We have an indoor lab that is shedding horribly. We have ordered the Furminator system and are waiting for it but we wanted to supplement her diet with some fish oil to help her coat and hopefully her shedding. Is it ok to give her human grade cod liver oil or omega 3 soft gels? If so, how much would be ok? She is currently eating Purina Pro Plan large breed puppy food but I wonder if there is something missing in her diet. Also it was suggested on line to give labs sardines packed in oil but we don't feed her table food wouldn't this be a bad thing to start?
2007-01-30 05:06:27 · 10 answers · asked by CountryGirl 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
If animals need nutritional supplementation of energy or Vitamin A cod liver oil (and other fish oils) are a good idea, However, if your pet is eating a balanced complete ration you could provide too much Vitamin A. Many pet foods are already supplemented with vitamins and can already contain large amounts of Vitamin A.
Don't give cod liver oil supplementation unless you are sure you won't exceed the toxic dose for Vitamin A in your pet. Ask your veterinarian for his/her advice.< http://www.provet.co.uk/petfacts/healthtips/codliveroil.htm
However, this supplement is excellent to help produce the healthy skin and coat> http://springtimeinc.com/product/88/2
The Pro Plan does already provide enough Vit.A.. It is a good quality kibble.
2007-01-30 05:13:38 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I always check with my vet before giving my dog anything for humans. It should be okay the dosage may vary. I had the same problems with my Lab and ended up switching him to Royal Canin Labrador Retriever 30 which is especially designed for the Lab needs and coat. My dog gets that with a complete Holistic blend called Life's Abundance, and his shedding has been reduced by 85%. I also brush him with the Shed Ender once a day and his hair stays off my stuff and the problem is gone. But you picked the right supplements, I have given my dog Cod Liver Oil that I bought at my vitamin store without problem. I try to give him all human grade nutrition.
2007-01-30 07:12:38 · answer #2 · answered by TritanBear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pro Plan is a good food, my Great Danes get it too. They also get one fish oil or cod liver oil capsule a day during the winter, the same oil I take myself. I started this when I had Labs years ago, because they are prone to dry skin and coat. Central heating aggravates it too.
For my rescues, who have generally had very poor nutrition and some have been downright starved, I give a can of sardines, oil and all, over their food every night for several weeks. But that is an extreme case. Besides, you get fishy kisses afterward! This doesn't rate as table food in my mind, it's the sort of thing they would eat in the wild.
Labs are dreadful shedders at the best of times. That double coat is just endless hair. Mine are starting their spring shed already. Get a good brush and brush her daily. That will help distribute oil through her coat and remove the dead hair, so the mess won't be as bad.
Congratulations, you have picked a lovely breed!
2007-01-30 06:20:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately - Labs shed - A LOT!! LOL :)
I feel for you cuz there is no way to really STOP her shedding. I have indoor dogs too.
Pro plan is a perfectly acceptable food - don't change what you feed her.
What you CAN do, and this is the ONLY thing I know of that will slow down her shedding that actually WORKS - is to give her a supplement called "Super 14."
I have shown Collies for over 30 years. I have Rough Collies - who only shed twice a year. And I also have Smooth Collies - who have a coat along the lines of a Lab & BOY do they shed!!!
So, a friend of mine who has been a professional dog show handler for many many many years, recommended super 14 for my dogs - and I LOVE it!
The dogs love it too.
You can get it from www.jefferspet.com
Go to the equine section & do a search on Super 14. It's made for horses, cats & dogs. You will notice a dramatic difference in your dog's shedding in 3 wks. This really worked for my dogs & now I recommend it to everyone!
I feed it to my show dogs & their coats look fabulous too!
2007-01-30 07:01:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
...I'd be careful about human supplements too. The salmon oil I use for my dogs is specifically for dogs.
Get a curry comb (zoom groom, or similar) to help with the shedding. Putting a little time in every day will be a lot of help too!
2007-01-30 05:33:32 · answer #5 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can give your dog a sardine or two a week just treat it like a dog treat. The essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6 are important. If you are not comfortable doing this you can get cold water fish oil at quality pet stores and vets that will also provide them. And they have recommended dosage based on weight. I personally use urban carnivore cold water fish oil and have great results with my dogs.
2007-01-30 05:32:07 · answer #6 · answered by Bianca 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look into changing her food. Nutro Natural Choice dog food guarantees skin and coat. They guarantee digestibility also so your dog will absorb more nutrients.
You won't need fish oil, or sardines, or linetone etc.
Look them up www.nutroproducts.com for all their benefits.
If they don't deliver you get your money back 100%
2007-01-30 05:12:40 · answer #7 · answered by sillybuttmunky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be very careful about giving your puppy human supplements. Contact a veterinarian and ask what is safe to give him. Some human medications and/or supplements can be fatal or cause internal damage.
2007-01-30 05:12:14 · answer #8 · answered by Nepetarias 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can, but watch that it's not already added to the dog food. A better alternative is salmon. It contains lots of essential fatty oils and is a great protein for dogs.
2007-01-30 05:13:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
they shed and you have to brush them alot and get the dead hair out of there could be winter coat.
2007-02-03 00:22:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋