The Benefits of the Antler Velvet Supplements for Dogs

The idea of supplementation for dogs is something new. Not every dog owner is familiar with the concept that because they can buy multi-vitamin and other supplements to help their body function better, the same is true of their dog too.

Chief among the supplements for dogs that work best is Elk antler velvet (EVA), which is a natural, renewable form of treatment that has been widely used in China for over two thousand years. Thanks to the Wapiti Labs in Minnesota, they have their own supply of EVA, which they use in a range of supplement products for animals, produced on location.

What Is Elk Velvet Antler?

The Elk velvet antler grows on the head of the Elk early in its life. The antlers are removed when the elk is mature and the elk velvet can produce supplements that have been found to promote a stronger immune system, better stamina, and increased robustness.

EVA has been shown in studies to include useful minerals like potassium and calcium, glucosamine for joint stability, collagen for better skin, amino acids for good muscle functionality, and zinc and iron that promotes healing.

How Do Elk Velvet Antlers Grow?

Elks grow their antlers over the first two years of their life. During this growing process, the antlers get a velvet covering. When the antlers become too old, they drop off naturally. However, the antlers can be removed safely and, once removed, the Elk painlessly grow back a new set of antlers over the next two years. This process repeats until the Elk is around fifteen years’ old and no longer grows new antlers.

EVA with Medicinal Herbs

There are thousands of herbs available, but only some of them have been found to have medicinal uses. The interest in herbal remedies taken at home continues to grow, as does the clinical studies to back up their validity.

With EVA-based products, they’re usually mixed with certain herbs that have been found to help dogs. Quite often, products are separated out in the first half and the second half of dog’s life. The reason for doing so is different herbs are included in each supplement that helps either in the first or second stages of their 10-15-year lifespan. For instance, many dogs begin to experience joint and mobility issues as they age, so a greater focus is placed on that aspect with herbs selected to promote improved joint functionality in the senior dog product lines.

Is It Humane?

Antler harvesting is perfectly humane. Elks are free to roam and graze. The process of antler removal is managed by their on-site veterinarian to ensure it is carried out in a manner that is kind to each animal.

Supplementation for your pet is just as important as taking the best quality supplement for your own body. We’re not always able to produce the essential amino acids and the other things that a healthy body requires, which is where supplements are helpful. The same is true for your dog; outside of veterinary care, providing the best for your four-legged friend ensures that your buddy will live longer and happier too.

Dunkin and Georgina #GuineaPigs

The number of pets in our home is growing.  We have now five rabbits, two guinea pigs, and two dogs.  Having pets is wonderful but it can be a daunting task especially if all of the responsibility of taking care of them is on you.  Don't get me wrong, I love   pets, I grew up   having too many around us but  my parents were very strict that we  take care of  our pets or  they will get rid of them and so we did.  My kids on the other hand just love having them but sometimes neglect to help in taking care of them.  I will take the blame for it, I am not  strict  in imposing rules to them.  This year, it will change.  They started to  really pitched in in taking care of them especially during the Holiday break.

 We adopted a female guinea pig a while back but she died  shortly after just a month.  I think she  was sick when we got her.  So we decided to  look for another female to adopt  so that the male has a companion.  We never found any for adoption so after my kids bugged me a million times, I  gave in and we got them  another one (see it is part my fault why the number of our pets is growing, it's hard for me to say no lol).  

 Just like Penelope, this new  guinea pig  is also a long haired one.  Looking at the 10 different breeds of guinea pigs at Guinea Pig Hub, ours  looks like the Peruvian type.  Dunkin is a common breed or American.

 We named her, Georgina or Gigi for short.  She is  so small when we got her but now, she is almost Dunkin's size.  Just like rabbits, our male guinea pig is also very aggressive.  He always tries to make out (I don't know the proper term for it so pardon my words) but  Gigi always runs away which is good because I don't think I am ready to raise guinea pig babies he he.

 We put them on a separate cages because  wood chips flew everywhere when we  tried to put them in the same  place.  We didn't want Gigi to stress out so we just put their cages side by side.  We always hear Dunkin making the purr sound.  

We take them out of their cages  every so often  and make them run around and chase each other.  However, when our dogs are around, Gigi gets so scared.  It's awesome to see that Dunkin always come to the rescue and  try to protect her.  I would say that I like rabbits more than guinea pigs because the  former are friendly and they love to cuddle.  Guinea pigs are not so much of a cuddle buddy but they are certainly cute and their noises can be your  alarm clock lol.

Why You Should Adopt Pets Instead of Buying Them

Unfortunately, breeding pets for business purposes is not illegal in all places yet, but you can make a better personal choice by choosing to adopt instead of buying. In case you are wondering what’s the difference or can’t think of enough reasons as to why one is better than the other, go through the following points.

Our adopted dog, Bolt

You are Supporting Horrifying Puppy Mills

Whenever you buy from a professional breeder, you are giving money to a business that makes a profession out of forcibly exploiting breeder dogs and puppies. In case you are not yet aware of the hell that a puppy mill is, click here to check out the reality.

It’s a Lot Cheaper

Puppy adoption is not only the better way to welcome a furry friend into your family, but it’s also more economical. Adoption charges are nominal as compared to buying a pedigree puppy and it often includes the costs of neutering, microchipping, and vaccinating. In other words, you get a healthy, spayed and vaccinated puppy at a lower cost.

They Need Your Help

Tens of millions of cats, dogs, and other pets are put into shelters every year, and unless you give them a home, they are living on borrowed time. They really need people to give them a loving home and each time someone buys a pet from a breeder or a pet shop, a pet loses its chance at survival.

Adoption is Rewarding

To know that you saved a life that was headed for euthanization is rewarding in itself. Chances are that the dog will show you enough gratitude to make sure that you will love yourself for that decision as well. It is to be noted that shelters have all kinds of dogs and some of them will have an abusive and sad history, which may lead them to be less charming. If you decide to adopt such a puppy, ensure that you understand what that means because the last thing an abused or abandoned dog needs is to be left alone once again.

Shelter Dogs may already have Training

This isn’t guaranteed, but most shelter dogs usually have at least some basic training from their earlier owners or from the adoption center itself. This means that you won’t have to worry about toilet training too much when you adopt.

Adoption Solves Pet Overpopulation Problem

A breeder may sell you a dog or any other pet without neutering it first, while all adoption centers must make sure that the puppy you are taking home won’t be able to add to the population. To some, it may sound cruel, but given the reality of the situation, it’s a necessary step. Millions of animals are put down every year because of overpopulation and at this moment, there aren’t enough homes to accommodate them all.

By now, it should be clear why animal lovers all over the world suggest that we adopt. Nevertheless, whether you adopt or buy, please make sure that your puppy doesn’t end up at the shelter one day.