Adding a puppy to your household is always a fun and exciting time. But in between your playtime and invigorating training sessions, new pet parents need to consider their newfound responsibility as well.
When you adopt a dog, you become their sole provider of food, shelter, companionship, and healthcare. There are many aspects to consider when it comes to keeping your pet healthy and happy, but one of the most important is making sure their nutritional needs are met.
If any aspects of their physical health aren’t being supported by their food alone, you may want to consider adding supplements to your puppy’s diet.
What Are Supplements for Puppies?
You may have heard of supplements for humans, but what about supplements for dogs? Humans will take vitamins when they need a bit of help with meeting their nutritional goals in addition to their meals, and the same goes for puppies.
Your young dog is growing each and every day, which means that they might need some extra support to get all the vitamins and minerals they need to grow big and strong. Vitamins for puppies often come in pill form like they do for humans. That said, they can also come in drops or treats that help make the experience more enjoyable for your pet.
Common Puppy Supplements
There are so many different types of supplements out there. Some vitamins for puppies are focused on one or two nutrients, while others are multivitamins that can help boost your puppy’s nutritional health across the board.
Let’s dive into a few of the best supplements for puppies that pet parents should know about. The types of supplements that your puppy could benefit from will vary based on many factors. That’s why it’s important to do your research and consult with your vet before putting your puppy on any kind of supplement regimen.
Skin and Coat Supplements
If your puppy has a dull coat or splotchy, irritated skin and could use some support, you can find supplements that are formulated specifically to help with this issue. Usually, these kinds of supplements will contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can also help with other organs, like your puppy’s heart and kidneys.
Keep in mind, though, that some skin concerns for puppies require more intervention than just supplements. Depending on your dog’s issue, you may need to get a prescription medication from your vet to ease their discomfort.
Iron Supplements
Iron is an essential mineral that plays an important role in your puppy’s health. It helps to regulate the circulatory system by creating new hemoglobin and red blood cells. Since puppies grow so rapidly, they tend to need more iron per day than adult dogs do. That’s why, depending on the brand you’re using, their food may not be meeting your puppy’s recommended iron intake.
Ask your vet about whether iron supplements might be right for your puppy, especially if they are underweight and need more support to grow strong. Just be careful that you keep any iron supplementation to a low dosage, as overdosing on iron can be dangerous.
Hip and Joint Supplements
The development of hip, knee, and other joint mobility issues is a much more common issue among older dogs than puppies. However, certain breeds are more susceptible to developing these problems than others.
You can help to prevent your dog from losing mobility by supplementing their joint health early on. Calcium and omega-3 fatty acid supplements are a great way to do this.
Immune Supplements
A strong immune system is essential for any dog, but especially for puppies. This is because their internal organs are still developing. If your puppy gets sick, they may not be able to recover as easily as they could if they had a fully developed immune system. For this reason, many pet parents supplement their growing puppy’s immunity with vitamin C supplements.
How to Tell if Your Puppy Is Vitamin Deficient
When do puppies need supplements to thrive and feel their best? If you’re wondering when to give vitamins to puppies, it’s important to know the signs that your pup is vitamin deficient. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Low energy
- Dull coat
- Dry skin
- Behavioral changes
- Itchiness
- Pale gums
- Excess mucus production
If you notice your puppy showing any of these symptoms, make sure to book a visit with your vet. They will be able to determine whether a vitamin deficiency or a deeper issue is the cause and what your course of action should be.
How to Safely Supplement Your Puppy’s Nutrition
If you choose to supplement your pet’s diet with vitamins for puppies, it’s important to do so safely. Here are some tips to help you do just that.
Learn About Your Puppy’s Breed
The best vitamins for puppies are the ones that your pet actually needs. If you supplement your pup’s diet with nutrients they don’t need, it could have negative health effects.
Research your dog’s breed and the types of supplements that could help them thrive. And make sure to find out the minimum age requirement for your dog’s breed to safely take supplements.
Ask Your Veterinarian
Your vet has experience with puppies and supplements, especially if they work with your dog’s breed regularly. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet with any questions about puppy nutrition and supplementation, and they’ll be happy to help you.
Watch for Any Adverse Effects
If you try out supplements for your puppy, keep a close eye on your pet for the first few days. Look for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
If they exhibit any of these symptoms, call your vet immediately.
Be Your Puppy’s Advocate for Health and Happiness
Do puppies need supplements? It simply depends on the situation. However, at the end of the day, your job as your puppy’s owner is to advocate for their health and well-being. Make sure you do lots of research into supplements, your puppy’s breed, and the different brands of vitamins before making your choice.
