Fish oils have long been suggested for dogs suffering from allergies, as they reduce irritation as well improve the condition of the coat. But the effects of fish oils on dogs' health are now being recognized as being far more widespread, with implications for other ailments such as heart disease, high cholesterol, kidney failure, arthritis and cancer.
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Heart Disease
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Many of the diseases dogs suffer are the same as those of humans, and heart disease is one of them. Dogs that are overweight, or do not get sufficient exercise, can experience the same heart conditions as people. And, just like humans, fish oils can help to ameliorate the condition Fish oils contain fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, and while both are beneficial, the omega-3s provide the main benefits. They reduce the triglycerides (the fats in blood), as well as lowering blood pressure and decreasing the rate of accumulation of arterial plaque.
High Cholesterol
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Elevated cholesterol levels (hyperlipidermia) in dogs is caused by a build-up of fat in the bloodstream. Although this does not carry the same threat of heart disease as it does in humans, it can cause other health problems. The fats are produced naturally by the liver as part of the digestive system, but if too much fat is produced it will cause high cholesterol levels. According to a study carried out by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Uludag,in Turkey (and reported by "The Journal of Small Animal Practice" in March 2009), one possible indication of high cholesterol is a tendency for tail chasing--an obsessive compulsive disorder.
Body fish oils have been shown to reduce triglycerides and cholesterol.
Renal Failure
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Chronic kidney failure is another common problem in dogs, and it is often associated with cancer or heart disease. In some cases, the drugs used to treat those conditions have the undesirable side effect of undermining kidney function. The fatty acids from fish oil can slow the progression of kidney disease, and at the same time the oil's anti-inflammatory properties can reduce inflammation of the kidneys.
Arthritis
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The omega fatty acid EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis, colitis and cystitis. In these cases, the relief certainly is beneficial, but fish oil does not actually treat the condition--although it may reduce the effect of the enzymes that damage cartilage in degenerative arthritis. A 2002 study by Dr. James K. Roush at Kansas State University's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital found that dogs suffering from osteoarthritis, who were given supplements with fatty acids, "felt better."
Cancer
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Cancer is now the leading cause of death in dogs and often attributed to the commercially produced diets they are fed. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to have beneficial results both in preventing and curing cancer.
Warning
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The fish oil recommended for health benefits is the body oil of fish such as wild salmon, trout, tuna, sardines, menhaden and herring. If fish liver oil (such as cod liver oil) is used instead, and the dog is eating a commercially produced diet, there is a danger of overdosing it on vitamins A and D, with potentially serious consequences.
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