Congratulations on taking a holistic approach to your pet’s health! Animals love the natural route, by the way. Long before kibble and pills, herbal remedies existed for humans and their furry companions. If you’ve ever seen your pet chomping grass, you know what we’re talking about. But a holistic approach also has some rules. You may be asking yourself: “So…how do I give supplements to my pet?” Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Below we have put together a list of frequently asked questions to create a comprehensive how-to supplement guide for you and your furkiddo!

How do I figure out the correct dosage for my pet?

All NHV oral supplements follow the weight chart mentioned below except for our fish oil blend called Petomega 3 which has its own dosage instructions. All dosages can also be found on the label of the bottles or on the product pages of our website.

Try to wait 8-12 hours between doses. To keep track, it can be handy to maintain a log and set alerts on your phone.

For Cats And Dogs

The chart below shows the minimum dosage for dogs and cats based on weight. The dosage is safe to be increased if the pet could benefit from extra support. Please reach out to our pet experts or your veterinarian if you are considering increasing your pet’s dosage.

Cat/dog’s weight – dosage to be taken two times per day (8-12 hours apart)

0 – 15 lb = 0.5 ml

16 – 30 lb = 1.0 mL

31 – 45 lb = 1.5 mL

46 – 60 lb = 2.0 mL

61 – 75 lb = 2.5 mL

+75 lb = 3.0 mL

Dosage for smaller pets:

When giving our natural supplements to smaller animals like birds, mice, hamsters, ferrets, and even iguanas, follow the simple rule of giving 1 drop for every 2 lbs of body weight, twice a day (8-12 hours apart).

Rabbits have faster metabolisms compared to other small animals. We recommend a dosage of 0.5 mL two times per day for weaned rabbits of all sizes.

How do I give supplements to my pet with a sensitive tummy?

When administering our natural pet supplements to a pet who is showing signs of a sensitive stomach, you’ll want to start with a lower dose and slowly work your way up to the required dosage. You could gradually increase the dose over the course of a week or 3-4 days, depending on how well your pet is responding to them.

Can my furkiddo take NHV supplements on an empty stomach?

Introducing anything new to your pet’s regimen should be done slowly as tummies can be sensitive. Adding our liquid formulations into their food is the easiest way to ensure that your furbaby has something in their stomach when taking our supplements. But if you have a picky eater, you can administer their dosage directly into their mouths, after they have eaten their meals, or alongside a snack.

We recommend that pets with diabetes get their dose of NHV Mellit 15-20 minutes before their main meals. That way, the supplement can take effect to help balance the blood sugar before they start eating.

Do I need to give my pet their supplements at the same time every day?

Giving the supplements to your furkiddo consistently can help them maintain a routine and allow their body to get used to the rhythm. Maintaining a routine can help you remember to give your pet their twice-daily doses and helps them feel prepared for it too. It is preferable to wait 8-12 hours between doses. To keep track and make sure you don’t miss doses, it can be handy to maintain a log and set alerts on your phone.

Can my pet take the NHV supplements at the same time as their medications and other supplements?

Our herbal blends have been specially formulated to work alongside vet-prescribed medication. However, it is recommended to administer the supplements 2 hours before medications or supplements from other brands to avoid possible interference. If you cannot maintain that schedule due to work or other responsibilities, a minimum of 30 minutes is acceptable.

When can I expect to see results?

Our natural pet supplements are gentle and formulated by a holistic veterinarian and master herbalist, and are made specifically for pets. We also use a specialized extraction method, so that all the medicinal properties of the herbs are intact, making for a highly effective and bioavailable supplement for your pet. Every furry, feathered and scaly friend has a unique body so this may take 2-3 days, in others, it could take up to 2-4 weeks. A little patience goes a long way!

If in 4 weeks you are not seeing any differences, just contact our pet experts. Dosages may need to be adjusted, and it is safe to double the dosage when necessary.

What are the best ways to give supplements to my pet?

Mix them in their favorite treat or main meal

Simply mix the supplements into their main meal or any favorite treat that your furkiddo loves to eat. Dogs love boiled chicken, and freeze-dried meat while cats love tuna, salmon, or any fish really. Encourage your pet to eat all of their food so that they are getting their full dose. You could also mix the liquid formulations into pumpkin puree or homemade bone broth and place it in a separate bowl for them to lap up as a snack. Just make sure they are getting their full dosages.

Squirt it directly into your pet’s mouth after they’ve had their meal.

Many dogs and cats love taking our supplements since they are glycerin-based and have a naturally sweet taste. Aim for their cheek pocket rather than their throat to prevent choking or gagging.

Make sure to wash the dropper every time after use before placing it back inside the bottle. There are two ways to clean the dropper. Wipe the dropper’s exterior with rubbing alcohol, or run the dropper under hot water and allow it to air dry.

Tips for administering multiple NHV supplements.

If your pet is taking multiple NHV supplements, they can all be added to your pet’s food or administered directly into your pet’s mouth one by one.

You can also administer all the NHV supplements together using a syringe. Simply pour out the required dosage into a small bowl. Suck the mixture into a plastic syringe and squirt it into their cheek gently, all at once, after they have eaten something.

Don’t forget to give them a treat afterwards!

Reward your furkiddo for eating their supplements. Just like when you’re teaching them to sit or lie down, teach your pet that every time they finish taking the supplements, they will get a yummy treat afterward.

Does the product expire? Where do I find the expiry date?

Unopened and sealed NHV supplements can last up to 6 years. You can find the expiry date written on the shoulder of the glass bottle (you may need a flashlight to clearly see it) or on the label. Please note that once a bottle has been opened, it requires refrigeration and will keep for 6 months in the fridge.  

I accidentally left my supplement out on the counter overnight, is it still safe to use?

NHV products are all-natural and do not contain any artificial preservatives. If the supplement was only at room temperature for up to eight hours and does not have a funny smell to it then it may still be safe for use. However, we have to leave this up to the discretion of the pet pawrent.

If you have any questions or concerns about dosage or administering supplements, please get in touch with our pet experts by clicking the button below or leaving a comment.