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Adopting dogs and cats has become more and more popular in recent years. Gradually, we can see the shift in dynamic as pets are treated and loved as family members and our closest companions. Yet the modern and urban life poses major challenges for our furry friends: processed foods, small living spaces, noise, frequent changes in homes, the recent Covid-19 pandemic, etc. These challenges make pets more than susceptible to stress, disease and aging, which ultimately will impair their life quality and also yours – as pet parents.
In today’s article, we will reveal to you the very secret to help our four-legged friends stay healthy, happy and long-living: Natural Astaxanthin – the red elixir of life.
(i) Physical health: Astaxanthin maintains the healthy functions of various body organs and thereby helps prevent diseases (especially chronic diseases!) in dogs and cats. If dogs and cats already suffer from diseases, Astaxanthin can help support the treatment and slow down the progression of the conditions.
(ii) Mental health: Astaxanthin reduces the psychological problems such as stress, hypersensitivity, sleep disorders, etc.
(iii) For senior pets: As pets age, Astaxanthin exerts the best protective effect: slowing down the aging process and mitigating aging impacts!
Let’s learn more in this article!
PART 1: ASTAXANTHIN & PET’S PHYSICAL HEALTH
1. DISEASE PREVENTION
Like in humans and almost all living things, chemical reactions, such as metabolism, happen every day inside a pet’s body. However, the by-product of these reactions is the release of free radicals. The challenges of Urban life for pets (as mentioned above) can lead to the overproduction of free radicals and, consequently, oxidative stress (Starting to sound familiar? Visit our 2nd article of the Astaxanthin series (link) for Oxidative stress 101). The more prolonged oxidative stress, the more likely the onset of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal diseases, obesity, diabetes… and the reduction of a pets’ life expectancy.It’s better to avoid this altogether: “prevention is better than cure”, first, by supplementing Astaxanthin in your pet’s diet. Then, owing to different functions, including health-strengthening, Antioxidant, Immuno-stimulant, and Anti-inflammatory activity, Astaxanthin delivers to pets COMPREHENSIVE PROTECTION. Astaxanthin thus helps maintain and empower daily physiological activities and the organ functions to keep our pets healthy and as far away from diseases and aging as possible.
- 2. DISEASE TREATMENT
- 2.1. OBESITYObesity is getting common among our beloved friends. (COVID weight is real). As many as 20% of dogs and 34% of cats in 2018 were obese [1]. These are alarming statistics as obesity can lead to many chronic diseases, namely cardiovascular disease, diabetes type II and hyperlipidemia, etc.) which can significantly reduce the life expectancy of cats and dogs. For example, overweight dogs live 2.5 years less on average (~20-25% of their total lifespan) than healthy dogs [2]. Overweight cats’ life expectancy is reduced on average by 5 years (~25-30% of their lifespan) [3]
Astaxanthin to the rescue!
- Astaxanthin protects the liver and intestine: The liver and intestine are responsible for breaking down and synthesizing lipids – a process that is very likely to induce oxidative stress. Lipids are highly susceptible to oxidation, leading to potential lipid metabolism
- Astaxanthin maintains the lipid metabolism activity by regulating the gene expressions of lipogenesis and lipid degradation
With Astaxanthin (together with exercise and a good diet, of course), pets can lose weight and get back into shape!
- 2.2. KIDNEYS AND URINARY TRACT RELATED DISEASES
It is estimated that 1 in 10 dogs will develop kidney diseases within their lifetime [5]. However, cats have a much higher incidence rate of up to 33%, as cats tend to drink less water and therefore have trouble removing pathogenic bacteria in the urinary tract.
Without proper treatment, kidney diseases can progress to renal failure and/or kidney dysfunction. And when a stage IV kidney problem is reached, dogs have a median survival time from 14-80 days only [6].
- Astaxanthin maintains healthy kidneys and urinary tract through various protective mechanisms, thereby helping these organs function properly.
- Astaxanthin reduces ammonia in the blood and urine, thereby helping reduce the smell of feces and urine. You and your pet can live together in a cleaner and better-smelling home!
- 2.3. GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT RELATED DISEASESThe gastrointestinal tract is associated with 70% of the dog’s immune system [8] and houses large quantities of Serotonin – the “happy” hormone [9]. Unfortunately, the gastrointestinal tract is highly vulnerable to pathogenic bacteria. Due to unhealthy diets filled with processed food and indulgent treats, cats and dogs end up experiencing frequent gut issues: such as diarrhea, gastrointestinal infections, inflammatory bowel diseases, etc., causing significant impacts on their physical and mental health.
- Astaxanthin balances the intestinal microflora: Astaxanthin helps inhibit the growth of harmful bacterial (antibacterial activity) and simultaneously acts as a prebiotic to stimulate beneficial microorganisms.
- Astaxanthin regulates intestinal activity: by protecting the gut and ensuring its normal function. In addition, astaxanthin maintains nutrient metabolism and serotonin secretion, keeping pets healthy and happy.
- With your pet’s healthy functioning gut (owing to Astaxanthin), the smell of cat and dog feces is reduced – something we bet all pet-parents secretly wish for.
So, have you been convinced to order Astaxanthin supplements for your beloved companions already?
Or maybe you’re still sceptical? If you are, then stay tuned for Part 2 of “PET DREAMS – THE PURSUIT OF WELLNESS & LONGEVITY” to learn the all-around protective power of Astaxanthin – not only externally (physically) but also internally (mentally), especially on senior pets!
Are your pets susceptible to stress or show symptoms of depression?
Are your pets showing the first signs of aging?
Don’t worry because Astaxanthin is here, ready for you and your pets!
SOURCES:
[1] https://www.statista.com/statistics/524851/obese-and-overweight-dogs-share-in-the-us/
[2] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/obesity-in-dogs-a-major-health-threat-hiding-in-plain-sight/
[3] How Long Do Fat Cats Live? [Average Life Expectancy Table by Weight] (seniorcatwellness.com)
[4] Murai, Tae & Kawasumi, Koh & Tominaga, Kumi & Okada, Yuki & Kobayashi, Motoo & Arai, Toshiro. (2019). Effects of astaxanthin supplementation in healthy and obese dogs. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports. Volume 10. 29-35. 10.2147/VMRR.S186202.
[5] https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/sites/default/files/smda-poster_socialmedia.jpg
[6] https://www.wcrah.com/site/blog-flat-rock-vet/2021/05/17/renal-failure-dogs.
[7] https://patents.google.com/patent/CN112515049A/en?oq=CN112515049
[9] Hopkinson GB, Hinsdale J, Jaffe BM. Contraction of canine stomach and small bowel by intravenous administration of serotonin. A physiologic response? Scand J Gastroenterol. 1989 Oct;24(8):923-32. doi: 10.3109/00365528909089236. PMID: 2595255.