If your dog is slow to get out of bed in the morning, is hesitant to use the stairs, or has begun to limp, he or she may be suffering from joint problems. The protecting cartilage between adult dogs' bones begins to wear away as they age. Because those bones are rubbing against each other, your dog's joints may become inflamed and painful.
According to Jerry Klein, DVM, Chief Veterinary Officer of the American Kennel Club, dog joint problems fall into two categories: developmental issues caused by incorrect joint formation (think elbow and hip dysplasia) and degenerative issues caused by a dog's ligaments simply wearing down as they age (think osteoarthritis and patella luxation).
Fortunately, there are a few naturally occurring chemicals that may be restored in healthy dog joints. According to Leslie Brooks, DVM, of Lebanon, Ind., joint supplements can be a game changer for your dog's comfort and movement. The correct supplement can help rebuild those natural components, which can assist ease a dog's worn-down joints.
"Most joint supplements contain substances that are beneficial to joints, such as omega-3 fish oils, glucosamine, or chondroitin sulfate," explains Brooks. "These substances help reduce inflammation and swelling in joints while improving lubrication and joint health."
Of course, your dog's needs may differ depending on their other health characteristics or breeding heritage, so always consult with your dog's veterinarian before introducing supplements into their regimen.
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Klein advises picking only products recommended by your physician and approved by the National Animal Supplement Council while looking for the best joint supplement for your dog. The supplement market can be flooded with goods that seem nice but do not use high-quality components or quality-control procedures.
"Be skeptical of statements that appear too good to be true, such as pledges to cure ailments such as parvovirus, cancer, and hip dysplasia," Klein advises. "Look for a brand that specializes in a specific area or has commissioned clinical studies on its goods. Look for certification from an institution that has independently validated the contents of the supplement."
No, not quite. Even if you know a component from your own vitamins, such as omega-3 fish oil, Klein says your dog should not take the same supplement as you. Some components that are beneficial to humans can be harmful to dogs (for example, garlic), and human dosages can present dogs with an unsafe excess of a vitamin. Dog-specific joint supplements are vital for unwell pups because they typically require their own customized formulation.
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Nutramax's Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement contains veterinarian-recommended components for dogs suffering from joint pain. The glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate enhance cartilage synthesis, while other important components (MSM) alleviate inflammation and pain in your dog. Clinical study veterinarians have also endorsed Cosequin's potential to alleviate discomfort and enhance mobility in animals undergoing therapy for troublesome joints.
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This joint supplement was created with the needs of family pets in mind. NaturVet's founders created a joint formula for their Labrador, who was diagnosed with arthritis and hip dysplasia over 20 years ago. They now provide dozens of all-natural products to help elderly dogs suffering from joint discomfort improve their quality of life. This soft chew supplement contains components that help to maintain healthy cartilage and connective tissues while also lowering pain. Furthermore, the company is NASC-approved and has received over 970 5-star reviews on Amazon.
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Pet remedies containing cannabidiol (CBD) have gained in popularity, but science has been divided on whether it is actually a beneficial treatment for pets until recently.
Joseph Wakshlag, DVM, is a veterinarian at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2017, he collaborated with ElleVet Sciences on a clinical trial to test CBD oil as a treatment for dogs with osteoarthritis. The study found that CBD oil could potentially reduce inflammation in ways that other anti-inflammatory medicines (such as NSAIDS) and standard joint supplements did not, most likely due to its effect on the dog's neurological system.
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Certain kinds of dogs, such as golden retrievers and German shepherds, are vulnerable to arthritis as they mature. This is why the NASC-backed firm WoofWell developed breed-specific supplements to satisfy the health needs of various dogs.
Their core elements for addressing joint problems across breeds are identical to other products—measurements of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, and omega-3s—but tiny differences in ingredients may assist curb other possible difficulties in your dog's breed. Fortunately for Fido, the bacon flavoring is found in all of WoofWell's breed supplements, which currently include golden retrievers, German shepherds, and Yorkshire terriers.
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This all-natural supplement is among the best, boasting a trifecta of positive customer feedback, high-quality ingredients, and the NASC seal of approval. Along with veterinarian-backed glucosamine and MSM, the delicious, chewable pills contain pineapple bromelain for inflammation reduction and white willow bark for pain treatment. Furthermore, numerous Amazon reviewers state that their dog enjoys the taste and misidentifies the vitamin as a reward.
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This veterinarian-formulated soft chew is gluten-free while still containing the joint-supporting nutrients your dog requires. The preservative-free supplement contains organic turmeric and yucca root for their anti-inflammatory effects, but it's also flavored with chicken liver, so your dog will still enjoy it.
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Nordic Naturals is a wonderful choice if you're looking for a flavor-free fish oil supplement for picky-eating pets. This gluten-free liquid joint supplement provides omega-3s to boost immune and joint health in dogs. For its value and effectiveness, the liquid supplement has received over 1,500 five-star reviews on Amazon.
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Senior dogs who are allergic to proteins (especially shellfish and beef) will benefit from this vegetarian-friendly liquid joint supplement. The mix contains glucosamine sulfate to protect cartilage structure, MSM for pain relief, and hyaluronic acid to replace loss in damaged joints—but it omits fish oil, which is commonly found in other supplements.
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