Can I give my dog flaxseed oil?

Flaxseed oil is used by many people due to its medicinal benefits. Does the same apply for dogs? After all, many over-the-counter medications just aren’t suitable for your dog’s digestive system. In fact, they can be quite harmful.

Flaxseed oil is not a medication as such. It’s a natural remedy used for a number of reasons including the regulation of metabolism and improved mobility. It also contains many great nutrients and minerals. Flax seed has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties which may promote health when added to food or taken in tablet form.

Now that we’ve gone over the benefits it has for humans, you’re wondering if it will provide the same beneficial properties for your dog. The answer is likely yes but before you give anything to your dog it’s best to confirm with your vet first.

Can I Give My Dog Flaxseed Oil? Answer: Yes

Flax-seed oil is loaded with beneficial nutrients including essential fatty acids which help dogs keep a shiny coat and healthy skin.

The fatty acids also assist cellular health. Of course flaxseed is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties as well. We know for certain that it’s great for arthritic dogs in that it helps with mobility as well as regulating blood pressure, kidney function and metabolism.

In particular, the fatty acids will help your dog maintain a healthy coat and skin, which is essential if they suffer with dry and itchy skin problems.

The point is there are so many benefits to using this for dogs. It has even been said to help prevent canine cancer.

When to Give Flaxseed

If you have an older dog that is becoming arthritic, you may want to start giving them some flaxseed oil daily to help their inflamed joints. It may improve your dog’s mobility.

Video: My Healthy Pet, Flax Seed Oil

Also, dogs with itchy and dry skin are often lacking essential fatty acids. This oil, added to their food daily, may give them all the fatty acids they need, helping them get their shiny coat and healthy skin back.

Finally, dogs that suffer with kidney problems may also benefit greatly from Flax seed oil. Add half to one teaspoon of oil into their food each day. You could see the results within a few short weeks.

Flaxseed Oil Benefits

As stated above, there are so many benefits to this oil. Many vets prescribe this for older dogs or those suffering with severe allergies. It’s a natural solution rather than constant medication. The top 5 benefits are as follows:

1. Flaxseed oil reduces itching and dry skin offering a healthy skin and coat.

2. It has anti-inflammatory properties which helps with mobility in arthritic dogs.

3. It regulates blood pressure, kidney function and artery function.

4. Flaxseed is an important factor in cellular health.

5. It acts as an anti-bacterial and anti-viral agent. Anyone or any dog taking this oil on a daily basis will have a stronger immune system to fight off illness or disease.

Still Not Convinced?

If you’re still skeptical about giving your dog this natural remedy, contact your vet for advice.

The veterinarian will have your dog’s full medical history and will make an informed decision based on your dog’s size, breed and history. If they feel that your dog will benefit from this magic seed oil, they’ll advise on the correct dosage and frequency.

Whenever in doubt, it’s advisable to call a vet. Canine arthritis medication or anti-itch tablets can be costly. Flaxseed is miraculous in that if your dog can take it will not cost you an arm and a leg. Any additional benefits over and above the reason you are using it are just a bonus!

Flaxseed Oil & Cancer

Some professionals believe that dogs taking flaxseed oil on a regular or daily basis will have a reduced risk of contracting cancer. While this, of course, is not a cure-all and is also not definitely confirmed, it does offer hope. More research is needed in this area of medicine, especially for the health effects in dogs.

Video: Our Dog Sandy - First Taste of the Cottage Cheese and Flaxseed Oil Mix

It seems that since Flaxseed reduces other ailments, which often go hand-in-hand with cancer risks in general, that pet owners have a better chance of keeping an all around healthy dog from its routine use.

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