Fish Oil

Fish oils are derived from coldwater fish, mainly menhaden, salmon, cod, tuna, mackerel and trout. Cod stocks are reducing, so the age-old ‘cod liver oil’ should be in avoided where possible.

Fish oils are rich in the Omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Both Omega-6 fatty acids and Omega 3- fatty acids cannot be made in the body and need to come from various foods, and in the right balance.

EPA is needed by the body to produce prostaglandins which are hormone like substances that help protect the heart and cell membranes. DHA is required for normal brain development, by the eyes and reproductive system. Both EPA and DHA can reduce inflammation in the body.

Fish, in turn, obtain EPA and DHA from algae, making super green foods such as marine micro-algae an alternate source of EPA and DHA. Algae may become the dominant source of omega-3 fatty acids as fish populations continue to decline in the world’s oceans in years to come.

Why recommend administration of Fish Oils to my pet?

Fish oils help reduce inflammation in various parts of the body. They can be used as part of a broad therapeutic approach to inflammatory disease such as allergies, arthritis, autoimmune disease, kidney disease, heart disease, strokeand cancer prevention/support.

Some researchers believe Omega-3 fatty acids may also help heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias) and fits (seizures).

Generally speaking we use a higher dose of Fish Oils with greater severity of inflammatory disease. In severe disease, other anti-inflammatories may need to be integrated into treatment.

What are the main reasons to use Fish Oils?

• Allergic skin disease
• All types of cancer (and chemo)
• All types of heart conditions
• Autoimmune disease
• Arthritis

Some animals will develop a greasy coat and flaking dandruff type symptoms when supplemented with Fish Oils. These clinical signs will resolve within a week or two if the supplementation is stopped.

Precautions and Side Effects

Fish oil is generally safe. The most common side effects are mild indigestion (burping) and a fishy breath. This can be minimized by giving  supplements at the same time with food.

Fish oil can become rancid. The capsules can be stored in the fridge to slow deterioration, or use fish oil capsules with vitamin E added.

The type of fish oil can make a difference. Cod liver oil is easy to obtain but it can cause a build up of vitamin A and vitamin D in the body which can lead to problems.

Because fish oil can thin the blood, caution needs to be taken when given together with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Fish Oils when taken at very high levels can reduce blood clotting in some animals. If your animal has a clotting problem, please discuss this with one of the vets.  

Animals on high doses of fish oils should stop supplementation one week prior to any surgical procedure, as bleeding time might be increased.

Fish Oils are safe to be taken by diabetic patients.

Where do I obtain Fish Oil supplements?

Please talk to us about products or suppliers we recommend. Fish Oils do not need a prescription, but there is a wide variation in quality and purity. We would be happy to advise.