Fish Oil for Dogs, Cats and other Pets

Is it beneficial to use fish oil for dogs, cats and other pets?

Fish oil is rich in the omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. These essential fatty acids have been very widely researched and shown to have a multitude of benefits and positive effects on the function and health of various parts of the human body. These include brain function and health, joint health, better immunity, protection against serious disease, as well as cardiovascular function and heart health.

Omega 3 fatty acids also bring health benefits to dogs and other pets. Logically speaking, these animals should enjoy at least some of the positive health effects which these essential fatty acids bring to human beings. Dogs, after all, are, like humans, also mammals, and would quite likely be afflicted by similar health ailments. That being the case, using fish oil for dogs and other pets should come with some benefits.

Indeed, there has been research which suggests that omega 3 fatty acids help animals, including both dogs and cats, fight health ailments like diabetes, kidney disease and obesity. These benefits are similar to the health benefits which fish oil and omega 3's bring to humans.

What other benefits does using fish oil for dogs and other pets bring? Omega 3 fatty acids are well-lauded for their ability to alleviate inflammation in the body. This makes them great for relieving arthritis and the associated painful and stiff joints. Whether the problem is in the knees, hips or elsewhere, fish oil could help.

Another well-known health benefit of fish oil is its ability to improve the brain health and function of humans. The same applies to dogs. Studies suggest that DHA and EPA play an important role in the proper development of brains in puppies.

Further, fish oil and omega 3's are great for heart and cardiovascular health. And these effects apply to using fish oil for dogs and other pets, too. For example, it was found in one particular study that dogs which were hit by heart failure had lower DHA and EPA levels in their bodies than those which were not. It was also found that omega 3 intake via supplements boosted the dogs' survival rates. Fish oil can help to reduce unhealthy cholesterol levels, too.

Then there are positive effects on animal fur. Omega 3's like DHA and EPA improve the skin health of humans. In a similar fashion, fish oil can make the fur of dogs and other pets healthier and shiner. Using fish oil for dogs can even help to provide relief from annoying skin and fur ailments, such as dry skin, hair loss, redness, swelling, itchiness, etc. In general, fish oil is also useful for dealing with allergies.

Omega 3's benefit human health in many ways, and such benefits should also be enjoyed by dogs, cats and other pets, at least to some extent. Whether you are looking to help keep serious diseases, including cancer, away from your pet, looking to deal with certain health ailments, or simply wishing for general health maintenance, fish oil may have a part to play in your pet's diet.

There are specific companies which provide fish oil for dogs and other pets, in the form of pet or dog fish oil supplements. It should also be fine to use fish oil which is meant for humans. A sensible thing to do when giving them fish oil is to use lower dosages, in proportion to their body weight.

One thing you may want to note - fish oil and omega 3 fatty acids are blood thinners. And if you are thinking of using therapeutic dosages of fish oil on your pet in an attempt to deal with certain health conditions, it may be a good idea to consult with your vet.

(Fish oil supplements are usually in pill / capsule / tablet form.)