o oP EH EALH Omega-3 Fatty Acids And Your Pet’s Health (NAPSA)—For manyyears, pet owners have given omega-3 fatty acids to their dogs and cats to change a dull, dry coat into a more glossy one. A shiny coat and healthy skin on the outside can be indicators of a healthy pet on the inside. Conversely, skin problems may indi- cate a need for dietary changes or supplementation. Always check your dog’s or cat’s skin and coat for such troubling signs as hair loss, itching, raw spots or brittle hair. While several factors, including heredity and grooming, can affect skin and coat conditions, nutrition is an impor- tant factor. If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, be sure to ask your veterinarian about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. Many veterinarians recommend it to reduce the amount of corticosteroid or antihistamine needed to control itching and for overall skin and coat health. Recently published studies show that supplementation can benefit a variety of other conditions, too. According to a study pub- lished in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, fish oil (which con- tains the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA)helps modify inflammatory responses in dogs with joint problems or other conditions related to immune function. Another study published by the same journal found that diets or supplements containing DHA may Recently, veterinarians have found that besides playing an important role in skin and coat health, supplements can also provide other benefits. improve memory or learning abilities of young dogs. hese dietary modifications are being used to enhancethe performance of working and companion dogs. Fish oil is a better source of omega-3s than flaxseed or other vegetable oils because it contains the long-chain omega-3s EPA and DHA recommended by experts, while the vegetable sources contain short-chain omega-3s. Always choose a high-quality omega-3 fish oil supplement such as Dermaquin (available online and at PetSmart and PECO). Fish oil is easy to administer (via gelcaps or liquid). Most pets can be given either form. For pets that are difficult to “pill,” the liguid form is quite popular. For others, the softgel capsules are quite convenient. For more information, visit www.NutramaxPet.com or call (888) 886-6442.
