How to take care of YOUR superdog!

Anyone with a dog can tell you: they are simply the best. 

Whether it’s a warm welcome at the end of a long day, a cuddle on the sofa, or a companion for that glorious country walk, dogs make the world a better place just by being there.

It’s of little surprise that for 71{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} of dog owners, their dog is their everyday hero* and 74{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} of dog owners describe their four-legged companions as ‘part of the family’*. 

So many owners love the SuperDog range of pet supplements from the UK’s No.1 vitamin company Vitabiotics. Stock image

Dogs bring so much joy and comfort to our lives that it’s difficult to imagine where we’d be without them.

So it’s up to owners to make sure they take care of their dogs in the same way they take care of us. And that means making sure they are happy and healthy, with plenty of love, attention, regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet.

Here Dr Paul Manktelow, a leading veterinary surgeon with 20 years’ experience, shares his expert advice on how to care for YOUR furry loved one.

In his role as Principal Vet at PDSA Dr Manktelow has worked on the front line of some of the UK’s busiest veterinary hospitals. However, his home is in London which he shares with his little terrier crossbreed Rodney!

Dr Manktelow has worked on the front line of some of the UK’s busiest veterinary hospitals

1. High​ ​Quality​ ​Diet

Your dog’s diet can have a huge impact on how they feel, how they look and even how they behave. A high quality diet can help manage your dog’s weight, maintain a strong immune system and can help​ ​to​ ​keep​ ​joints​ ​and​ ​muscles​ ​healthy.

2. Keep​ ​Your​ ​Dog​ ​Smiling!

Dental health is extremely important for dogs and can result in serious illness if basic dental hygiene advice is not followed. Plaque and tartar can build up and cause receding gums, loose teeth and even bad breath. The easiest way to care for your pet’s mouth is to brush their teeth at home with a pet​ ​friendly​ ​ toothpaste.​ ​For​ ​help​ ​and​ ​advice​ ​please​ ​consult​ ​your​ ​vet.

3. Regular​ ​Exercise

Every breed is different and the amount of exercise they require can vary, but regular exercise can benefit your dog in a number of different ways. Bursts of physical stimulation during walks are a great way to release excess energy meaning that your dog can be much more relaxed and sleepy at home.

4. Year long exercise 

Dog walking isn’t just good for dogs! It’s a great form of exercise and it keeps people trim and healthy too. It can also help strengthen the bond between you both. During the winter months when there is less daylight make sure your dog has a light reflecting collar and any clothing should also be visible in the dark, especially smaller breeds. A waterproof coat will also ensure their own fur does​ ​not​ ​absorb​ ​the​ ​cold​ ​and​ ​rain.

5. Regular​ ​Vet​ ​Checks

A routine health check by a veterinary surgeon is recommended on a regular basis. These visits to the vet can significantly improve the early diagnosis and treatment of issues which may impact on your dog’s health. It’s also a great opportunity to talk to your vet about what vaccines and parasite protection​ ​your​ ​dog​ ​may​ ​need.

Ensuring your dog has a comfy, clean and safe place to sleep is vital for their wellbeing 

6. Comfy​ ​Bedding

Sleep is a dog’s best friend, so even if your dog enjoys rolling in mud, there should still be a clean bed to snooze in after! Shake bedding outdoors regularly to remove loose hairs and dirt and hoover any remaining​ ​dirt.​ ​We​ ​recommend​ ​to​ ​clean​ ​towels​ ​and​ ​blankets​ ​weekly,​ ​to​ ​keep​ ​fleas​ ​and​ ​odours​ ​away.

7. Pampered​ ​Pooch

Long haired breeds will need more grooming than a short haired breed, but all dogs should get used to being groomed and handled regularly. Combing your dog’s fur helps prevent matting and removes dirt that builds up during play. It’s also a good opportunity to check the skin for lumps, bumps and parasites. 

8. Toy​ ​Box

Dog’s love to chew but this can turn into a disaster if it’s your favourite pair of shoes! This kind of behaviour could mean your dog is bored, so try using toys which will keep them occupied for longer. These can be durable long lasting toys made of rubber which can be stuffed with their favourite treats, where your dog has to try and retrieve the food inside. This is a great way to reduce anxiety related behaviours when you have to leave your dog alone for part of the day, by distracting them with​ ​a​ ​mentally​ ​stimulating​ ​task.

Supplementing your care  

Many owners love the SuperDog range of pet supplements from the UK’s No.1 vitamin company Vitabiotics, which provide essential nutrients for your pup’s general health and wellbeing, plus support for the immune system, joint mobility and coat.  

How YOU give back by buying SuperDog

For every pack of SuperDog vitamins you purchase, Vitabiotics makes a contribution to Battersea**, one of the UK’s most established and well-loved rescue organisations.

Battersea is here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, and has been since 1860. 

So by purchasing SuperDog vitamins, not only are you looking out for your dog, but you’re also helping Battersea to support thousands of vulnerable animals in need.

There are two SuperDog supplements: the Health & Vitality formula, and one for Joints & Bones, both which come in a mouth-watering braised beef flavour that your pooch is sure to love. Readers of Daily Mail get an exclusive 35{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} off deal, available for a limited time only*** (so stock up quick!).  

Just like supplements for the human members of your family, these daily doses are packed with over 21 nutrients to help your furry friend feel their best, alongside a balanced diet, like vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s natural defence system and extracts that help maintain glossy fur.

And owners swear by them, too. After an independent, eight-week consumer trial, 96{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} of dog owners said they would recommend SuperDog supplements to other dog owners†****. 

One owner, of a dog named Hobbes, explained the SuperDog supplements were a hit with his pet. 

‘We have tried supplements in the past and Hobbes has not liked them,’ the owner explained. ‘Superdog supplements are great, he hears the pack and he comes running.’   

Both SuperDog Joints & Bones and SuperDog Health & Vitality contain no artificial colours, preservatives and have been successfully used with pet owners in nutritional studies.

Here’s why so many pet owners are impressed with the supplements… 

‘Our dog’s mobility is noticeably better’ 

Vitabiotics SuperDog Joints & Bones is packed with 22 essential nutrients to promote overall vitality with additional ingredients specifically for bone and joint support

One of the best things about having a dog is seeing them chase that ball in the park or wag their tail with excitement as they see the leash being brought out.  

Some 77{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} of dog owners we spoke to agreed that they enjoy ‘taking their dogs out for a walk’, with the morning the most popular time of day for getting out and exploring with your pooch*.

But these activities rely on your dog having healthy bones, teeth and joints to keep them moving at their best. 

This is particularly true for larger or older dogs because they can experience greater strain on their joints – just like humans! 

Vitabiotics SuperDog Joints & Bones (£18.95 for 60 tablets) is packed with 22 essential nutrients to promote overall vitality with additional ingredients specifically for bone and joint support. 

After giving the supplements to their dogs for eight weeks, owners were impressed by just how much their superdog’s mobility had improved. 

‘A brilliant way of ensuring she is getting the extra vitamins she needs to help with her mobility and health,’ said the proud owner of Myla the dog.

Another owner, who has Charley the dog, added: ‘Really pleased with his improved mobility. It’s a noticeable difference.’ 

In fact, 56{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} of owners of dogs with mobility issues reported improvements after just eight weeks of taking SuperDog Joints & Bones†****. 

‘His coat is beautiful’ 

SuperDog Health & Vitality provides 25 key nutrients for dogs, with specific minerals to keep your dog’s skin and coat in tip top condition 

Our dogs bring so much unconditional love to our lives, which is why 88{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} of owners turn to pets for a cuddle when they’re feeling low*. 

There’s nothing better than bringing them in for a big embrace, it’s like the stress and worries of the world wash away in that moment. 

But that feeling is made so much better if your dog has a healthy, glossy coat, which is also essential for their overall well-being.  

That’s why SuperDog Health & Vitality  provides 25 key nutrients for dogs, with specific minerals to keep your dog’s skin and coat in tip top condition.  

Some 77{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} of owners whose dogs had skin and coat issues reported improvements after just eight weeks of giving their dog SuperDog Health & Vitality†.

There was an impressive 90{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} increase in number of dog owners reporting excellent health in their dogs, pre-trial vs after just 8 weeks†.  

One delighted owner of a dog under five said: ‘We now have a very active dog with a beautiful coat. No longer scratches and bites himself. Very pleased with the outcome.’ 

‘I’ve seen a big difference in my dog’ 

 Both SuperDog Health & Vitality and SuperDog Joints & Bones provide a range of specialist vitamins for dogs, including the antioxidant vitamins C, D and E. Stock image

Whether it’s on the sofa or in the park, for many owners, nothing beats spending time with their dog. 

In fact 77{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} of owners have had occasions when they would rather stay home with their dogs rather than socialise with friends* and the majority know the feeling of preferring their dog’s company to their human acquaintances.  

They don’t need to be doing anything special or amazing, simply being there is often enough. 

But in order to do that, your dog needs to be feeling its best from the inside out. 

That’s why both SuperDog Health & Vitality and SuperDog Joints & Bones provide a range of specialist vitamins for dogs that help with overall wellbeing.

Owners who gave their dogs the supplements for an eight-week trial reported improvements in mobility, digestion, health, energy levels and behaviour†*. 

As one owner involved in the trial put it: ‘My dog has improved her energy levels, is much happier going on walks. (Previously a bit of a couch potato). 

‘Her appetite has improved and stabilised, have never had so many licked clean dishes. Very impressed with this product.’ 

Another added: ‘I have seen a big difference in my dog over the past two months and she is an older dog, so if there’s anything I can do to make her life comfortable I will. These vitamins do make a difference.’  

Vitabiotics is currently running an EXCLUSIVE 35 per cent off deal on its SuperDog products for Daily Mail readers – that includes both the Health & Vitality and SuperDog Joints & Bones range. 

SuperDog is a complementary pet food for dogs – it is not a treatment or medication or intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice. See label for full information. If your dog has symptoms or is unwell, seek veterinary advice immediately. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified veterinary health professionals regarding any medical conditions of your dog. Not suitable for puppies under the age of 12 months. 

* Source: OnePoll UK Everyday Dog Heroes Survey, February 2022, sample size: 2,000

** Vitabiotics Ltd will donate 35p + VAT from the sale of each SuperDog product to Battersea Dogs’ Home Limited which donates its profits to Battersea Dogs’ & Cats’ Home (registered charity number: 206394)

 *** 35{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} off both SuperDog Joints & Bones and SuperDog Health & Vitality. Available for seven days from the publish date of the articleuntil the 23rd May. Available only at: super-dog.co.uk. On checkout enter code: DMSuper35. T&Cs apply, visit vitabiotics.com/pages/terms for more info.

 † Independent, 8-week anecdotal consumer trial, carried out in 2020/2021 by UK vet specialists Vital Pet Health.