One thing I feel really helped keep my Bolo walking for many years was fish oil. His joints and muscles were strong until his last four months, when he was just tired. I am a firm believer that this really helps to improve a dog’s general health, but also has some specific benefits that include:

Decreases Inflammation = Reduces Joint Discomfort

Healthy Skin = Less Problems with Dry, Itchy Skin, Adds Moisture to Irritated Skin

Glistening Coat = Promotes Silky, Soft Fur, and Decreases Shedding

Improves the Immune System = Protects against Auto Immune Diseases

Renews Energy = Increases Stamina

Reduces Risk of Stroke or Heart Problems

Keeps Blood Triglycerides in Check

Antioxidant Properties Lower Risk of Cancer

Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Fish Oil may be used to enhance your pet’s appetite by adding an appealing flavor. I also use Coconut Oil in my dog’s food, and both can help with constipation as well, but be careful not to overdo it or you’ll get the opposite result..

Oil from fish contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); both are omega-3 fatty acids.

Where is fish oil found? EPA and DHA are found in mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines, sablefish (black cod), anchovies, albacore tuna, and wild game.

These may not be a normal part of your dog’s diet, even when you cook for your dogs as I do. This makes adding Omega 3s oils in liquid or capsule form very easy to introduce into your dog’s regular meals.

The exact ratios are not proven, but research indicates that EPA has a stronger anti-inflammatory effect that DHA. For most of the conditions treated in animals (digestive, skin, or joint issues) you want a fish oil that is higher in EPA than DHA. Don’t worry about the dose of DHA, it will be similar to the EPA.

When will you see its effects?

After 3 weeks on that target dose, you should see signs of improvement such as reduced itchy skin, better digestion, reduced anxiety, or ease of movement in arthritic dogs. If you do not see improvements, you can increase the dose.

There is not any known toxicity to dogs, but may give them diarrhea, or have other side effects, so increase the amount slowly, if needed.

Many products say “1000 mg of EFAs” on the bottle. The shorthand can be confusing because EFA sounds like EPA. Note that EFA stands for essential fatty acids, this includes EPA and DHA (which are both types of Omega 3 essential fatty acids). Be sure to read the label to see what, actually, is in it. The fatty acids may be Omega 3, 6, or other miscellaneous ones. Pets need a supplement high in Omega 3 with no added Omega 6. Omega 6 is important but it is already in the diet in excessive amounts. This is why you need to feed Omega 3 (remember that means EPA plus DHA) to balance the diet.

Click here for the 8 Best Fish Oils for 2021 https://www.thesprucepets.com/best-fish-oils-for-dogs-4589944

Check with your vet before changing your dog’s diet, including their vitamin regime, particularly if you are trying to treat a deficiency such as Vitamin E. Some articles say that giving Fish Oil instead can lead to dangerous complications in some dogs. DO YOUR RESEARCH!

Omega 3 Dosing (for dogs under 50 lbs)

Body weight (lbs)	Body weight (Kg)	Recommended Daily Dose (100 mg/kg)	Maximum Daily Dose
5	2.3	230 mg	574 mg
10	4.5	450 mg	965 mg
15	6.8	680 mg	1308 mg
20	9.1	910 mg	1623 mg
25	11.4	1140 mg	1919 mg
30	13.6	1360 mg	2200 mg
35	15.9	1590 mg	2469 mg
40	18.2	1820 mg	2730 mg
45	20.5	2050 mg	2982 mg
50	22.7	2270 mg	3227

Recommended and maximum daily doses of Omega 3s (50lbs and under)

Omega 3 Dosing (51-100 lbs)

Bodyweight (lbs)	Bodyweight (Kg)	Recommended Daily Dose (100 mg/kg)	Maximum Daily Dose
50 lbs	22.7	2270 mg	3227 mg
55	25	2500 mg	3466 mg
60	27.3	2730 mg	3700 mg
65	29.5	2950 mg	3924 mg
70	31.8	3180 mg	4153 mg
75	34.1	3410 mg	4374 mg
80	36.4	3640 mg	4590 mg
85	38.6	3860 mg	4804 mg
90	41	4100 mg	5014 mg
95	43.2	4320 mg	5222 mg
100	45.5	4550 mg	5427 mg

Recommended and Maximum Daily Dosing (51-100 lbs)

Omega 3 Dosing (101-150 lbs)

Bodyweight (lbs)	Bodyweight (Kg)	Recommended Daily Dose (100 mg/kg)	Maximum Daily Dose
100 lbs	45.5	4550 mg	5427 mg
105	47.7	4770 mg	5629 mg
110	50	5000 mg	5829 mg
115	52.3	5230 mg	6027 mg
120	54.5	5450 mg	6222 mg
125	56.8	5680 mg	6415 mg
130	59.1	5910 mg	6607 mg
135	61.3	6130 mg	6797 mg
140	63.6	6360 mg	6985 mg
145	65.9	6590 mg	7171 mg
150	68.2	6820 mg	7356 mg