I Almost Killed My Dog With Fish Oil

Fish oil seems like a miracle product, especially when you’re shopping online and can’t tell if the fish oil is fresh. Whether you have a pet or not, you’ve likely heard of the many health benefits of fish oil, including reduced inflammation, improved heart health, and better brain function. But what about dogs? Can they benefit from fish oil just as much as humans do? What precautions should you take if you choose to give your dog fish oil? And what should you do if your dog accidentally consumes too much fish oil?

Although fish oil isn’t going to kill your dog in one dose, that doesn’t mean it’s safe, and there are many stories of fish oil poisoning on dogs out there. In this article, I’ll share how I almost killed my dog with fish oil and why you should be cautious before giving your dog fish oil supplements or fish oil-infused treats and food.

 

I almost killed my dog with fish oil

Over the past six years, I’ve had a few dogs pass away. All of them were old, and each death was expected. But one death wasn’t expected, and it was my own fault. I almost killed my dog with fish oil. Well, not really with fish oil but by feeding him too much fish oil. 

At the end of November 2021, I gave my dog his first dose of Omega 3 pills made from sardines. These are rich in Omega 3s which help improve their coat and brain function while lowering their cholesterol levels. A big plus is that they don’t have any mercury found in other types of fish like tuna or swordfish.

I knew about the benefits of giving these to my dog, but I also knew it could be harmful to overfeed them. So as instructed on the bottle, I cut one pill into four pieces and fed him only two pieces at a time for four days. On the third day, he started throwing up, so I stopped giving him more doses until he got better. When he did recover, two weeks later, we resumed giving him two doses per day for another week before stopping again.

On New Year’s Eve, he passed away. His stomach was bloated, and he died from being poisoned by some kind of toxin. That Christmas eve night in December, I sat staring at his lifeless body holding back tears, knowing what caused his death.

After months of research, I realized how dangerous it could be to give your dog fish oil supplements if you don’t follow instructions carefully. For example, giving your dog a dosage every day without resting them between dosages can lead to fatty liver disease and damage. And because this is such a new supplement for dogs, there aren’t many studies about its long-term effects yet. So please proceed with caution when deciding whether or not you should give your pet this supplement.

 

What is fish oil

Fish oil is a type of oil derived from oily fish tissues. It is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to human health but can be toxic to dogs. Carnivores. Too much fish oil can cause Vitamin E deficiency, anemia, and liver disease in dogs. Carnivores cannot convert omega-3s into the same form humans can. 

 

Benefits of giving dogs fish oil

Just like human beings, dogs can be benefited from fish oil. Below are some benefits.

 

1. Protects the heart of your dog

Some dogs suffer from a problem called atherosclerosis which is fatty deposits in their arteries. These fatty deposits make it difficult for blood to flow through and thus put more strain on the heart to pump blood around. The good thing about fish oil is that they help clean up these fatty deposits, thereby making sure that your dog’s heart gets enough blood flowing through it and keeps it healthy.

Fish oils also have anti-inflammatory properties, which means they will take care of any inflammation inside your pet’s body and ensure their joints stay free from pain.

2. Aids arthritic joints

Fish oil aids Aids arthritic joints. Fish oil helps with joint pains that my dog has been experiencing recently. It helped decrease the inflammation that was causing his aches and has aided him in being able to enjoy daily walks again.

It did not work out well for my dog, which I almost killed with fish oil.

3. Reduces blood triglyceride levels

Fish oil reduces blood triglyceride levels. It is important because high triglycerides lead to many health problems, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease.

4. Prevents memory loss

If you want your dog to remain young at heart and maintain sharp memory even when they age, then giving them fish oil should be one of the things you do regularly. After all, many older adults forget things because they don’t eat right or don’t get enough exercise, but with fish oil supplements, this shouldn’t happen anymore.

 

Dangers of giving dogs too much fish oil

Some people believe you can give your dog as much fish oil as they want without any problems. That is not true, and these are the dangers that is will happen if you usually give your dogs fish oil. Lots of people in the United States take fish oil as a supplement, thinking it will help their health and athletic performance.

You can also know if your dog can eat ube (purple yam) or if it’s not safe.

Is this supplement dangerous? I was told that fish oil could cause severe injury and even death in dogs. A fish oil supplement should not be given to your dog unless the vet tells you to do so or the medication prescribed by the vet includes it as a treatment. Here are some reasons why fish oil might be killing your dog if you’re not careful with it.

1. Vitamin E from fish could be killing your pet

 If a dog ingests too much fish oil or vitamin E, it can develop a condition called hemolytic anemia, which will cause its red blood cells to rupture and die. The resulting symptoms could include rapid breathing, loss of appetite, weakness, and lethargy. Some dogs will also show signs of liver failure, like vomiting, yellow bile, nausea, and jaundice. If left untreated, it can lead to death.

Because too much fat-soluble vitamin could lead to oxidative stress, which can harm cells throughout the body, the problem arises when dogs consume too many polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) such as Omega-3s because our bodies don’t produce enough antioxidants like glutathione peroxidase to counteract them.

Unlike humans, most dogs cannot adequately digest the vitamin E found in fish oil. Mild poisoning may result from this, and in some cases, death. It’s unclear why certain animals react more aggressively than others. Your dog may experience food allergies even if you don’t give him fish oil capsules or other fish-derived vitamin E supplements.

Most commercial pet diets contain a minimum level of fat, and that fat is often derived from animals rather than plants; therefore, they also contain a small quantity of vitamin E derived from animals. Additionally, even a small vitamin E overload can harm an animal’s health, so use caution.

2. Dogs are carnivores 

The majority of dogs nowadays consume processed, high-carb diets made up of grains and other plant-based substances. Even while there is some evidence to suggest that dogs benefit from a high-protein diet, you should always consult your veterinarian before making any dietary changes, particularly if they already have health issues. Salmon oil is also frequently given to dogs as a supplement to help with their skin and coat, but in certain situations, this might lead to liver failure or stomach ulcers in your pet. Before feeding fish oil to your dog, always consult your veterinarian because it might be dangerous.

 

What dosage is safe for my dog?

The average adult dog needs about one teaspoon of fish oil per day. But, starting with a lower dose and increasing gradually for weeks is best. Consequently, it would take about five pounds of salmon for a 60-pound dog to get enough Omega 3s for one day. So if you decide to give your dog some fish oil, make sure it’s no more than once or twice per week and don’t have any other sources of this nutrient (such as food or supplements).

 

How can I get rid of the smell?

1. Pour some white vinegar onto a paper towel or cloth and rub it into the affected area. 

2. You can also try using a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar. 

3. If the smell persists, you can try using lemon juice. 

4. Sprinkle baking soda on the area and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming.

Consult veterinary

As a pet owner, it’s important to consult your veterinarian before giving your dog fish oil or any supplement. I almost killed my dog with fish oil because I didn’t know any better. I thought that since fish oil is good for humans, it would also be good for my dog. But I was wrong.

 

Conclusion

Fish oil isn’t as dangerous as some people make it seem, but there are necessary precautions to take if you choose to give it to your dog. It is what I learned with one of my dogs. Dogs are carnivores, not omnivores like humans. This means that their bodies are designed to digest and use animal-based proteins and fats, not plant-based ones.

The two essential omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil (EPA and DHA) do not come from plants, so they cannot be used by a dog’s body in the same way ours can. The next time you see a bag of pet food containing salmon or fish oil on the label, remember this information!