Firestyle Magazine Issue 4 - Summer 2016 | Page 31

Pets need supplements too Pets have long been considered members of the family and now it seems that loving pet owners are taking the approach that whats good for humans, might also be good for pets. Over 20% of people in the UK take supplements themselves, with the numbers rising to over 40% in the 64 year plus age group. People really care about their pets and want them to enjoy that healthy feel-good factor too, explains John Howie, cofounder of British company, Lintbells which is currently providing supplements to support the health to over 150,000 dogs in the UK alone. Popular supplements in the human market include omega 3 fish oils, glucosamine and chondroitin. Lintbells not only uses these same types of ingredients, it goes one step further, working with experts such as the Royal Veterinary College to ensure that its products are backed by solid scientific evidence. It has even trademarked its own source of green lipped mussel from particular bays in New Zealand waters which contain the highest levels of Omega 3s. The catch from those bays has now been earmarked by Lintbells to help UK pets regain their mobility. YuMEGA Itchy Dog, which supports skin health is now rated the UKs number one veterinary skin supplement. Mobility problems affect an estimated one in every five dogs and many cats and the brand pet owners are increasingly turning to is YuMOVE, now Number 1 veterinary joint supplement brand. Another big area of concern for pet owners is skin problems and recurrent itching. Lintbells solution for that issue is YuMEGA Plus, which will become YuMEGA Itchy Dog. The company is also launching a new-look website to attract even more pet owners and its packed full of articles written by experts from its veterinary team explaining what can be done to keep pets healthy and happy. Going the extra mile certainly seems to give the company the results its been aiming for as one customer explained: My Beagle Bailey (aged 6) had terrible problems with itchy skin; he was always scratching his ears and the backs of his legs were red raw. I tried various diets and he had to get steroid injections from the vet. He’s been on YuMEGA Itchy Dog for over 2 years now and seeing the difference almost straight away was amazing! I always had to be really careful with what he ate especially treats but now he can get the same treats as my other Beagles and I know he’ll be fine. As a result of the enthusiasm for pet supplements, Lintbells was recently handed a one to watch accolade by the Sunday Times Fast Track list. Thousands have left glowing reviews of how pets have been helped by the supplements and Lintbells brands are stocked by hundreds of veterinary practices across the UK and abroad. 31