’s hard to imagine that they’ll ever slow down. They’re nimble, sprightly, and agile, and the only thing on their minds is their next walk, run, or play session.
But as the years pass by, our loveable companions mature and begin to slow down. And much like humans, they can use all the help they can get when it comes to squaring off against father time.
A healthy diet and exercise are great cornerstones for your pet’s health, but as they reach their elder years, you’ll likely want to start incorporating a joint supplement into their lives. One great way to do that is by adding fish oil to their diets. Keep reading to see how fish oil can be a great benefit for senior pet joint issues.
What Is Fish Oil?
Fish oil is a dietary supplement that is loaded with two omega-3 fatty acids called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Our bodies (and our pets) need these fatty acids for a variety of different reasons including cell growth, brain function, muscle activity, and pain reduction.
These omega-3s come from fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and herring. Our bodies don’t produce much of these omega-3s on their own, so it’s important we get them from other sources.
Is Fish Oil a Good Joint Supplement?
Fish oil is one of the best joint supplements for dogs or cats because it helps fight inflammation, reduces pain and swelling, and works to prevent blood clots.
It’s strongly backed by the veterinarian community, and its ease of use and huge array of benefits make it one of the most popular pet supplements on the market.
Other Benefits of Fish Oil
Great for the Skin
If you have a pet that is constantly scratching its itchy skin, fish oil might be just what the doctor ordered. Fish oil can help pets with dry, flaky skin, or allergies, by reducing the production of cytokines in their bodies, which is a known source of inflammation.
Heart Health
Fish oil can act as an anti-coagulant and can help prevent blood clots in pets. It’s also thought to help with maintaining a healthy heart rhythm for our four-legged friends.
Soothes Arthritic Pain
Arthritis can be common in senior pets and can cause chronic pain. Fish oil helps ease the pain by decreasing the production of prostaglandins in the body, which are known to stimulate inflammation in the joints.
Improved Cognitive Functions
Fish oil is great for the brain. Senior dogs and cats have shown improved memory and family-member recognition when treated with fish oil. It’s great for pets of all ages too, as puppies have shown increased learning abilities compared to those that hadn’t taken the supplement.
Slows Down Kidney Disease
Fish oil has been shown to slow down the progression of kidney disease, particularly in cats. It’s thought to lower blood pressure and reduce the production of harmful inflammatory substances that affect the kidneys.
The Difference Can Be Life-Changing
Pet owners are often blown away by the positive impact that supplements have on their pets when they first start incorporating a joint supplement into their diets. The difference can be night and day, and you’ll probably wish that you would have started sooner.
But it’s never too late to help your pets enjoy their golden years. Contact Pawtology today to discuss the perfect supplement for your senior pet.