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The best vitamins for dogs

PawTracks Contributor
By

Vitamins for dogs ensure that your pet has all the necessary nutrients and minerals they need for strong bones, a strong immune system, and a healthy coat. Dog vitamins also promote a robust digestive system and clear skin, tackling every aspect of your pet’s health. Shopping for canine supplements can be challenging, but fortunately we’ve revealed the leading brands here to help you choose.

The most common type of supplement is a multivitamin that contains key nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin D3, folic acid, and manganese. These vitamins are suitable for most dogs of any breed or age. Added nutrients target specific issues like joint pain and arthritis, which is relieved by glucosamine chondroitin, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and vitamin E.

Other vitamins include probiotics that help solve common digestive issues like gas, diarrhea, and indigestion. Most vitamins for dogs are available in a chewable treat, but some are administered in a powder form. Let’s check out which type might be best for your pet.

Related

PetHonesty 10-in-1 Dog Multivitamin w/ Glucosamine

Best Overall

The PetHonesty multivitamin is the best overall comprehensive supplement with added glucosamine to support joint health. This chewable incorporates 10 essential nutrients that address every part of your dog’s health including digestive, mental, bone, skin, and heart health. A robust combination of vitamins A, C, and D3 help bolster your pet’s immune system.

Zesty Paws 5-In-1 Multivitamin Bites

Best Ingredient Quality

Zesty Paws crafted this chicken broth-flavored chewable multivitamin from only the finest ingredients like five different strains of probiotics, cod liver oil, and vitamin E. Its star components are glucosamine chondroitin and MSM that treat joint pain and improve mobility. Less common in multivitamins is an anti-itch formulation that soothes dry skin.

NaturVet All-In-One Dog Vitamins

Best Flavor

NaturVet’s multivitamin has the best flavor, but it also clears up common pet issues like indigestion, patchy fur, and nutrient deficiencies. This vitamin is also suitable for cats, which is convenient in multi-pet households. Note that this powder is made for pets 12 weeks or older.

Vitamins for dogs provide essential nutrients and minerals for overall good health. These supplements also alleviate joint pain and stomach problems for dogs of any age. Most dog vitamins come in tasty, chewable, bite-size kibbles, though powder form is ideal for fussy pets that might be particular about what they eat. Luckily, all the vitamins on our list taste great and are proven to help your fur baby thrive.

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As a small dog owner, you might gaze longingly at the humans who can play endless games of fetch with their shepherds and go for 5-hour walks accompanied by their collies. But you can have all sorts of good times with your little guy. Don't let their size stop you from planning outings together. While, of course, you'll need to work within your beastie's physical constraints, there are lots of things you can do while accommodating their diminutive size.

Hang at the dog park
This is the pastime of many dogs, both large and small. Don't stay away from the park just because your bud can't race around for hours on end. Many parks now specifically set aside sections for small breeds. Take your pup there to find friends of a similar size. If you want to foray into the big dog section (or there isn't an area available for your pup), you can always ask the group if the dogs in there are friendly to their little cousins.
Go for hikes
While it might take a little preparation (and possibly a dog sling), your tiny Fido can enjoy hiking, too. You should work up to this by doing a little bit more each day or each week until they're ready to strike out for a longer adventure. Also, be sure to prep with necessary accouterments, such as water, treats, possibly a dog carrier, and mushers wax if it's winter.
Travel together
One of the biggest benefits of having a little dog is they can go on planes and trains. If your pooch seems to enjoy exploring new places, take them with you on vacation. The fees to travel by air can be a little high and there are some rules (you need them to lie down quietly under the seat for the duration of the flight). But for many doggies, they prefer the flight to staying behind with a sitter.

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When you think about an apartment-dwelling dog, you likely think of a toy or small breed. Chihuahuas, French bulldogs, Maltese, and Pomeranians are often seen walking out of high-rises and suburban rentals. There are valid reasons for this stereotype. Unlike big dog breeds, smaller pups typically don’t need as much exercise (physical activity is important for dogs, regardless of their size, though). Practically, smaller dogs take up less room.

However, don’t count out a larger dog if you live in an apartment. With the right situation, some big dog breeds may even be better roommates in an apartment than their smaller peers. Before welcoming a larger dog into your smaller space, here’s what to know.

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We've all heard Bob Barker's famous advice to fix our pets and help reduce the population of unwanted cats and dogs. It's a good message to follow, but that doesn't mean you won't see any side effects or that the surgeries carry no risks.
After all, any time a human or pet goes under anesthesia, there's a small risk of serious complications; not to mention other possibilities, like an infection at the site. But what about other unwanted changes, like to your precious pup's personality? We'll walk you through what to expect when you get your dog neutered.

What changes to behavior might occur after a dog is neutered?
Keeping a dog intact can cause a number of unwanted behaviors, including humping, marking, and wandering to find a mate. These should go down or even cease after the operation. You also may notice a decrease in some aggressive or anxious behaviors, especially if they are caused or exacerbated by the presence of a female in heat. On the other hand, certain types of aggression can increase in specific dogs, most prominently those neutered at a very young age, and you should discuss your unique animal with your vet before the procedure.
How long after neutering does dog behavior change?
In the days following his neutering, you could see a few common symptoms, such as lethargy and perhaps a little pain. Follow your care instructions to the letter to avoid complications and much of the strange behavior after neutering your dog will resolve as he heals. Some behaviors, like marking, could stop as soon as you bring your pup home, but it will take up to eight weeks for all the testosterone to leave his system.

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