Are Supplements Really Worth It?

There are so many amazing supplements out there and probably more than we can keep track of. I see so many people adding different things to their dogs bowl, but are they worth it? We’re gonna walk you through some of the supplements we stock in our shop, why they’re beneficial for your dog, and why you should always have some in your cupboard.

 

Let’s start with why adding supplements can help. From a bad belly, to smelly breath and finishing with a dry coat, there are so many options for fixing visible issues with your dogs health. Whether you have an 8 week old puppy or a 10 year old senior, supplements are great for preventing health issues and helping to relive problems that already exist. They can also be used for a number of problems that are seasonal, organ specific and mental health. The best part about are supplements is they come in various forms such as, oils, powders tablets & ointments so you can find the perfect blend for you dog.

 

Starting with general care, we have a number of supplements that can help combat visible issues such as dental and digestive. For example seaweed powder is a great way to help keep dental hygiene in tip top condition. Providing a natural solution for oral hygiene, seaweed prevents bad breath, plaque and tartar build up, and promotes healthier gums and cleaner teeth.

 

Another general health issue can be the most obvious and smelly. A stinky or runny poo is the first sign of your dog having a bad belly, but instead if waiting for their gut to clear, a speedy way to help ensure their stomach is better, is by using Tree Barks Powder. Using a combination of Slippery Elm Bark, Marshmallow Root, and White Poplar Bark, this mix helps maintain good and regularity in the bowl, while assisting and soothing gut transit.

 

Seasonal issues can also have an effect on your dog. Starting with the summer, when the grass gets longer and fresher, and your dog is running through the fields, this can sometimes cause itchiness and hives. Normally this can be down to the high pollen count but my first recommendation would be to make the switch to raw. If that route isn’t for you or you’re already a raw feeder then you can try supplements. Boston Barks Bee Pollen & Spirulina have a whole bunch of health benefits but one they both have in common, is that they’re a natural antihistamine. Adding one of these, will help sooth itchy and swollen skin which is a common problem during the warmer months.

 

Situational factors can also be helped using supplements. Every female dog owner knows the stress and anxiety their four legged friend undergoes during their seasons. Their hormones are heightened and sometimes they can endure phantom pregnancies. A good way to help control their hormones and bring them back down to a normal level, would be by using Proflax’s Moody Bitch. This oil based supplement contains omega 3 & 6 and concentrated herbal tinctures which help to balance hormones and reduce tension and moodiness.

 

Another situational factor that is very common in dogs in general day to day life as well as celebratory holidays is anxiety, stress & nervousness. We have a lot of different blends and ingredients to help reduce Anxiety such as Verm X calming blend, Dorwest Scullcap & Valerian & Anco Hemp Oil. These different supplements are all Boston Barks owner approved! Having a nervous dog can be a daily struggle and there’s nothing worse than seeing your best made terrified of general daily sounds, dogs or people. Our CEO, Hobbs has personally tested each one of these supplements and can confirm they all work. I find using the Dorwest valerian compound can be better during bonfire night, as this ointment can be added to any soft furnishing, such as toys or bedding. Inhaling this adds an extra dose when loud noises are more frequent.  On a daily basis, we add Verm X Calming powder and Anco Hemp Oil to his food for a general calming dosage.

 

Supplements can also be great for targeted organ issues. Dog’s who suffer from liver, heart or kidney problems can also be given supplements to help aid their function. Once again a proven case for this, is Hobbs. When I first got Hobbs, we were told he had a grade three heart murmur. To help reduce this issue, I began to include Proflax’s Healthy Heart ointment into his food. This oil helps aid good circulation, and support his cardiovascular system. Hobbs is now two, and his heart murmur has drooped to a grade 1. Another supplement that you can give to aid any cardiovascular issues is Boston Barks beetroot powder. This powder includes iron which has been proven to help general heart problems.

Proflax also has a number of organ specific oils such as Kidney Care & Liver Love. These, once again help aid the function of the organs whether it be a diagnosed health issue or you just want to help keep your dog fit and healthy.

The most popular physical issue people like to help their dogs fight is joint problems. Dogs get old just like we do and also suffer from the same joint stiffness as us. Helping your dog to move around without pain is so rewarding, as they get to be just as physically fit as a one year old. Salmon Oil, and Verm X Joint Support topper can be helpful blends to reduce inflammation, support cartilage and get those legs moving. These supplements can be used as a preventative, as well as solution.

 

Hopefully we have given you an insight into what kinds of supplements are available as well as what they do. If you have any more questions regarding any of he supplements discussed or have a problem that hasn’t been mentioned, don’t hesitate to contact us and we can help you out!

 

Go check out some of the products we offer on our health page and improve your dogs lifestyle!

 

Boston Barks,

Love, Dogs