Natural Pet Supplements, Vitamins And Herbal Remedies

A holistic approach to improving a pet's health is through natural pet supplements. Ideally a preventative step rather than ailment remedy, natural pet supplements can enhance a pet's overall health coupled with a good diet and exercise. Similar to the human experience, what is put into a pet's body will be the factors that play into the pet's longevity and wellness.

Natural pet supplements generally include pet vitamins, minerals, enzymes and/or probiotics. Designed to help maintain health and prevent disease, pet vitamins include natural elements like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, or selenium. Oxidative stress, the process thought to weaken the immune system, is lessened when vitamin supplements are regularly given adding to the pet's healthy growth and development.

To strengthen a pet's bone growth, nervous system and muscular system, mineral natural pet supplements should be considered including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Natural pet supplements using enzymes aid in the digestive process and boost cell creation and repair, conversion of food to energy, and regulation of body chemistry. Probiotic natural pet supplements are the good bacteria that improve immune function and prevent infections.

Another organic approach to rounding out a pet's diet is through herbal remedies. The process of using herbs is a long standing traditional medicinal practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts. Milk thistle, a flowering plant in the daisy family, is commonly given to pets as an herbal remedy to liver problems, like hepatitis, as it has been found to protect the cells of the liver from the disease toxins. To combat a weakening immune system, herbal remedies such as Echinacea can be added to a pet's daily routine to help fight off infections, diseases ,and cancer. To calm car sickness and digestive problems such as gas and diarrhea, ginger root has been found to be an effective herbal remedy. The tree's bark, Slippery Elm, is thought to be used as natural pet supplements to treat constipation and upset stomachs in pets.

Different natural pet supplements have been known to treat common diseases such as arthritis, cancer, seizures, stomach and intestinal problems, liver ailments, urinary and skin diseases, and immune deficiencies. Natural pet supplements can also be used on a daily basis to add to the prolonged health of a pet. Some veterinarians aren't as familiar with herbal remedies, as it is a step away from the conventional Western medical approach. So finding a veterinarian that knows herbal supplementation practices is important.

Given the varying size of pets the hardest thing to do is universally apply a dosage. Benefits of vitamin supplements are based on human studies, with the average weight of 150 pounds. Adjusting dosage based on pet size is very significant. Monitoring the pet once supplements are administered is crucial, as some pets could experience allergic reactions. Consult an informed veterinarian.

It is important for a pet to maintain a healthy diet, have added nutrients through natural pet supplements, and remain active so it can continue to be part of a family for as long as possible. Natural pet supplements add to a pet's overall quality of life and help ensure longevity, development, and growth.


Sources:
“Antioxidant.” Wikipedia. 18 May 2007. 18 May 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioxidant
Herbal Supplements and Nutraceuticals. American Animal Hospital Association. 2007. 19 May 2007. http://www.healthypet.com/library_view.aspx?id=119
Pet Antioxidants - Antioxidants for Dogs and Cats. Pet Nutritional Information. Feb. 2005. 18 May 2007. http://www.petnutritioninfo.com/pet_antioxidants.h tm
Pet Health Facts. PetSupplements.com. 2001-2007. Dr. Christina Schelling, Schelling Veterinary Services. 18 May 2007. 18 May 2007. http://www.petsupplements.com/
“Supplement.” Wikipedia. 5 May 2007. 18 May 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supplements