What To Look For In A Joint Supplement For Dogs
Unfortunately, unlike prescription and over-the-counter medications that are regulated by the FDA, so-called nutraceuticals have less regulatory oversight. This not only means the market is flooded with products, it means not all products are equally effective or safe.
So how do you choose what joint supplement to give your dog?
Treating Arthritis In Dogs
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in a dog’s body, but statistically, the most common joints affected by canine arthritis include paw wrists, knees, elbows, hips and lower back. While aging is the primary cause of arthritis in dogs, other causes are certain activities, obesity, the dog’s size and metabolic diseases like diabetes.
The dog may also have a congenital joint disorder, an old injury or repeated trauma to a certain joint that leads to this condition.
However, studies found that increased size and weight of a dog is the main predisposer of joint problems, degenerative and development problems in dogs in the U.S.
If you notice any signs of arthritis in the dog, such as your pet having trouble standing from a lying position, showing discomfort while walking, abnormal gait or movement in a different way than before, osteoarthritis may have been taking over the dog’s body already.
It’s best to schedule an appointment with a vet, because canine arthritis left untreated could lead to permanent lameness and muscle atrophy.
Cbd Oil To Treat Arthritis In Dogs
A treatment option that has gained popularity in recent years is using CBD oil to treat arthritis in dogs. In short, CBD is a compound found in cannabis and hemp that some dog owners, as well as humans, find effective in treating a variety of conditions. Some anecdotal reports suggest that CBD oil can help dogs with arthritis pain. However, Dr. Klein reminds us that currently there is no scientific data on the use or benefits of CBD.
Additionally, limited regulation of CBD oil makes it difficult for veterinarians to sign off on its use since there is no way of predicting purity, concentration, efficacy, potential benefits, or side effects. While the unknowns surrounding CBD will change with more research , at this time, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of CBD oil for canine arthritis or any other ailments. If youre considering CBD oil as a treatment, make sure to speak to your veterinarian first.
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Joint Supplements For Dogs Can Make A World Of Difference
Joint supplements not only amplify the pain-relieving effect of NSAID medications, but they also have fewer side effects and may decrease the amount of medication necessary to relieve inflammation. When I meet a new patient who has come to see me for acupuncture to address joint pain, the very first thing I do is start that dog on a joint supplement, sometimes a combination of them.
There are many joint supplements available on the market to help your dog live a happier life, so talk with your veterinarian about their recommended products for your furry friend.
Keep in mind many of the best supplements will have a combination of the ingredients Ive listed above. This way, you dont have to give your dog so many products every day.
However, remember the principle of multi-modal pain and mobility management for senior dogs. Most of my patients are on a cocktail of supplements plus traditional western medications. This is because they work together to provide a syngergistic effect and maximum comfort to boost quality of life. Talk to your veterinarian about whats best for your dog.
What Causes Degenerative Joint Disease In Dogs
Degenerative joint disease in dogs can be caused by a number of things including injury and trauma or it may develop following surgery. But more often than not, DJD is caused by regular stress and wear and tear that is put on a dogs joints over time. Obesity increases a dogs chances of developing degenerative joint disease, which is why its important to keep your dog at a healthy weight.
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What Are Some Nutraceuticals I Might Consider To Help My Dog With Oa
Several nutraceuticals have shown positive results for managing OA. If your dog is a good candidate for any of these nutraceuticals, your veterinarian can help you make a good choice regarding a reputable manufacturer, dosage, and formulation.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids. One important strategy for interrupting the progression of OA is to choose a diet that has been evaluated in clinical trials to help dogs with OA. Good joint-support diets are rich in the omega-3 fatty acid EPA , which helps control joint inflammation and blocks the enzymes that break down cartilage. Research shows that high levels of EPA help to stop cartilage from degenerating. EPA can also be delivered as a supplement, either in liquid or capsule form.
There are several reputable diets for dogs that contain omega-3 fatty acids as well as other nutraceuticals, including Hills® Prescription Diet j/d®, Royal Canin® Mobility Support, and Purina Pro Plan JM Joint Mobility®. Your veterinarian will advise you on the best diet for your dog.
Findings from human studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may provide benefits beyond joint support however, more research needs to be performed to determine if the same benefits may apply to dogs.
Which Supplements Are Effective For Arthritis
Let’s be clear there’s a lot of hype about supplements in general, both for people and animals, but not all of them are actually useful or effective.
In fact, majority are likely to be completely useless, according to research.
Fortunately, some studies have proven that when it comes to arthritis, a few types of supplements improved joint health condition and decreased inflammation in human and canine clinical trials.
The potentially effective ones are glucosamine hydrochloride, omega-3 fatty acids, chondroitin sulfate, eggshell membrane, avocado soybean unsaponifiables, boswellia serrata and green-lipped mussels.
Not all of these are easy to find or buy over-the-counter however, the most popular ones can be purchased online or from local pet stores.
Among the available ones, we’ve ranked some of the best dog arthritis supplement brands with a proven track record below.
While some of the below best dog arthritis supplements can be beneficial, not every supplement that claims to be useful for joint health will work for your dog.
You must discuss the diet and supplements with your veterinarian before picking the right one.
Outside of the above-mentioned supplements, fish oil for dogs is also recommended.
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How Much Does It Cost To Treat Arthritis In Dogs
The cost of arthritis in dogs treatment depends on the case. Treating a dog with light signs and symptoms can cost as low as $25 a month for pain medication and joint supplements.
On the other hand, a dog with severe arthritis may require up to $5000 for a surgical operation and post-operative care. These costs may not be feasible for dog parents unless they have a good pet health insurance plan.
The One Vet insurance plan is the ideal plan for any dog parent. For less than $1 a day, you can get access to a licensed vet, $3000 per year for vet bills, and cover for all pre-existing conditions. The insurance makes arthritis in dogs treatment accessible to all pet owners.
What Can Your Dog Take To Lubricate Its Joints
Omega-3 fatty acids are the best supplement for joint lubrication. You can find the highest quality Omega-3 fatty acids in fish and krill oil. Youll want to look for joint supplements that include omega-3 fatty acids from quality sources.
Rogue Pet Science offers a wide variety of supplements and treats that are high in Omega-3s and other essential vitamins to help with joint pain and inflammation.
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Vetiqs Hip & Joint Supplement For Dogs
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Tired of reading glowing review after glowing review? Trust us, we know how hard it can be to get to the bottom of a nice, long list like this. But we have saved a special treat for you as a reward for making it through to this point. VetIQ offers a chicken-flavored hip and joint supplement perfect for both small and large dogs. All you need to do is offer your favorite four-legged child one of these chews and he will be off in doggy heaven. Our testing showed that it helped our dogs regain some of the vigor of youth, playing more and enjoying life to its fullest. As such, we staunchly back this brand and hope that you have the opportunity to offer one of these treats to your dogs soon.
Do Not Allow Your Dog To Become Overweight
Though it may come across as harsh, obesity is unacceptable. The main cause of joint issues in dogs is obesity.
When your dog becomes overweight, it will decrease their overall quality of life. Lets be honest, no one wants this for their canine best friend.
Yet, when a dogs joints have to carry lots of extra weight it will lead to pain, inactivity, and eventually more weight gain. This is a vicious cycle you should prevent at all costs.
You should aim to get your dog to a healthy weight and also find quality glucosamine supplements for dogs. The combination of these two things will ensure your dog is healthy for much longer.
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*Testimonials are for informational purposes only. The information is not a substitute for expert veterinary care. Testimonials are written by actual customers and represent their own observations. These observations are not guaranteed, are not medically substantiated, and may not be typical for other pets.
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The Role Of The Canine Joint
The canine joints play a critical role in normal movement.
Joints are the junction that connects two different bones in a dogs limb, allowing their limbs to move freely with each step.
Not only do joints help their limbs move with ease, but they also play a major role in the preservation of bones.
In a healthy dog joint, the joint is surrounded by fibrous tissue. The joints are also covered in cartilage that wraps around the end of the bone, offering added protection to this critical junction.
These structures not only support the joints with each movement, but they allow for proper shock absorption.
When a dog develops canine arthritis, they begin to feel the impact of a failing system.
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Prevention Is The Key
Keep in mind that the best joint supplements for dogs will provide the most benefits before symptoms begin to appear.
Additionally, if you begin to care for your poochs joints now it will allow them to play, jump, run, and go on walks for as long as possible.
Bone and joint supplements for dogs typically contain ingredients such as MSM, chondroitin, and glucosamine. These are all essential supplements to provide the best care for your dogs joints. They provide essential nutrients that offer natural pain relief, improved flexibility, strengthened joints and cartilage, as well as reduced inflammation.
Does Arthritis In Dogs Go Away
No, arthritis in dogs doesnt go away. Unfortunately, arthritis in dogs treatment as the condition cant be cured only managed. This is because damage to joint cartilage tissue is rarely reversible.
On a positive note, you can help your arthritic dog live a long, happy life with the right treatments. Good arthritis in dogs treatment aims to reduce arthritis pain and prevent further damage to your dogs joints.
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How To Prevent Joint Pain In Dogs
Arthritis in a dog isnt always preventable because it can be inherited or as your dog age. It can all lead to arthritis regardless of care however, there are things that you can do to slow down the progress or impact of this condition on your dog.
Maintain a healthy weight
Your dogs weight can affect their joints, so if your furry friend is overweight, the joints are put under so much stress that it can worsen arthritis. Hence, get rid of the extra weight by incorporating a healthy diet and exercise into your dogs routine.
Use ramps or dog stairs wherever possible
Dogs with shorter legs will find getting up the stairs, off the couch, or bed challenging. Every time your dog lands on a hard surface, like the floor, its joint will absorb all the impact. If your dog has an active lifestyle, it will be at risk of developing arthritis over the years. The cartilage that protects the joints wears down, and the joints will begin to rub against each other.
Therefore, use ramps or dog stairs whenever and wherever needed. In addition, placing rugs on slippery floors will help your dog stand much steadier on their legs.
Make your home pet-friendly
As pet parents, making adjustments to your home that can help support your dogs joints and bones is a great way to slow down the progression of joint pains. You may provide them with a warm, orthopedic dog bed to sleep in. It also helps if you place your dogs meals and water bowls in areas that can be easily accessed.
Liquidhealth 32 Oz K9 Liquid Glucosamine For Dogs
This supplement offers exceptional hip and joint support to dogs of all ages. The formula helps dogs feel younger and have greater mobility to enjoy an active, energetic lifestyle.
The ingredients include glucosamine HCl, chondroitin sulfate, manganese, hyaluronic acid, and MSM. All of these ingredients are vital to promoting strong, healthy joints.
The supplement is absorbed more quickly than many others on the market because it comes in liquid form. The benefits are longer lasting than those derived from solid vitamins.
LIQUIDHEALTH 32 Oz K9 Liquid Glucosamine for Dogs has been approved by the NASC. It is free of wheat, sugar, yeast, milk, soy derivatives, and gluten. In addition, it has been thoroughly audited by a third-party agency to ensure it lives up to the highest standards of quality.
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The Trouble With Nsaids For Joint Pain
NSAIDs are drugs your vet might prescribe for your dog. These drugs , Metacam, Deramaxx and Previcox), are also called cox-2 inhibitors. This means they work by inhibiting the inflammatory process which happens through something called a cyclooxygenase pathway .
The COX pathways are important for many body functions including:
- Blood vessel constriction and blood clotting
- Stomach acid production and mucus lining
- Blood flow to the kidneys
- Inflammatory response
So controlling inflammation with NSAIDs can cause issues in other parts of the body. Boehringer Ingelheim, the makers of Metacam explain,
As a class, cyclooxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs may be associated with gastrointestinal , renal , hepatic toxicity. Serious adverse reactions associated with this drug class can occur without warning and in rare situations result in death.
And in case youre looking for another reason to avoid NSAIDs, heres a good one
NSAIDs can make your dogs joint pain worse.
Dr Ross Hauser MD, a prolotherapy doctor who focuses on pain and rehabilitation, wrote in a paper published in The Journal Of Prolotherapy
Simply stated, that means the risks of using NSAIDs outweigh the benefits especially when there are natural alternatives that are just as effective. So lets take a look at natural joint supplements for dogs.
Diet And Supplements To Treat Arthritis In Dogs
Your dogs diet is always of the utmost importance and even more so if your dog has arthritis. Dr. Klein says, weight management is prime, for arthritic dogs. Excessive weight causes extra strain on your dogs body and joints. Although exercise may be difficult, especially if the arthritis is severe, you can work with your veterinarian to find appropriate activities. Additionally, you can pay close attention to his diet.
Make sure you have the right food for your dog and that it meets his nutritional needs. Prescription foods sold by veterinarians might be particularly useful in helping your dogs arthritis. These foods often contain natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, or Omega fatty acids.
Furthermore, you might want to consider a food containing glucosamine or giving glucosamine or chondroitin as supplements. These sulfates are the building blocks of healthy cartilage and appear to stimulate the body to make more cartilage. Dr. Klein says that studies on glucosamine and chondroitin are conflicting. However, some demonstrate a beneficial effect on arthritis pain.
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What Causes Arthritis In Poodles
There are Natural and environmental factors that cause arthritis in dogs. Common causes of arthritis in poodles include aging, joint injury, excessive use, obesity, and congenital or metabolic diseases such as hip dysplasia and diabetes.
Poodles are especially susceptible to this disease and show signs of arthritis earlier than most other breeds. When poodles are obese, hip and joint pain and swelling can begin while still puppies.
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Petnc Natural Care Hip & Joint
Activeingredients: Glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, vitamin C, manganese, and hyaluronic acid
Flavor: Liver
Price: $9.99 for 90 soft chews
PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint is one of the most affordable arthritis supplements for dogs available on the market today. These liver-flavored chews are made using wholesome, effective ingredients in certified GMP facilities. Theyre veterinarian formulated using proven ingredients like glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin which work within the body to support healthy joints, cartilage, and mobility.
Each PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint soft chew also contains vitamin C, manganese, and hyaluronic acid. This provides antioxidant support along with added support for bone health and joint lubrication.
No matter if you have a senior dog with arthritis or want to protect your young pups joints, this is a worthy product to consider. With PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint, you can have peace of mind that your pup is healthy and happy.
| Joint Support Plus.
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