I was reading a back issue of one of our favorite magazines, The Whole Dog Journal, and came across an interesting article about fish oil as a supplement for dogs. In addition to improving skin and coat, the article reminded me that fish oil is a great supplement for dogs who have a number of conditions that we see regularly here at Rocky’s Retreat. For instance, fish oil

• reduces inflammation due to arthritis, allergies and inflammatory bowel disease,
• regulates the immune system,
• helps mental development in fetuses and puppies and improves cognitive function in older dogs,
• lowers blood pressure and triglycerides
• provides support for dogs with kidney or heart disease, or cancer, and, best of all
• promotes weight loss in overweight dogs

You can give your dog the same fish oil you take yourself. The amount of EPA and DHA – the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil vary by product, so do your research when looking for a fish oil supplement. Also, if you’re concerned about contaminants, look for “molecularly distilled” products.

How much should you give your dog? According to the article, healthy dogs can be given 100 to 150 mg of EPA and DHA per 10 pounds of body weight daily, and dogs with health problems can be given up to 300 mg per 10 pounds of body weight. One ounce of canned fish with bones, such as mackerel, salmon, etc. averages about 300 mg of EPA/DHA combined.

As with most things, more if often not better. Too much fish oil can lead to increased bleeding, and can contribute to inflammation, so be careful not to give too much.  

If your dog is experiencing any of the conditions above, give fish oil or canned fish a try. I know my dog loves the smell of the canned mackerel I give him, and he gobbles it right up!

We are the only Orlando dog boarding and Orlando doggie day care center that has an indoor heated pool for dogs. See it for yourself by scheduling a tour!

Rocky's Retreat | 2826 Shader Rd. Orlando FL 32808 | info@rockysretreat.com | (407) 295-3888