I almost killed my dog with fish oil!!! We’re sure that anyone who reads this article has given their dog fish oil in some form or another at some point in time—we’re equally sure that most people have had no idea that this popular pet supplement could be hurting our dogs and cats. What are the dangers of fish oil? Does your dog need it? This article aims to inform you about the possible risks of giving your dog fish oil supplements and whether or not your dog should be taking them in the first place.
The Risks of Fish Oil for Dogs
Fish oil may seem like a good idea to help keep a dog’s coat healthy and shiny, but you are not recommended to feed them fish oils as they can cause problems. Fish oils are made from omega-3 fatty acids, which are proven beneficial for humans but not dogs. The reason that dogs cannot consume these is that their livers cannot metabolize the fats.
When too much of these fats are depleted over time, it can lead to inflammation in the liver and an increased risk of developing cancer. If you decide to give your dog any supplement, only use products specifically designed for them!
A study that raises concerns
In 2015, NBC reported that one in five dogs have vitamin E-deficient diets, and one in three pets is given supplements to compensate for this deficiency. Fish oil is the most common option because it’s tasty and easy to administer.
However, there is mounting evidence that fish oils might not be as beneficial as we think they are – and may even be harmful to our pets’ health. A study published in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition found that feeding fish oils as supplements could lead to vitamin K deficiencies and an increased risk for bleeding disorders like hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease (VWD).
Where did they get their data from
The survey was conducted through an online questionnaire directed to veterinarians and veterinary technicians. The survey asked them about their experience with fish oil toxicity in pets, if they have had any cases and what kind of clinical signs they saw in those cases.
The responses were compiled and analyzed to see any correlations between certain factors like breed, weight, or age with their frequency of occurrence. It found that there was no significant difference between breeds, but age seems to correlate with a greater risk of developing fish oil toxicity (p=0.048). The data also showed that dogs under 20 lbs are more likely to develop toxicity than those over 60 kg (p=0.01).
Why are we giving our pets high doses of Omega-3 fatty acids?
Pet owners are increasingly opting to give their pets supplements like fish oil, which is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Research has shown that these substances can help maintain healthy joints and promote good skin and coat conditions in pets, but not all supplements are created equal. Many are contaminated with heavy metals or have been processed using harsh chemicals that can be toxic to animals if ingested. In some cases, these toxins may even lead to death.
In light of this knowledge, we must educate ourselves before providing our pets with any health supplement.
Are these supplements necessary at all?
Supplementing your dog’s diet with fish oil is a common practice, but it is not always necessary and can cause severe harm in some cases. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for humans, but certain breeds of dogs cannot process these nutrients properly because they lack an enzyme that breaks down these fatty acids called delta-6 desaturase (D6D).
This means that their bodies convert too much omega-3 to toxic substances called lipid peroxides, which are harmful and accumulate in the body over time. This can lead to significant health problems ranging from inflammation, high triglycerides (a type of fat), weight gain, excessive thirst and urination, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What can you do instead?
Fish oil is a trendy supplement for humans and their pets, but does it have any downsides?
While there is little evidence to show that fish oil has negative consequences for humans, there are some cases where it can be fatal for dogs and other animals. It’s essential to read labels carefully before using any supplements, even those as seemingly harmless as fish oil or garlic pills. Talk with your vet if you’re concerned about your dog’s health and wish to avoid potentially harmful supplements.
My Dog Already Took Fish Oil – Now What?
If you have already given your dog the fish oil, it may be too late to reverse any damage. However, if your pup hasn’t consumed any, call a vet immediately.
Talk to the vet about what might happen next if you know how much they’ve had and how long ago they took it. For example, if they ate 1 tablespoon of fish oil six hours ago, there’s a chance that the damage has been done. But if they took one teaspoon eight hours ago and nothing has happened, there’s still time for them to recover.
Conclusion & Recap
1. Always ask a veterinarian before you try anything new with your pet. In some cases, supplements can be dangerous for dogs or cats, even if they are approved for people.
2. When it comes to oily supplements like Omega-3s, the benefits can outweigh the risks, but they should always be taken with caution and never given to a pet on an empty stomach.
3. If you want to provide dietary supplements to your pets, other options may also offer some of the same benefits as omega-3s but without the potential toxicity risks involved with giving it straight up in supplement form or without supervision from a vet.
4. You don’t want to risk killing your best friend just because you want them to have a better diet!
5. Make sure to consult a veterinarian about any proposed changes in your pet’s diet BEFORE incorporating supplements into their daily routine.
6. Remember: no two animals are alike, so what works for one animal may not work well for another.
7. Before making any changes, make sure to research the pros and cons of each potential change so you know what might happen before you get started on your journey together!
8. Remember: sometimes having fewer resources is better than having too many, which can lead to more mistakes when handling them!
