Better Health for Your Best Friend

Natural Solutions for Common Canine Health Concerns
It’s obvious our lives wouldn’t be complete without our dogs, so shouldn’t we do our best to make sure they look and feel their best every day? When illness, stress and other factors impact the health of our canine companions, the result may be a breakdown in overall well being that can trigger a host of problems, including dry skin and allergies, poor digestion, and even joint and muscle pain. Fortunately, the natural world offers an abundance of safe and effective remedies to help address these problems and help them enjoy the vibrant health and energy they deserve.

Allergies and Skin Issues
The skin is the largest organ in a dog’s body. In addition to providing a protective barrier against bacteria, viruses and infection, the skin protects the vital organs and plays a significant role in purging harmful toxins from the body. Many factors, including allergies, insect bites and seasonal weather changes may affect the health of your dog’s skin and cause itching, inflammation and even hair loss, but daily supplementation with an effective skin and coat formula can help provide the nutritional support your dog needs for healthy skin.

A natural formula that includes chamomile flower, licorice root, sarsaparilla, white peony and burdock root has been proven to help soothe dry skin and relieve allergy-related itching. Astragalus (a member of the Legume family), turmeric root and stinging nettle provide beneficial anti-inflammatory properties, and pure flower essences have been shown to provide soothing relief from allergies for dogs and other pets. Combining a targeted skin and coat formula with a natural fish oil supplement will further promote skin and coat health.

Digestion and Bowel Health
There are many reasons why dogs may suffer from poor digestion, including illness, intestinal parasites, food allergies, and even eating too quickly, all of which may result in vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and other gastrointestinal issues. Because symptoms like these can lead to more serious health issues over time, it is important to give your dog the nutritional support he or she needs to ensure optimum digestive health.  

For ongoing daily digestive support, look for a natural formula made with digestive enzymes, probiotics (beneficial gut bacteria that help promote a balanced intestinal environment) and soothing nutraceuticals such as licorice root, chamomile, fennel, marshmallow root and peppermint, as well as the amino acid L-glutamine. A natural fiber source such as acacia is also important to add necessary bulk to the stool and promote anal gland health. 

Joint Pain and Arthritis
Much like their human counterparts, dogs experience decreased joint flexibility and mobility as they age, and approximately 80 percent of older dogs suffer from some type of joint-related condition.

Combined with beneficial glucosamine and chondroitin, certain nutritive ingredients have been shown to promote joint health in dogs when taken in daily supplement form. These include chicken hydrolysate, which contains collagen, a protein essential for tissue and joint health, as well as methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a naturally occurring sulfur compound important for a healthy inflammatory response.

Herbal ingredients such as juniper berries, turmeric, licorice and yucca root have also been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and help relieve joint pain and stiffness, and daily support with fish-derived Omega-3 oils such as EPA and DHA is also important. These beneficial Omega-3 fats help decrease inflammation, support healthy cartilage and relieve the pain and soreness associated with arthritis and related conditions.

Holistic veterinarian Dr. Joel Murphy formulated quality supplements for dogs with clinically proven herbal extracts, flower essence blends, Omega oils, fiber and other natural ingredients to help dogs of all ages enjoy the active lifestyle they deserve.