Every pet owner, dog owners included, wants the best for their beloved friend. As a dog owner, you may even feel as though your dog is a member of your family, and take any necessary steps to ensure your dog’s well-being. One thing that many dog owner’s do, along with making sure their dog has a healthy diet, is to give their dog natural health supplements, to boost his or her overall health .There are many different herbal supplements out there that are successfully used for treating many common dog ailments, it is just a matter of taking the time to do some research to decide which ones will be best for your dog.

One of the most common natural health supplements used for dogs is flaxseed oil. Some pet owners use flaxseed oil to help keep their dog’s skin and coat healthy, either as preventive medicine, or whenever problems arise. Many common skin ailments can be healed, or at the least the symptoms relieved, by the use of flaxseed oil.

If you are not a fan of the many commercial flea repellents on the market for dogs today, then you might want to think about using garlic, as a natural flea repellent. In most cases, the garlic will be much safer for your dog and friendlier on your wallet as well!

Licorice root has long been used in many dog foods and natural health supplements because it aids in digestion, helping alleviate stomach upset, diarrhea, and even reflux.

For older dogs suffering from joint pain and stiffness, often a sign of arthritis, a glucosamine chondroitan supplement may do the trick. Not only can this supplement work for your dog, but you as well! Over time, the cartilage between the joints, especially the hips, starts to decay, or wear away, causing movement to be painful, and inflammation to occur. This supplement can help to replenish that lost cartilage, providing extra cushioning to those painful joints, and giving your dog some much needed pain relief.

Much like licorice root, ginger root can also aid in digestion, and is used to treat many canine digestive problems, such as gas and nausea. It may even help prevent your dog from getting sick in the car, which can be a common occurrence for some breeds.

Vitamin C supplements can help your dog as he or she grows older, by preventing muscle and tissue damage, and slowing down the aging process. This means that your dog will feel better longer, and may even live a little longer as well! Vitamin C has been used to prevent many different types of canine cancer, to treat urinary problems, and boost the immune system.

As always, it is a good idea to talk to your veterinarian before you start using any natural herbal health supplements for your dog, especially if he or she is currently on any kind of medication, or has had allergic reactions in the past. Do your homework, make a list of the supplements that you think would be beneficial for your dog, and then consult with your vet before you go shopping. Your vet can also tell you more about how the supplements should be used, and in what dosages.

by Cristy & David Giacomini - Holistic Dog (www.holisticdog.com)
For your dog’s mind, body & soul.

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