Does My Dog Need a Joint Supplement?
You want the best for your furry friend, and that means being attentive to their health care. Their overall well-being is extremely important, but what about the specifics of their heath? You may be wondering if your dog needs extra help, like joint supplements. While there might not be a general answer as every furball is unique, there are some things to consider about whether or not your pooch needs joint supplements.
Joint and Hip Supplements
If you’re someone who sticks to a health and self-care routine, you may think about if your doggie needs one too. You’re not alone in this either! Many dog owners wonder if they should be giving their canine companion supplements.
Supplements are generally considered safe and natural by the Natural Animal Supplement Council! Supplements could potentially increase your pup’s quality of life, so, why not give them a shot?
If your dog is a larger breed or predisposed to having joint problems, starting supplements in their early adulthood is a great, proactive idea. Consult your veterinarian about what they think your dog should be taking based on their breed, weight, health concerns, lineage, etc.
Joints are Important
It’s a no-brainer that your pooch’s joints serve a big purpose and need to be looked after. It’s not uncommon for dogs to suffer from some sort of joint/hip pain or issue in their life. Around 80% of all dogs above the age of seven are suffering from a form of joint pain such as stiffness, aches, arthritis, etc. This occurs because as dogs age, their supplies of cartilage and fluids that protect joint movements decrease, causing problems with inflammation, irritation, and pain.
Your dog could be a bounding puppy one minute and a limping adult the next. Any dog can experience joint issues, but it’s much more common in older or senior dogs, which is why there’s an emphasis on preventative measures! Some symptoms of joint pain felt by all ages can include:
- Struggling or can’t physically jump (up stairs, on the couch, in a car, etc.)
- Difficulty getting up from resting or struggling to stay standing
- Swollen joints
- Audible cracks (in hip usually)
- Limping on particular legs
Don’t be afraid to take your dog to see a vet if you observe any joint pain symptoms. Although some are just signs of aging, it doesn’t hurt to check for a clean bill of health. Degenerative Joint Disease, Osteoarthritis, and hip dysplasia are all common issues observed in not only senior dogs but also dogs of all ages that experience longevity of joint pain.
Weight as a Factor
While you may think your dog is adorable with a few extra pounds, their weight may actually be what’s causing the joint pain. Weight puts extra strain on limbs and joints causing unnecessary irritation and inflammation.
Most doggie weight can come off with a stricter diet of tracking scraps, treats, frequency, and quantity of food. Talk to your veterinarian about coming up with a diet that is right for your dog and try some of these healthy treat substitutes! But, remember that any dog can suffer from joint pain, even skinny pups, so be observational of your dog’s health.
Choosing Canine Supplements
There are a few ingredients to look out for when selecting a joint supplement for your pooch. Try and get the most benefits out of the supplements and search for:
- Chondroitin: Helps to promote cartilage development and healing.
- Glucosamine: Main fluid that lubricates canine joints, also helps to maintain resilient joint and connective tissue.
- Omega 3 & Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil and are anti-inflammatory in nature.
- Green-lipped mussels: Helps to ease joint pain, anti-inflammatory, and develops cartilage growth.
Check out this list of brand recommendations for joint supplements!
There isn’t a magical cure for joint and hip issues, unfortunately, but with the help of the early addition of supplements, your dog may have a longer life without pain! Consult your vet before starting any new supplement to see if it’s right for your furball and be sure to give them extra love.