Why Omega 3 Fish Oil For Dogs is Significant

Let me tell you about my experience with omega 3 fish oil for dogs. I own a keeshond, a beautiful breed known to have a variety of minor health problems. Their average lifespan is 12-15 years of age. Mine is 12.

His major health problems for years had to do with chronic diarrhea and occasional vomiting. I finally figured out that the vomiting was caused by the dry dog food and I started feeding him canned. That did not correct the diarrhea.

After doing a lot of reading and research, I learned that the tap water in our home had a lot of different contaminants, including chlorine, which can cause diarrhea. To see if that could be the problem; I started giving him bottled water.

Bingo! Problem solved; no more diarrhea. Eventually, I bought a water purifier to put on the kitchen tap.

Hip dysplasia, skin problems, heart disease and arthritis are some of the health problems common in older keeshonds. A few years ago, I started noticing that mine had rheumy eyes, a kind of clouding of the lens.

I knew about the health benefits of fish oil. I had been taking it myself for over a decade. But, I had never thought about omega 3 for dogs, until he started having a big problem with dry itchy skin. That was this year.

He also seemed to be having more trouble getting around. He was walking more slowly and slept more, didn't seem to want to go outside. Since he is 12, I initially chalked all of these things up to his age. But, the itchy skin was making him miserable and he was losing his beautiful coat, as a result.

So, I went to Pub-Med and looked for research concerning omega 3 fish oil for dogs. There were studies showing that it was beneficial for their joints, their digestive system, their skin and the visual development of puppies. I was easily convinced. So, I started looking for a brand designed specifically for our canine friends. As far as I can tell, there is none.

Dosage was my main concern. But, after I thought about it, I realized that the amount in the brand that I take is about what you get in a piece of salmon. So, I started giving him one a day.

He was getting around a little better and was a little less itchy. I upped the dose to one capsule twice a day, which is about 2000mg or two pieces of salmon.

Omega 3 for dogs is obviously important, because here is what I have seen. He is getting around better, even running and playing with our younger dog. His skin is improving and his hair is growing back in. The truly amazing thing is that his eyes are no longer rheumy, which is something that I never expected.

In conclusion, here's the part where I tell you to talk to your vet about the right dose. It would be wrong to suggest omega 3 fish oil for dogs, without also mentioning that too much could cause bleeding problems.