Humans are not the only creatures that can benefit from nutritional supplements to improve overall health. If you have a dog that is a beloved member of your family, you can help to increase their life span and enhance their quality of life by enhancing their diet with beneficial vitamins and minerals.

In addition, some vitamins can be used to supplement treatments for specific problems that plague your dog, including skin issues, a dull coat, gum disease, and more. If you think that your dog may benefit from a nutritional supplement, the following primer on canine vitamins will be helpful.

Coat and Skin Issues

One sign of a happy, healthy dog is a beautiful coat of fur that is shiny and full. If you notice that your dog's coat suddenly looks dull, thin, and patchy, your home companion may be suffering from an omega-fatty-acid deficiency. Irritated skin and dandruff are also signs of this type of problem.

Sometimes an omega-fatty-acid deficiency is the result of a low-fat diet. Consult with your veterinarian for suggestions on improving your dog's diet. In addition, ask about providing your canine with supplements designed specifically for improving your dog's skin and coat health.

Look for supplements that contain omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, fish oil, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). If you dog suffers from scaly skin, a vitamin A supplement can help as well.

Generally speaking, you should see an improvement in your dog's coat in about six weeks after providing them with hair and skin supplements.

Joint and Bone Health

As your dog gets older, it may begin to experience joint and bone issues that affect mobility. It is sad sight to see an elderly dog that attempts to walk and run with inflamed joints due to canine osteoarthritis.

If you want to help prevent your dog from developing arthritis and other joint problems, make sure their diet is rich in vitamins that contribute to bone health. Supplements that contain vitamin C, vitamine E, and glycosaminoglycans can help to reduce inflammation and keep bones healthy.

Vitamins C and E are antioxidants, while glycosaminoglycans are nutrients that help improve cartilage health. Natural supplements containing glycosaminoglycans will repair damaged cartilage and help to lubricate and rebuild tissue.

Making sure your dog has healthy joints and bones could save you heartache and money in the long run. No dog owner wants to see their beloved pet have to undergo hip replacement surgery due to severe arthritis.

Teeth Issues

Dogs can suffer from some of the same dental problems that ail humans, including gingivitis, halitosis and teeth that erupt from the gums in the wrong place. These problems can cause sores and swelling in the mouth and affect your dog's appetite and general comfort level.

When you begin to notice any of these issues, you should first take your dog to the vet for a dental checkup. They may recommend daily brushing of your dog's teeth. Other helpful remedies include providing your dog with supplements that improve teeth health.

Canine supplements that can improve a dog's dental health include one or more of the following natural ingredients:

• Vitamins E and C

• Fennel

• Grapefruit-seed extract

• Bee propolis

• Echinacea

• Calendula

• Parsley

• Cranberry

For problems with bad breath, look for supplements that contain natural breath fresheners such as dill, fennel, and parsley. Many supplements for dental problems come in the form of bones that your dog will enjoy chewing.

If you just want to keep your dog healthy in general, you can also purchase multivitamins specifically made for canines. No matter what type of supplements your vet determines that your dog needs, never give your pet vitamins formulated for humans. The dosage and type of vitamin may be toxic to your dog. In addition, always read labels carefully to make sure that the supplement you purchase is appropriate for your dog's breed and age.

Talk to your vet for more information on pet nutrition.