Should you consider joint supplements for your dog?
JOINT SUPPLEMENTS FOR DOGS
Dog joint supplements; it seems like, as we learn more stuff to do for us, we find a way to apply the same thing to our pets. This product is no different. I guess it makes sense since we want our dogs to get the benefits we do.
Dogs get arthritis just like us. Old injuries, aging, or other physical problems can lead to achy joints, especially as they age. Of course we want to prevent pain if we possibly can. So if we hear about a method that might help, we’re on it.
TREATING PAIN
When your dog slows down or doesn’t want to do the stuff that they usually enjoy, it may be time to help them out a bit. If you need help recognizing pain in your dog, read more here. You might take Advil for your pain. They have their own versions of pain relief medicine; Previcox or Rimadyl for example.
But these medicines have side effects. NSAIDs tend to cause stomach issues, and some of them can affect other organs too. They might do the job for a little while, but for the long term, something else might be better. Joint supplements don’t seem to have as many side effects as NSAIDS, making them an option to consider.
HOW CAN YOU HELP YOUR DOG’S JOINTS?
As your dog develops joint issues, your vet is likely to talk to you about adding a product to help your dog’s joints. Oral supplements for dogs are pretty easy to find. However, some are better than others, and in this case, you usually get what you pay for.
Since they aren’t regulated, not all products are the same, even if they say they have the same ingredients. Some of them aren’t absorbed as effectively as others, so they flush out through the kidneys, making expensive pee. You’ll want to go with your vet’s recommendation or do some research so you can get the best bang for your buck.
The best ones include MSM, chondroitin, and glucosamine, as well as some other ingredients. You’ll usually find them in some combination because these substances tend to work better together.
– MSM is an anti-inflammatory
– Chondroitin helps repair and lubricate the joints
– Glucosamine has some anti-inflammatory properties and helps rebuild joints
– Omega 3s also have anti-inflammatory properties. Read more here.
OTHER MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
In addition to standard joint supplements, you have some other things to try. Managing arthritis or other pain can take a blended approach to get your dog feeling their best. Trial and error play a big part. If one thing doesn’t help or only helps a little, you might want to switch to another approach or add it to what you’re already doing. You might consider
– CBD oil
– Herbs
– Homeopathic remedies
– Injections, either systemic or localized to the problem joint
– Energy work
– Magnets
– Massage
There are TONS of ideas out there. Many of them are not scientifically proven, so your vet may or may not know about them. But check to see what their recommendations are. At the very least, you can find out what might cause more harm than good.
WHAT JOINT SUPPLEMENTS DO WE USE FOR OUR DOGS?
We have older dogs, as well as young dogs with pain issues, so we’ve been giving MSM/chondroitin/glucosamine products by Dasuquin as directed by the vet to our dogs. Many of our dogs do fine with just the supplement. Others get the supplement, plus other approaches. It takes some time to figure out the strategy for each animal.
I believe the joint supplements we use are making the lives of our pets better. If they can live happy, active lives, it’s worth it. What kinds of things are you doing to help keep your dogs sound and healthy?
For other posts about helping dogs with pain issues, read How do you know if your dog is in pain? or A dog chiropractor or you can Google to find articles like this one from Canine Journal.
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