12 Ways to Support Your Pet’s Health

When you decide to adopt a furry friend, you know you’re bringing home a ball of snuggles and fun. You’re also committing to a lifetime of responsibility—after all, you are your pet’s world. Along with playing fetch for hours or rolling up the ball of yarn yet again, keeping your new pet happy and healthy is something the whole family can take part in. 

Dry skin, stiff joints, and anxiety are three of the most common cat health problems and dog health problems for which owners seek veterinary help. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular natural dog health remedies, answer some natural cat health questions, and discuss the best all-natural supplements and home remedies for each.

If your pet is scratching frequently, has “dandruff”, or a dull coat, there are several natural remedies you can try. When a pet is experiencing dry skin, natural methods can help from the inside out. 

• Put an emphasis on grooming. Pick up a high-quality brush and brush your pet thoroughly and frequently. This helps to distribute the natural oils in your pet’s fur, helping their coat shine. And of course, make sure parasites can’t take hold and cause excessive scratching—use a good flea and tick repellent on a regular schedule.
• Feed good-quality food and healthy treats. Consider this: What if you ate the same thing every day? What foods would you choose in order to provide you with the nutrients you need? Most dogs and cats eat the same foods each day, making it critical that you’re feeding the best-quality food that you can afford.  
• Care for the coat from the outside in. Along with regular (but not too frequent!) baths, many owners have found that coconut oil used as a conditioner gives their pets’ coats a healthy shine. While coconut oil is often offered in treat form, treats made with coconut oil contain significant amounts of fat, making them a high-calorie option. Stick with external use. 
• Add omega-3 fatty acids. Cats and dogs aren’t able to produce omega-3 fatty acids on their own, and these compounds are vital to their overall health—including their skin and coat. Be sure to choose a natural, high-quality supplement. 

Joint health for dogs and cats is one of the most common owner concerns, particularly as pets reach their golden years. The good news is that natural methods are often the most effective when it comes to increasing mobility. 

• Keep your pet active. If you’ve got a senior who’s not moving quite as well as they used to, your first instinct may be to give them all the rest they want. However, it’s important to keep your dog moving. This gives the joints and the ligaments around them a chance to stretch and move. 
• Don’t let your pet get chonky. Even younger pets can experience joint problems if they’re overweight. Keeping your dog or cat at a healthy weight protects the joints from excessive strain.
• Check out alternative therapies. Hydrotherapy and acupuncture are two vet-recommended ways to relieve joint pain. Hydrotherapy allows your pet to get exercise without stressing tender joints. The water supports your pet’s weight, giving them the chance to move and stretch with less pain.
• Provide natural dietary supplements. Supplements including vital joint compounds like glucosamine and chondroitin have been shown to enhance cartilage health. Omega-3 fish oils can also provide support to achy joints. 

Many pets experience anxiety at one point or another, whether it’s situational (moving, fireworks, vet visits, etc.) or generalized. Because anxiety can be a gateway to destructive behaviors, it’s important to get ahead of it before more serious problems take root.

• Try pheromones. Chemical diffusers that waft calming scents and pheromones into the air are very popular among both cat and dog owners. These also come in spray form and can be applied to a favorite towel, blanket, or even a thundershirt.
• Use the power of music. You can reduce anxiety triggered by sounds by providing your pet with consistent, calming audio that blocks out other, more intrusive sounds. Experiment with audiobooks, talk radio, television, or a noise machine. 
• Distract, distract, distract. Whether it’s a puzzle that distributes treats, an indoor agility exercise, or learning a new trick, many cats and dogs can be distracted from the offending stimulus (and maybe even learn something new too!).
• Introduce CBD oil to your pet’s regimen. CBD oil contains cannabinoids that provide calming properties that are as effective for cats and dogs as they are for humans. However, be sure to select a formula that’s made specifically for small animals. 

One of the most significant benefits of natural supplements for anxiety, joint health, and skin issues over pharmaceuticals is their low risk of complications. Because supplements are derived from natural sources, they’re virtually non-toxic. Of course, consult with your veterinarian and seek out the best supplements you can find.

You’ll find the best dog supplements and cat supplements at SeaPet, a source with over 25 years of experience in providing owners with high-quality, reliable products. From omega-3 fish oils to CBD oils for pets, we’re happy to help you support your pet’s overall health. Check out our wide selection of the best supplements for cats and dogs today.