For many years, dog owners have
given omega fatty acids to their
dogs to change a dull, dry coat
into a glossier one. More recently
veterinarians have found that omega
fatty acids are important for
dogs skin disorders as allergy, eczema, and inflammation.
 What
are omega 3 and 6 fatty acids?
Omega Fatty acids are specific types
of polyunsaturated fats.
The two main classes of omega fatty
acids are omega-3 and omega-6. You
may also have heard about omega-9
fatty acids. Omega-9 fatty acids
actually decrease the concentrations
of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
in the dogs skin and blood.
By supplementing
with omega fatty acids we can lessen
inflammation.
Omega fatty acids affect a number
of body systems and conditions,
as described below:
Dry
Dog Skin: Dog coats,
which are dull, brittle, and dry
often respond to omega fatty acids. In cases
of seborrheic dermatitis there is
a deficiency of omega fatty acids
in the dog skin.
Yeast Infections: Researcher found that omega fatty
acids slow down the growth of yeast
infection in dogs. It is thought
these omega fatty acids play a beneficial
role in the treatment of yeast infection in dogs.
Eczema:
Some researchers found
that omega fatty acids may be useful to prevent eczema in dogs.
Omega fatty acids are necessary
for the normal function of many
systems of the body. It is also
obvious that not all omega fatty
acids are equal. Because the different
omega fatty acids have different
effects, the choice of an omega
fatty acid supplement needs to be
based on the specific condition
of the dog.
The sources and uses of omega fatty
acids are shown below.
Name |
Source |
Pet medication |
| OMEGA-3
Fatty Acids |
| Alpha-Linolenic |
flax seed, pumpkin seed, soybean
oil
|
-- |
| Eicosapentaenoic |
marine fish oil |
retinoid therapy, eczema,
autoimmune disease, seborrheic
dermatitis, to decrease cholesterol
|
| Docosahexaenoic |
marine fish oil |
retinoid therapy, eczema |
| OMEGA-6
Fatty Acids |
| Linoleic |
evening
primrose oil, sunflower oil,
safflower oil, soybean oil, corn
oil,
|
dry skin, skin rashes, dull hair coat,
seborrheic dermatitis |
| Arachidonic |
|
none - can make inflammation
worse
|
| Gamma-Linolenic |
evening
primrose oil, borage oil,
black currant seed oil |
eczema, autoimmune disease,
seborrheic dermatitis |
Additional
Biotin
will increase the effectiveness
of omega-3 and-6 fatty acids.
Treatment
plan
Omega fatty acids should be used
for 9-12 weeks.
Risks and side effects
A rare complication, is pancreatitis.
This is an inflammation of the pancreas
that can cause pain, diarrhea and
vomiting.
Omega fatty acids do add calories.
A dog food lower in calories, and
fewer treats, will prevent weight
gain.
Because omega fatty acid supplements contain large amounts of fish oils,
some dogs develop a 'fishy' breath.
|
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