Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. The information within this blog post is not to be taken as medical advice. If your dog has medical issues, please bring them to the veterinarian.

When we rescued Bailey in December 2014, she had Giardia. She had just finished a round of antibiotics, but her stool was still loose and had a very distinct, unpleasant smell. We kept bringing her to the vet; she would go on a round of antibiotics and within a month, she would get Giardia again. We made changes; we would pick up her waste as soon as she went to the bathroom (instead of doing clean-up days a few times a week) and made sure there was no standing water anywhere in our backyard, but low and behold, Giardia would return, rearing its ugly head. I researched a more holistic way to treating Giardia, and wanted to incorporate products into her diet that would help her have optimal joint and dental health, along with a shiny, soft coat. Below are the top five products I use for Bailey and my foster dogs daily:

Kochi Free

This is an herbal product used to boost the immune system, rid microscopic parasites, helps rid the body of free radicals, kills viruses, bacteria, and fungus. Kochi Free can be used to treat Giardia, Coccidian, and Campylobacter. It doesn’t get rid of round, hook, or tape worm. You administer Kochi Free via dropper. I must be honest, I don’t think Bailey likes the taste. She goes straight for the water bowl after I administer Kochi Free. In conjunction with the probiotics below, Kochi Free has helped her remain Giardia free!

FortiFlora Probiotics

One of my friends recommended Purina Fortiflora  probiotics for Bailey’s reoccurring parasites and GI issues. The probiotics come in little sachets that I rip open and sprinkle on top of kibble or wet food. I have been giving Bailey probiotics for over a year and a half. The added microorganisms have made a huge difference with her GI health.

Zesty Paws Pure Salmon Oil Dog & Cat Supplement

I only use Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats. It is made in the USA from all natural Alaskan salmon. This product provides Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to add shine and softness to Bailey’s coat, and to aide her joint function, immune system and heart health. You pump the oil into kibble or wet food and mix with a spoon. How much you pump into the food varies by weight – directions are on bottle. I have been using this for a few months, and I notice that Bailey sheds less and her coat is much softer. The foster dogs usually come to me malnourished, and the Zesty Paws Salmon Oil helps add good fat to their diet. Zesty Paws Salmon Oil is cost effective for me since I do pump this on to my cat’s dry food as well.

Glucosamine Chondroitin

Bailey is a high-energy dog. Our veterinarian cleared us to run up to ten miles. She can jump four foot fences, and gives my younger foster dogs a run for their money when playing in the backyard. I know that one day she will not be as spry, so I want to do my best to protect her joint health. I have tried numerous glucosamine chondroitin products, but Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Soft Chews  is the product I wholeheartedly recommend. Yes, it is more expensive than other products, but it works the best. I didn’t notice much of a difference from other products, where when she is on the Dasuquin, she seems to move faster and with greater ease.

Tropiclean Fresh Breath Plaque Remover Pet Water Additive 

A big complaint from most dog owners is bad breath and tartar or decay. Professional dental cleanings are super expensive. Besides brushing Bailey’s teeth and giving her dental chews, I use a water additive to fight plaque and freshen her breath. In the morning, when I re-fill her bowl with fresh water, I add a few drops of water additive to keep her teeth clean and breath fresh. The Tropiclean Pet Water Additive  is cost effective, and I can use this in my cat’s water, too.

Final Thoughts

I always tell people, Bailey is a long term investment. I want her to be happy and healthy. The five products above aren’t time consuming and have made a significant difference in her overall health.

What do you use to keep your dog healthy?

Namaste.