Flax seed oil for dogs....

Flax seed oil for dogs promotes a soft, glossy coat and healthy skin. If you plan to give your dog flax, look for a raw, unprocessed oil or ground seed product. The whole seed will not provide the dog health benefits provided by ground.

      A dog flax seed supplement will provide Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. These nutrients are essential for skin and coat health. In addition, alpha-linoleic acid-a component of flax seed-offers immune system benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.

     Have you ever wondered if you are giving your dog all the nutrients he needs?  Flaxseed oil is a commonly recommended supplement to add to your dog’s diet.  There are multiple reason that pet owners decide to use this treatment, and the reasons and benefits might just surprise you.

      The essential fatty acids contained in flax seed oil ensure basic cellular health in all animals.  Research shows that essential fatty acids (EFA) are as important to the health of our pets as vitamins and minerals.  Without EFAs, the cells will not form or function correctly.  These essential acids are responsible for helping the body perform biological functions and they are the building blocks for prostaglandins.  These are the things that regulate the hormones and the nervous and immune systems.  They also play a part in cardiovascular functioning.

      Veterinarians have been recommending flax seed oil for dogs for quite some time.  The fatty acids offer a host of health benefits.  (Keep in mind that although we are discussing dogs here, the benefits also apply to cats, you’ll just need to vary the quantity accordingly).

      One of the primary benefits of giving your dog flax seed oil is the shine that the skin and coat develop.  In addition to making the coat shiny and healthy, flax seed oil is believed to help skin conditions.

• Flax seed oil can be poured right over your dog's daily ration.
• Ground flax seed can be sprinkled over food or incorporated into homemade treats.
• For small dogs (under twenty pounds) add one to two tablespoons per day. For larger dogs, use two to three tablespoons daily.

      Many commercial dog foods do not provide the "good fats" necessary for healthy skin and coat. Dog supplements such as flax seed oil can provide a much-needed boost to your dog's daily nutritional needs, especially when combined with a probiotic digestive supplement.

Take dogs that have a problem chewing at their fur - with patches of skin possibly missing - this is often because of the itchy, dry skin associated with a lack of essential fatty oils. While there are topical ointments and processes you can use to temporarily relieve the itching, by using flax seed oil poured over your dog’s food, the problem is being treated from the inside out.