Should I Give My Dog Taurine? Why Your Dog May Need Supplements

Did you know that certain breeds of dog are susceptible to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)? If you have one of these breeds, here’s what you need to know about taurine deficiency.

Your beautiful, rambunctious American cocker spaniel isn’t looking like themselves lately. They’re not interested in playing, and the prospect of going for walks doesn’t fill them with abject joy. What’s wrong?

They could be suffering from DCM brought on by lack of taurine.

What’s taurine, and why does my dog need it?

Taurine is one of a group of essential amino acids typically produced within the body. It is responsible for the healthy support of the brain, muscles, eyes, and heart. While most dogs synthesize taurine on their own and do not require supplementation, certain dog breeds – including the American cocker spaniel – are unable to perform this function due to breeding defects. Other breeds that suffer from this condition include:

• Golden retriever
• Labrador retriever
• Saint Bernard
• Newfoundland
• English setter

While taurine deficiency itself doesn’t present symptoms, it can lead to fairly serious health issues that do have symptoms. DCM is one such condition, and its symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting
• Fatigue after light activity
• Reduced appetite
• Heavy drooling
• Coughing

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, they must be checked by a vet immediately, regardless of whether you believe they are predisposed to taurine deficiency. If your vet finds that they are suffering from lack of taurine, they may prescribe a diet program that delivers the appropriate amount of taurine for your dog based upon weight, size, and other health concerns. Zignature taurine rich formulas offer meat-first and all-natural ingredients designed to offer full nutritional support for a variety of dogs. However, talk to your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

With fast intervention and the proper long-term care, your dog could go back to living their best life.

To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.