Choose and use pet-friendly supplements: even the most pampered pooch or coddled kitty may not be getting the supplements it needs. Is your cat or dog one of them?

Pet lovers spend billions of dollars every year on medications to keep their four-footed friends healthy. These pharmaceuticals save lives and ease symptoms, but they are not free of side effects. So while a visit to the veterinarian is the first stop when it comes to pet health, alternative remedies are increasingly popular for non-emergency conditions. "The best way to treat any animal disorder is by starting with the gentlest technique available," says holistic veterinarian Richard Palmquist, DVM, of Centinela Animal Hospital in Inglewood, CA.

Multivitamins for Dogs and Cats

Of course, preventing pets from becoming ill is the first step, and that's why multivitamins are so important. Even the best pet food may not supply optimal amounts of important nutrients. The solution: antioxidant-rich vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent deficiencies and to combat free-radical damage to cells.

Dogs: In general, a good multivitamin/mineral formula for dogs should contain at least three important antioxidants, vitamins A, C, D and E, plus vitamin B complex and the minerals zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron.

Cats: Felines need a multi designed specifically for cats. These generally contain vitamins A, C and E, vitamin B complex, selenium, and the vitally important amino acid taurine.

Fish Oil: Every Pet's Friend

Fish provides animals with the same heart-friendly benefits it bestows on humans. But when it comes to pets, hold the halibut. Nearly all fish now contains the heavy metal mercury and other toxins, making molecularly distilled fish oil the first choice for pets.

Recent studies have shown that fish oil's omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of both heart and kidney disease in dogs, and the same is believed to be true for cats. Supplementing a pet's diet with fish oil provides other benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved immune system and healthy skin and coat.

Joint Support Made Simple

Health problems, particularly arthritis, become more likely as pets age. Glucosamine and chondroitin, supplements taken by millions of humans with arthritis, often work wonders for dogs and cats with aching joints. Glucosamine provides the building blocks required to create new cartilage within joints, while chondroitin neutralizes enzymes that erode cartilage. Together, they provide a one-two punch that can ease a pet's pain.

Give 'Em Some Greens

Nearly all dogs and cats love to eat grass. But green food supplements are a better choice than today's chemically treated lawns. Spirulina, chlorella, barley grass and other "green" foods are loaded with nutrients and compounds not found in processed fare. Studies have shown that green foods give the immune system a lift, reduce allergies and increase energy. Pets being treated for cancer may also benefit. A recent study from China found that spirulina protected dogs from damage caused by chemotherapy and radiation.

Herbs and Homeopathy

Long before modern medicine, herbs healed humans and animals. Now plenty of pet owners are rediscovering these remedies. Individual herbs and blends can treat digestive difficulties, joint problems, allergies and even emotional troubles. Glucosamine and chondroitin products, for example, are often combined with joint-supportive herbs like feverfew, garlic, alfalfa, devil's claw and turmeric to maximize the effects. (While very small amounts of garlic are fine for dogs, the herb can cause anemia in cats, so it should be avoided.)

Behavior difficulties and acute problems--occasional upset tummies or insect bites, for instance--often respond well to homeopathy, a therapy based on the principle of "like cures like." Homeopathy consists of substances that are so highly diluted that side effects are not a concern, so they are ideal for very young, old or debilitated pets.

Buying Products

Choose pet products using the same cardinal rule that applies to human supplements--you get what you pay for, so don't just grab the least expensive bottle on the shelf. Correct dosage is vital, so follow the product directions (which are usually based on weight) or your veterinarian's recommendations. For more information or to find a veterinarian trained in alternative medicine, visit the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (ahvma.org), Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine (altvetmed.org) or the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (theavh.org).

PET NATURALS OF VERMONT HIP & JOINT helps to support connective tissue health for adult and maturing dogs as well as sporting and working breeds.

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PETGUARD YEAST & GARLIC POWDER promotes a healthy appetite and protects against anemia. Yeast & Garlic not only supplies B vitamins but also is a valued source of trace minerals and B complex vitamins.

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HALO XTRA-C INSTANT VITAMIN C CONCENTRATE can be added to meals to promote vitality and joint and urinary tract health.

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