If you’re a pet parent who cares deeply about your dog’s health and happiness, chances are you’ve explored various options including omega-3 supplements to keep them thriving.

Without a doubt, one of the best things that you can do for your dog’s coat and skin is to give an omega-3 supplement to him/her.

The high-quality fatty acids in this product not only soothe skin dryness but also act as an anti-itch, and in addition, add a glossy look to the coat of the animal.

A wide range of these supplements is available at most pet stores, and trusted veterinary supplies sources also offer high-quality options for pet parents looking to support their dog’s skin and coat health.

Why Your Dog’s Skin and Coat Deserve More Attention Than You Think

Apart from emphasizing your dog’s appearance, the dog’s skin and coat are indispensable for his health.

The skin serves as an armor bearer of the body which prevents things from the environment attacking the internal organs.

If the skin isn’t functioning properly, your dog becomes vulnerable to environmental irritants, allergens, and various infections.Frizzy, cracked, or dull fur is often a sign that your dog is experiencing poor health, nutritional deficiencies, or skin inflammation.

Essential fatty acids like those found in fish are beneficial for both the skin barrier and the hair by helping different parts of the skin and hair to be moist and thus healthy which can mirror the overall health of the dog.

Why Dogs Needs Omega-3

Omega-3s are essential fats, meaning your dog’s body can’t produce them on its own they must be obtained through food or supplements.That is to say that for your dog to get their essential fatty acids (EFAs) that they will have to be derived from either eating or through supplements.

In the case of dogs, the most beneficial type of fatty acids consisting of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are usually found in cold-water fishes like salmon, sardines, or anchovies. These two fatty acids have been known for their anti-inflammatory characteristics and are widely used in human and pet nutrition as well.

Further on, dogs can benefit from omega-3s by alleviating allergy symptoms and joint pain, and at the same time improving coat texture as well as skin resilience.

What Common Skin Issues Can Omega-3s Help Manage?

Given the constant scratching, dry or red areas, or seasonal allergies in your dog, it is possible that omega-3 supplements could be of help.

These fats can get to the heart of the problem at a cellular level and greatly reduce the inflammation that is mainly responsible for skin diseases in dogs.

While medicines applied on the skin may permit the dog with a few hours of calm skin, omega-3s are busy erasing the inflammation that is present from the inside.

This is the reason why they are becoming increasingly recommended each and every day as part of a healthy life program by veterinary distributors, especially for canines that suffer from skin flare-ups or immune-related sensitivities.

How Long Will It Take to See Changes in My Dog’s Skin and Coat?

Just as is the norm with numerous health interventions, omega-3 supplements are not the ones to bring instant results. In general, it takes pet owners 4-8 weeks of regular use to observe the effectiveness of the supplement.

The first signs of improvement may include less scratching and reduced inflammation, followed by the growth of stronger, shinier fur.

Tips for Choosing the Right Omega-3 Supplement for Your Pup

Due to the sheer number of products available, it can be quite tough to decide on where to purchase. Hunt for the omega-3 supplements mentioned specifically for dogs, along with the amount of EPA and DHA indicated in them. Avoid products that don’t clearly label the type and source of fish oil used.

The most suitable choices will probably be the ones that are provided via trusted distributors like veterinary suppliers, who always opt for purity, efficacy, and security of the pets.

Also consider the format that works best for your dog like soft chews, liquid pumps, or capsules based on what they’re most likely to accept.Moreover, less does not equal more; if you exceed the prescribed vet limit, your pet may have an upset stomach and develop some deficiencies.

Can You Give Your Dog Omega-3s from Human Supplements?

An interesting point about omega-3 supplements is that they don’t only offer benefits in the area of esthetics.

Apart from being able to make your pet look well, omega-3s are an important ingredient of a pet’s diet as they have many other uses like supporting heart health, the brain development (the case is especially visible in puppies) and the joint function (especially in senior dogs).

These fatty acids have been known to even have a positive impact on the mental state as well as the cognitive capability of aging pets. This is why a large number of veterinary distributors have included omega-3s in formulations for the betterment of the whole body, not just the skin and coat.