Have you ever wondered why there are so many different types of dog chews? Or maybe you know the answer - because dogs love to chew!
Chewing seems to be a universal favorite no matter what breed of dog you share your life with.
But taking health supplements isn't always your dog's favorite. Adding whatever supplement your dog needs into a soft chew can make life easier on you both - and more fun.
The good news is, soft chews for dogs today typically taste really good. For this reason, it is always a good idea to store your dog's soft chew supplements in a safe place out of your dog's reach.
Remember, always talk with your canine veterinarian if you have any questions about offering canine soft chew supplements to your dog. Now let's take a closer look at the different types of soft chew supplements that might benefit your pup's health.
Mobility Chews for Dogs
When the joints stop working as well, your dog may experience a lack of mobility. This can really cause a loss of quality of life for your pup!
The AKC-CHF recommends supplements as part of a comprehensive support program to help dogs with mobility issues feel better, move more easily and enjoy life more.
dogs are easy even for senior dogs to chew and swallow and are tasty enough to be disguised as treats.
Probiotic Chews for Dogs
PetMD points out that the canine gut and the human gut are more alike than different.
For example, nearly three-quarters of your dog's immune system resides in their gut - same as it is for you.
If you have noticed more conversation online and elsewhere about probiotics for dogs, this is exactly why. It is now thought that dogs can benefit from probiotics supplements just like people often can.
But of course, this doesn't means you can just give a probiotic made for you to your dog. There are actually many different strains of these beneficial bacteria. Some strains are thought to be better for the canine gut than others.
PetMD states that canine researchers now have evidence to support the use of canine probiotics for easing gut imbalance that can lead to diarrhea/farting, bad breath, yeast infections, bloating and proper bowel function.
One of the easiest ways to offer probiotics to dogs is in the form of soft chews. It is also important to follow the manufacturer dosing directions. When in doubt, always defer to your dog's veterinarian for dosing instructions.
Prebiotic Chews for Dogs
Prebiotics and probiotics are frequently confused and it is easy to see why - the two terms look and sound almost exactly alike!
But prebiotics and probiotics have very different functions in your dog's body just as they do in your body.
Prebiotics is a term that describes a certain type of insoluble dietary fiber. Insoluble dietary fiber is very valuable for regulating digestion and elimination.
As Veterinary Practice News (VPN) explains, prebiotics are a special type of fiber that helps nourish the beneficial bacteria inside your dog's intestinal system. VPN calls prebiotics "functional food" for this reason.
Prebiotic soft chews for dogs can offer an easy way to supplement additional prebiotics as needed. This can be done as early as puppyhood, VPN states.
Calming Chews for Dogs
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) states that as many as 40 percent of all dogs may suffer from some form of stress. Many dogs struggle through thunderstorms, fireworks, separation from their littermates and then from their human carers.
While it is not possible to know for sure, just by observing the symptoms and behaviors it is easy to think that canine stress is just as awful-feeling as human stress. So when you see your dog showing signs of nervousness or panic, it is only natural to want to do something to provide calm.
Calming chews for dogs are one of many potentially helpful supplemental remedies that are available for pups and their owners today. Not only can chewing itself be calming to an nervous dog, but the beneficial ingredients in calming chews can often provide an additional method of easing stress.
Even the best behaved and socialized dogs can feel nervous during a move, when a new pet joins the family, when a family member leaves for college or in the presence of health issues. Rescue dogs that have previously experienced abuse or abandonment may be even more prone to canine stress.
It can be helpful to talk with your veterinarian about a comprehensive approach to calming a nervous dog. This may include calming chews, a pressure shirt, behavior modification and training and other aids.
Anti Itch Chews for Dogs
Itching, or pruritus, is a very common malady for dogs. As Merck Veterinary Manual highlights, itching can start for many different reasons.
Among the most common reasons a dog will develop pruritus include allergies, bug bites, parasites and yeast infections. Sometimes genetic skin issues can also cause itching.
Sometimes the itching shows up right away. But other times the itching may show up after another health issues has been treated.
Dogs, like people, can also develop dry skin, which is another common reason for canine itching. When your dog is itching, you might not realize it at first because they may lick or bite their paws or skin. Sometimes the signs will be more obvious, like a dog that rubs their ears on the ground.
Anti itch chews for dogs can potentially provide relief from itching. And it is always smart to make sure you know exactly what is causing your dog to itch to make sure any underlying health issues are treated by your dog's veterinarian.
Multivitamin Chews for Dogs
Dogs, like people, need different amounts of nutrients throughout life. In puppyhood what a dog will need may look very different than what that same dog will need in adulthood and during the senior years.
As WebMD Pets points out, as homemade dog food has become increasingly popular, there is a corresponding increased need for vitamin and mineral supplementation.
It is always wise to talk with your dog's veterinarian to be sure your dog is getting the full spectrum of nutrition they need to stay health throughout life. Multivitamin chews can make it easy to supplement any missing nutrients.
Allergy Soft Chews for Dogs
According to Vet Info, as many as half of all companion canines may suffer from some form of allergy.
Allergies to food, pollen, pests and environmental toxins can cause itching, sneezing, wheezing, infection, diarrhea, vomiting, skin abrasion and bare patches on the coat, among other symptoms.
Treating canine allergies is quite similar to treating human allergies in that first it is necessary to find out what is causing the allergic reaction! In some breeds, the allergies may even be genetic.
It often takes a combined approach to treat allergies because in addition to addressing the trigger (what is causing the allergy) you need to ease the symptoms. Allergy soft chews may be a good addition to help your dog cope with the discomfort of allergies
Skin & Coat Chews for Dogs
Different dog breeds can have very different coat types and it is important to learn what an "ideal coat" is for your dog's breed.
This is so important because your dog's coat has many functions. As VCA Hospitals points out, one function of your dog's coat condition can be to serve as an early warning sign of health issues.
VCA Hospitals states that nutrition is one primary cause that your dog's coat may not look and function as it should.
Skin and coat chews may be a valuable source of supplementation to keep the coat thick, full and healthy.
These different types of canine soft chew supplements can each have a beneficial use to make sure your dog looks and feels great. When your dog is happy, healthy and active, you know they are enjoying the best quality of life.
