Dog owners are likely well aware of the advantages of fish oil for canines. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in fish oil, have anti-inflammatory qualities and can aid in the treatment of a number of medical disorders, including renal function, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and skin diseases.
Also, fish oil helps dogs with their healthy skin and coat, eye growth, and cognitive function. I started giving fish oil to my dog a few years ago when he was diagnosed with hip dysplasia.[1]
I wanted to help him with his joint pain and mobility. He seemed to enjoy the fishy taste and I noticed his coat became shinier and softer. I thought I was doing something good for him.
But then, something terrible happened. “I almost killed my dog with fish oil.”
Contents
How Fish Oil Hurt My Dog?
In this section, I will share how I discovered that my dog had a serious health problem caused by giving him too much fish oil and I almost killed my dog with fish oil. I will also explain what the vet told me about the link between fish oil and vitamin E deficiency and how it affects dogs.
I Noticed Something Was Wrong with My Dog
It all started when I noticed my dog was lethargic and had no appetite. He also had a dull coat, dry skin, and brittle nails. He was losing weight and muscle mass. He seemed depressed and unhappy.
I was worried and confused. What was wrong with my dog? Was he sick? Did he eat something bad? Did he have an allergy? I decided to take him to the vet as soon as possible.
Vet Told Me about Fish Oil and Vitamin E
I took my dog to the vet and after some blood tests, he gave me the shocking news. My dog had vitamin E deficiency caused by fish oil overdose.
I couldn’t believe it. How could fish oil cause vitamin E deficiency? Isn’t fish oil supposed to be good for dogs?[2]
The vet explained that fish oil can deplete vitamin E in dogs because it increases the oxidative stress on their cells. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the cells from damage caused by free radicals.
When there is not enough vitamin E in the body, the cells become vulnerable to oxidative damage, which can lead to various health problems.
The vet said that my dog’s condition was serious and that he needed immediate treatment. He also said that I had been giving him too much fish oil for his weight and that I should have consulted him before adding any supplements to his diet.
My Dog’s Condition
The vet told me that vitamin E deficiency can cause a range of symptoms in dogs, such as:
- Muscle weakness and atrophy
- Anemia
- Eye problems
- Neurological disorders
- Immune system dysfunction
- Reproductive issues
- Increased risk of infections
He said that if left untreated, vitamin E deficiency can be fatal for dogs. He said that my dog was lucky that I brought him in time and that he had a chance of recovery.
How My Dog Got Better?
In this section, I will describe how my dog was treated for his vitamin E deficiency[3] and how he recovered from it.
I will also share how I felt and what I learned from this experience. I will also give some tips on how to use fish oil safely and responsibly for your dog.
1). What the Vet Prescribed for My Dog: The vet prescribed my dog vitamin E supplements and reduced his fish oil dosage. He also advised me to feed him a balanced diet that included natural sources of vitamin E, such as leafy greens, eggs, and nuts.
He said that my dog would need regular check-ups to monitor his recovery. I followed the vet’s instructions and hoped for the best.
I felt guilty and ashamed for what I had done to my dog. I wished I had done more research before giving him fish oil.
2). How I Felt and What I Learned from This Experience: This experience taught me a valuable lesson. fish oil can be beneficial for dogs but only when given in the right amount and with the right balance of other nutrients.
Too much of anything can be harmful, even something as good as fish oil. I learned that before giving any supplements to my dog, I should always consult my vet first.
They can help me determine the appropriate fish oil dosage[4] and frequency for my dog based on his weight, age, health condition, and diet.
They can also advise me on the quality and purity of the fish oil I am buying. I also learned that there are other ways to provide omega-3 fatty acids to my dog besides fish oil, such as flaxseed oil or hemp seed oil.
These plant-based oils are less likely to cause vitamin E deficiency in dogs because they contain less omega-3s per gram than fish oil.
3). How My Dog Improved and Recovered from His Deficiency: Thankfully, My dog started to improve gradually. His energy and appetite returned. His coat became shiny and smooth again. His nails grew stronger and his skin healed.
He gained back his weight and muscle mass. He looked happier and more playful. It took a few months for my dog to fully recover from his vitamin E deficiency.
The vet said he was lucky to survive and that he had no permanent damage. He said that my dog could continue taking fish oil but only in moderation and under his supervision.
What Is Fish Oil? Why It Is Used for Dogs?
The tissues of cold-water oily fish like salmon, mackerel, and trout are used to make fish oil, which is a form of oil.
Omega-3 fatty acids[5], a subclass of polyunsaturated fat with anti-inflammatory characteristics and the potential to control blood flow and inflammation, are found naturally in fish oil.
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) are the two principal basic components of omega-3 fatty acids. Dogs’ brains, eyes, hearts, skin, joints, and immune systems must all operate properly for EPA and DHA to be effective.
Fish oil is used for dogs because it can provide many benefits for their skin, coat, joints, heart, and more.
1). Fish Oil Improves Dog’s Skin and Coat Health: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce itching, flaking, and dryness of the skin.
They can also help prevent or treat skin infections, allergies, and hot spots. Fish oil can also make your dog’s coat shiny, soft, and smooth.
Omega-3 fatty acids nourish the hair follicles and promote healthy growth of the fur. They can also help prevent or reduce shedding and dandruff.
2). Fish Oil Reduces Inflammation and Pain in Joints: Fish oil can also help your dog’s joints and mobility by reducing inflammation and swelling in the joints, which can cause arthritis[6], hip dysplasia, and other degenerative diseases.
Fish oil can also help lubricate the joints and improve blood flow to the tissues.
3). Fish Oil Supports Heart Health and Circulation: Fish oil can also help your dog’s heart health by lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Omega-3 fatty acids can prevent or reduce plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, or heart attack. They can also help regulate the heart rhythm and prevent arrhythmias.
Fish oil can also help your dog’s circulation by improving blood flow to the organs and tissues. They can also help prevent or treat blood clots, which can cause serious complications.
4). It Enhances Dog’s Brain and Eye Development and function: Fish oil can also help your dog’s brain and eye development and function. DHA is especially important for puppies as it helps with their cognitive and visual development.
DHA may also improve cognitive function in older dogs dealing with canine cognitive dysfunction.
Benefits of Fish Oil for Dogs
As we have seen above, fish oil[7] can provide many benefits for dogs. Here are some of the main benefits of fish oil for dogs:
- Improves skin and coat health
- Reduces inflammation and pain in joints
- Supports heart health and circulation
- Enhances brain and eye development and function
- Boosts immune system and fights infections
- May help prevent or treat chronic diseases such as cancer
Side Effects of Fish Oil for Dogs
While fish oil is generally safe and beneficial for dogs, it can also have some side effects if given in excess or without proper guidance from your vet. Some of the potential side effects of giving fish oil to dogs are:
1). Gastrointestinal upset: Some dogs may have diarrhea, vomiting, or gas when given fish oil, particularly if it is given in high dosages or on an empty stomach.
Start with a modest dose and raise it gradually over time to avoid this. To avoid stomach upset, you may also offer fish oil with food or as a reward.
2). Bleeding disorders: In certain dogs, fish oil can prevent blood from clotting properly and raise the risk of bleeding, particularly if they already have a medical problem or are on drugs that have a negative impact on blood clotting.
To prevent this, talk to your veterinarian before administering your dog fish oil, and keep an eye out for any indications of bleeding or bruising.
3). Vitamin E deficiency: Fish oil can deplete vitamin E levels in the body, which can cause oxidative damage to the cells and tissues.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the cells from damage caused by free radicals. To avoid this, give your dog a vitamin E supplement along with fish oil or choose a fish oil product that contains vitamin E.
FAQs
Can fish oil poison dogs?
Fish oil given in excess or without the right advice from vet can be poisonous for dogs. Gastrointestinal distress, bleeding issues, a lack of vitamin E, and contamination are a few of the negative effects.
How much fish oil is bad for dogs?
It relies on the weight, health, nutrition, and other supplements of your dog. However, a general rule of thumb is to give your dog between 75-100 mg/kg of total EPA and DHA per day. Most veterinarians and pet nutritionists suggest this amount of fish oil for dogs. Moreover, be sure the fish oil supplement you pick has been refined and put through a purity test.
What is a good alternative to fish oil for dogs?
If your dog is allergic to fish oil or you want to try a different source of omega-3 fatty acids, these are some alternatives to fish oil for dogs are flaxseed oil, ahiflower oil, hemp seed oil, krill oil, and green-lipped mussel oil.
How much vitamin E should I give my dog with fish oil?
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the cells from oxidative damage caused by fish oil. The amount of vitamin E your dog needs depends on various factors, but a general guideline is 1 to 2 IU per pound of body weight per day.
Conclusion
I’m so happy my puppy is still with us. Because I adore him so much, I would never want to hurt him again. I’m also grateful to my veterinarian for saving his life and facilitating his recovery.
I’m hoping that by sharing my experience, I might prevent future dog owners from making the same error I made. If you use fish oil sensibly and safely, it can make your dog healthier and happier.
In this article, you will get information about how I almost killed my dog with fish oil, how fish oil hurt my dog, and how my dog got recovered. Hope we will give you a better understanding of fish oil including its benefits and side effects.
Have you ever fed fish oil to your dog? What advantages or negative impacts did you notice? Comment here with your ideas and experiences.
References:
- Pascual-Garrido, C., Guilak, F., Farooq, M., Harris, M. D., Lopez, M. J., Mellado, M., & Clohisy, J. C. (2018). Canine hip dysplasia: A natural animal model for human developmental dysplasia of the hip. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 36(7), 1807–1817.- Wiley Online Library
- Arford, K. (2020). Fish Oil for Dogs.– AMC
- Vitamin E deficiency retinopathy in dogs. (1981, January 1). Retrieved June 13, 2023, from- PubMed
- Canine Fish Oil Dosing Chart – Veterinary Teaching Hospital. (2022, May 24). Retrieved June 13, 2023, from- Veterinary Teaching Hospital
- Griffin, R. M. (2008, November 24). The Facts on Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Retrieved June 13, 2023, from- WebMD
- Fish Oil For Dogs | Canine Arthritis Resources and Education. (2023, February 3). Canine Arthritis Resources and Education. Retrieved June 13, 2023, from- CARE
- Rabideau, C. (2023). The 9 Best Fish Oils for Dogs of 2023.- the spruce PETS
Dania is a dog groomer living in California, who loves styling dogs. She often uses dog accessories to keep them distracted while grooming. She is also a dog parent to a Pomeranian, Duke. It’s because of him she is always on a lookout for the best dog foods, toys, other dog accessories, and ways to keep him equipped, healthy and happy.
