Introduction
Joint supplements for dogs are designed to provide nutritional support for joint
health, particularly those with (or prone to) arthritis. There are many types of joint
supplements available, but the one thing they all share is their ability to increase
mobility and reduce inflammation in the joints, thereby reducing associated pain.
What Are Joint Supplements?
Joint supplements are a type of dietary supplement that contains nutrients that assist with inflammation, pain and movement. If your dog is not receiving enough nutrients required to assist the body’s natural response then an additional supplement can support the body’s natural inflammation, and pain response.
Do Dogs Need Joint Supplements
Dogs often need joint supplements for two primary reasons. Firstly, the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually deteriorates over time. As this cartilage wears down, the bones become exposed, leading to pain. Secondly, the muscles
surrounding the joints can weaken due to insufficient exercise. These conditions
contribute to discomfort and stiffness in the joints, both of which are common causes of osteoarthritis in dogs.
Are Some Dog Breeds More Prone to Joint Problems?
Some dog breeds are more susceptible to joint health issues than others.
Dogs with any one of the above are likely to benefit from a joint supplement.
What to Look for in Joint Health Supplement Products?
When shopping for nutritional supplements to help with your dog’s joints, you should consider the following things:
Ingredients
Make sure that the product contains only natural ingredients. Avoid any artificial
additives and preservatives. If possible, look for products that contain no fillers or
binders. This will ensure that the product has been made from high quality raw
materials.
Feeding Rate/Dosage
Find out how much of each ingredient per day your dog needs. The recommended dosage will vary depending on the individual needs of each pet.
The best way to determine how much to give your dog is by measuring his weight. Each individual ingredient will have a specific feeding rate to provide the optimum results.
Quality Control
Many online retailers offer low prices, but do not disclose the full ingredient list or
nutritional concentration of their products. Many add only a trace amount of an
ingredient simply to have it on the label. Remember to check where the product is
manufactured as well as where the ingredients have been sourced.
Active Ingredients
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fats have natural anti-inflammatory effects and help to promote proper
joints lubrication as well as being beneficial for your dog’s immune system, skin and coat, hearts
Fish oil is a great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. It is however important to
ascertain where the fish oil has been sourced from to reduce worry around
contamination and heavy metal content. As a marine source of Omega 3, they have immediately available forms of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA
(eicosapentaenoic acid). These particular Omega’s help to ‘bypass’ the bodies
conversion of other Omega 3 sources and therefore increase the effectiveness of the supplement.
Some of the other common ingredients found in dog joint supplement products are:
MSM (methylsulfonylmethylamine).
CBD (Cannabis Oil)
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a substance found in the leaf and flower of the hemp plant . CBD may help increase movement and decrease pain in dogs with
osteoarthritis. CBD is likely to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, which helps fight the underlying causes of arthritis and osteoarthritis.
CBD may have interactions with other prescription drugs your dog may be taking and at Hemp Pet we believe in sourcing only a good quality controlled product, with a known source, via your veterinarian.
CBD may offer additional health benefits, such as: Relieving pain, assisting to control pain sensitivity, heart health benefits, reducing nausea, and calming and/or anxiety.
Discuss with your veterinarian what the benefits your dog may receive using a CBD product.
When Not to Give Your Dog Supplements
It is important to note that giving your dog supplements may not prevent him/her
from developing joint problems. Keeping inflammation under control however, may help to reduce damage to joints.
There are instances where providing pain relief may not be recommended as your
pet be more active on a damaged joint. When increasing activity of the joint is not
recommended, please check with your veterinarian whether or not a joint
supplement will be helpful.
If your pet is pregnant or feeding, a joint supplement may not be recommended so
please consult your veterinarian before doing so.
The Bottom Line
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint diseases in dogs, affecting 25 percent of dogs. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there is a lot hype surrounding joint supplements.
Many people believe that joint supplements can prevent or treat osteoarthritis,
however the evidence points more to reducing progression and pain through an anti- inflammatory action, or pain response.
As a pet owner, you know the importance of keeping your best friend active, mobile, and feeling his best. Whether your dog is getting older or if you want to keep the joints of a growing dogs as healthy as possible, looking into joint supplements for your dog is a worthy investment.
Always look for supplements for dogs that are made with high quality ingredients
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