You might have heard the phrase that excess of everything is bad, be it in humans or animals. Fish Oil Soft Chews are dietary supplements that have been extremely popular with time. This is because they have to offer several benefits when added to the pet’s diet. So, humans like any and everything that will be good for their pets. However, they should be given in considerate amounts to the pets because if given in excess then they can have side effects. If you want to know what these side effects can be then keep on reading this blog post till the end.
Consult your vet before giving Fish Oil Soft Chews to your dog:
This is a very important step which you should not ignore. Before adding fish oil soft chews from a reputable company like IVS Pets into your dog’s diet, it is extremely necessary to ask your vet. This is because these soft chews are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and chances are that your dog might be getting enough of them through their diet. Therefore, you do not want to overdose. Some signs can help you determine that your dog’s diet lacks these fatty acids.
- Dry and Dull Coat
- Excessively Shedding fur coat with dandruff
- Brittle Nails
- Itchy Skin
- And the pain in joints
If you think that your dog has any of these symptoms then you should immediately take them to the vet. They will tell you whether they have omega 3 fatty acids deficiency or not. And if they do have, then they will recommend the dosage of the supplements as well which you would have to add into their diet.
The frequency with which these soft chews for dogs should be given:
As discussed earlier, the dosage of the fish oil soft chews which you should give your dogs should be strictly determined by the vet. This is because the vet will figure out the required amount through your dog’s weight. And certain weight requires a certain quantity of fish oil. However, if you do know the weight of your dog, you can calculate the dosage by yourself. But if you do ever do that, you want to make sure that your calculations are accurate and you are not overdosing on your pet.
Side effects of overusing Soft Chews for dogs:
Giving these supplements to your dog in considerable amounts is extremely important because overdosing can lead to several side effects which we are going to discuss further on.
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- Diarrhea: It is the number one symptom of overdosing on your dog with these fish oil supplements. If your dog starts having diarrhea after you have added these supplements into their diet then it is a clear side effect of overusing the supplements.
- Lower Blood Pressure: If you are overdosing your dog with the fish oil supplements, there are high chances that it may lower their cholesterol levels as well. This is because the omega 3 fatty acids in the fish oil lower triglycerides and break up other body fat. When this becomes the case, it results in lowering blood pressure which can lead to other cardiovascular problems such as heart disease or a stroke.
- Acid reflux: Another common symptom of overdosing on fish oil is acid reflux. If your dog is experiencing frequent acid reflux then it’s a sign that you are overdosing him with these fish oil soft chew supplements. The stomach discomfort is caused by the high-fat content in the fish oil which has proven to trigger indigestion according to several studies.
In the coming section, we are going to discuss some frequently asked questions associated with fish oil soft chews for dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can too much fish oil be bad for dogs?
Yes, if you overdose your dog with fish oil then it can be very bad for their health. There is an upper limit on how much omega 3 is good for them. If you overdose on it, it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, altered platelet functions, weight gain, weaker immune system, and delayed wound healing.
Can dogs have fish oil daily?
The answer to this question will be decided by your veterinarian. Therefore, you must ask your vet how often should you give these supplements to your dog. Though, most pet owners add fish oil supplements into the daily diet of their dogs.
How long does fish oil take to work for dogs?
It will take almost 3-4 months for your dog to reach the recommended omega 3 levels and after that time it is recommended that you get them retested. The tests are neccessary to know whether the dog has reached the desirable omega 3 indexes. And it is recommended that you get these levels checked after every 6-12 months.
