You’ve probably heard that the omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like salmon (or fish oil), walnuts, and flax are great for your health. These healthy oils have the potential to reduce cholesterol and heart disease, amongst other benefits, when added to your diet in moderation (at least two servings a week). In addition, studies have shown that omega-3 may help people to deal with health problems related to inflammation, such as arthritis. But you have to ingest them through food because even though they are critical to your health, your body can’t produce them (that’s what we call a design flaw). So now that you’re attending to your own health needs by adding omega-3 to your diet, it’s time to look at what this essential fatty acid can do for the health and wellness of your pets.
In truth, omega-3 fatty acids may do even more for domesticated animals than they do for their human owners. While fish oil was originally used to treat allergies common to pets (due to anti-inflammatory properties), it is now indicated for a number of diverse conditions that can occur in the animal world. In fact, it has become one of the most popular supplements for pets suffering from disorders like arthritis and kidney disease and problems like high cholesterol and issues with the skin and coat (itching, rashes, etc.). Despite the fact that it is considered a supplement (not a medication) many veterinarians will prescribe it as a treatment for certain ailments rather than going straight to pharmaceuticals.
One of the best indications for the inclusion of fish oil in your pet’s diet is skin irritation. These fatty oils found predominantly in fish will do wonders for a pet that is constantly itching and shedding due to allergies, irritants, or just dry weather. You’ll soon see soft skin and a shiny coat replace your poor pet’s formerly bedraggled appearance. And the fact that you won’t have to listen to a collar jingling all night as your pet scratches is just a bonus. But if you discover that your furry friend has more serious problems, omega-3 could still come to the rescue.
It has not only been shown to be effective at treating arthritis and heart disease, but it may even be a contender as a deterrent to some cancers. In studies with animals, some cases showed that the addition of fish oil coincided with a slowed growth rate of some forms of cancer. Although further studies must be done to confirm these findings, it seems clear that you really can’t go wrong by adding a fish oil supplement to your pet’s diet.
So whether your dog needs a bed bug rash treatment, your cat has high cholesterol, or your chinchilla is molting like it’s got the mange, perhaps it’s time to talk to your vet about the possibility of including an omega-3 supplement in your pet’s diet. At the very least, it can provide for a healthy coat and skin. But it’s pretty likely it will do a lot more to improve your pet’s overall health and potentially even set back the clock on the signs of aging, especially for animals that are struggling with arthritic joints and high cholesterol.
Jamie Lewis writes for Bed Bugs.org where you can find out what causes a bedbug infestation and how to eliminate them from your home.
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