The Role of Supplements By Jaime Gonzalez, DVM, CVA Supplements are an integral part of any nutritional plan designed for overall good health. They complement the diet and can be specifically tailored to a pet according to age, physical needs, body condition, and even personality type. Their healing properties of cell detoxification and anti-aging make them invaluable tools for easing pain and inflammation, helping to resolving infections, and boosting the immune system.

Supplements therefore can have preventative or therapeutic benefits and certainly enhance the quality of a pet’s life.

Here are but a few that are routinely and safely used:

• Essential fatty acids: Fish oils, Flaxseed oils (Omega -3) and evening primrose oil (Omega -6) have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. They have a direct effect on skin and help with joint pain.
• Nutraceuticals: Glucosamine and chondroitin are compounds required for the formations of glycosaminoglycans, which build cartilage and maintain joint fluid. They are also essential in blocking destructive enzymes within the joints.  
• Probiotics and digestive enzymes: These help in the digestive process, which in turn improves general absorption and metabolism, improves the immune system’s response against cancer cells, and helps restore overall health.
• Antioxidants: These help clear toxins from the body at cellular and blood levels. The toxins are called free radicals and are unstable molecules, by-products of the body’s enzyme reactions which are liberated during the clean up process.

Common antioxidants include:

• Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate):  A water-soluble vitamin that, among other actions, enhances natural killer cells and lymphocyte activity, helps neutralize cancer-producing chemicals, and has antiviral and antibacterial properties.    
• Vitamin A and mixed Carotenes: Especially good for respiratory mucosa, helping with sinusitis, and lung problems.
• Vitamins E with Selenium: Acts as an anti-inflammatory decreasing swelling in the joints and musculoskeletal system.
• Coenzyme Q-10: A potent antioxidant, helping with oxygenation of the blood, lowering blood pressure, and acting as an antihistamine and anticancer supplement.
• Quercitin: This is found in blue-green algae. It is a Bioflavonoid that helps with Vitamin C absorption and helps to lower cholesterol.

When looking for these supplements make sure they are from a reputable source. Try to become knowledgeable by asking your veterinarian which ones are appropriate ones for your pet and incorporate them into your friend’s diet.     

To learn more about Dr. Gonzalez, visit his website at: http://www.vet-options.com/

Dog Health
	A Pet Owner's Guide to the Dog Crate by Nicki Meyer Canine Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): Ways to Reduce the Risk by Elizabeth Chandler Does Your Dog Food Bark? A Study of the Pet Food Fallacy by Ann Martin The Neem Tree by Patrick J. McDonald The Secret of Neem by Maura B. Thompson The Use of Direct-Fed Microbials in Dogs by Larry Roth, PhD
Cat Health
	Feline Urinary Syndrome by Cindy Tittle Moore Upper Respiratory Disease by Cindy Tittle Moore

For Both Cats and Dogs
Articles About Holistic Pet Food		Articles About Holistic Supplements
	Orijen: White Paper The Biological Food Concept and the Dietary Needs of Domestic Dogs and Cats Holistic Equals Wholistic by Elizabeth Chandler A Comparison of Herbs by Patrick J. McDonald Rationale for Probiotic Supplementation Presented by Wysong Confused About Pet Food? by Val Clows Do You Really Expect Me to Feed That to My Pet? Presented by Happy Paws Clearwater, FL Do You Really Know What's in Your Pet Food? by Val Clows Does Your Dog Food Bark? A Study of the Pet Food Fallacy by Ann Martin Meat vs. Meal on Pet Food Labeling Prepared by Canidae Pet Food The Truth About Holistic Pet Health by Joy Drawdy The Truth About Pet Food by Elizabeth Chandler Understanding Pet Food Labels by Val Clows		Health Enzymes and Your Pet by T.R. Robeck, DVM, PhD Herbs Are Vitamins Too! by Olga McDonald Improving your Pet's Health with Supplements by Val Clows The Best Kept Secret of Health by Patrick J. McDonald Rationale for Enzyme Supplementation Presented by Wysong
Hurricane Safety		Senior Pets
	Hurricane Season by Elizabeth Chandler		Caring for Senior Pets by Elizabeth Chandler
Traveling With Your Pet		Other Articles
	Safe Travels with Your Pet by Elizabeth Chandler		The Horses of Proud Spirit by Elizabeth Chandler
Just for Fun
	Here are some articles written by one of our staff members, Elizabeth Chandler, taking a humorous look at life with the animals. These articles were originally by Elizabeth in her role as Healthy Pet Editor for Positive Change Magazine in Sarasota, FL. The Great Conspiracy Creatures of Habit It's Good to be Queen Conversations with Dog New Year's Resolutions Cat's Rule She Sleeps with the Furbies