Pawsitive health craze

Recently, there has been a notable increase in the purchase of supplements such as fish oil and glucosamine for joint health, and coenzyme Q10 for heart benefits among young people in China. Interestingly, these health supplements are not intended for themselves but rather for their pets.

According to a survey released by CCTV Finance last year, 75.81 percent of respondents are willing to spend on supplements for their pets, particularly those aged between 18 and 35, in hopes of extending and improving their pets' lives.

Tang Shiying, who owns two small dogs, told New Weekly that she spends around 400 yuan ($55.03) monthly on pet supplements. "For larger breeds such as Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and German shepherds, the costs for supplements can be two to three times higher than for smaller dogs," she said.

A pet blogger known as Y (pseudonym), who cares for two senior dogs, takes a cautious approach to using supplements. She told New Weekly that despite receiving several pet supplement advertisements each month, she consistently declines them.

Y points out that supplements need to be processed by the liver and kidneys — organs particularly vulnerable in aging dogs.

"Instead of investing in unnecessary supplements for senior dogs, it is more advisable to use the money for regular checkups. If health issues arise, then consider supplements or medications tailored to their specific needs," she suggested.