How to Prevent Blindness in Dogs

Do you know what vitamins are in your dog food? How about what vitamins are NOT in your dog food and do you need to supplement with additional vitamins and minerals. Even if the dog food says "complete" is it really? Also, if you are using a supplement is it complete and provides everything your dog needs?

 Vitamins are essential to life - they regulate metabolism and assist the biochemical processes that release energy from digested food and are the foundation of body functions. Some are water soluble which means they cannot be stored in the body so therefore they must be taken into the body daily - including Vitamin C and Vitamin B-complexes. Fat soluble vitamins can be stored for longer periods of time in the body's fatty tissue and liver - include vitamins A, D, E, and K. Even though these vitamins are stored in the body, if the dog is on a restricted diet or is missing some of these essential vitamins in their feed the body will use up the storage and it must be replenished. If the vitamins are not replenished to adequate levels the dogs will begin to show signs of sickness and lackluster.

Most of the time all we hear about is Vitamin D, however Vitamin A is very important to a dog's health and well being. One of the main benefits is it enhances the immune system and helps to heal gastrointestinal ulcers. It is needed for the maintenance and repair of epithelial tissues on the skin and mucous membranes especially if there is a wound.

Vitamin A in an antioxidant - helping to protect the cells against cancer and other diseases and necessary for new cell growth and slows aging. The protein in the feed cannot be utilized by the dog's body without vitamin A. Vitamin A is very important in the formation of bones, teeth, aids in fat storage and protects against colds, flu, respiratory infections and infections of the kidneys, bladder, lungs and mucous membranes.

Does your dog have any of these skin problems such as: dry hair, dry skin, air loss, scaling and bacterial and fungal infections of the skin?

In dogs progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a genetic retinal eye disease common to all breeds and causes blindness and can lead to cataracts, but may be prevented and halted by the addition of vitamin A to the diets. To test for vitamin A deficiency pull out one of your dog's hairs, if the hair has a sticky, goopy substance on the end, this is a strong indication your dog has a vitamin A deficiency.

Does your dog deserve a happy, healthy life free of sickness, illness and diseases that can often times be prevented by the addition of a complete natural supplement? I know my dogs do and so do yours.