When Should You Give Your Dog Joint Supplements
This is a judgment call for pet owners and could depend on the age of the canine, breed, and overall joint health.
Older dogs generally benefit more from supplements, but you dont necessarily want to wait for problems to appear since the active ingredients can have a protective effect on joint health.
If you are unsure when to start using joint supplements for dogs, talk to your trusted vet.
- Helps ease everyday joint stiffness and support joint structure for dogs at any stage of life
- Contains a powerful mobility-supporting formula that includes green-lipped mussels, omega 3, and glucosamine for dogs
- Highly palatable and easy to use
- Made using high-quality ingredients from the US and prime locations worldwide
- Supports a healthy, active, and comfortable life for your dog
What Is The Treatment
Treatment depends upon the pet’s clinical signs and amount of discomfort. There are very effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that have minimal side effects. The choice of medication is made on an individual basis, and various drugs may be tried before finding the most effective one.
“Treatment depends upon the pet’s clinical signs and amount of discomfort.”
Most dogs with hip dysplasia should receive veterinary-approved glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and omega-3 fatty acid nutritional supplements. Many dogs with painful hip dysplasia will benefit from polysulfated glycosaminoglycan injections on a regular basis. Moderate daily exercise, avoiding high impact activities such as jumping, may help keep the patient mobile and strengthen surrounding support structures.
Physical therapy has been demonstrated to be highly effective at improving an affected dog’s quality of life and should be part of any treatment regimen. Since excess weight puts undue stress on the hip joints, weight loss is strongly recommended in overweight dogs.
What Are Joint Supplements
Joint supplements are supplements that can be purchased over-the-counter or are prescribed by your dogs veterinarian. The supplements help support and protect the cartilage and aid in slowing down the process of arthritis. Arthritis is inflammation in one or multiple joints and is also referred to as Degenerative Joint Disease or Osteoarthritis . This is a common condition dogs can develop as they age. Arthritis can cause pain and swelling in the affected joints which can lead to lameness, mobility issues, stiff and sore joints, and a general decrease in activity.
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Life Extension Dog Mix Supplement
Image courtesy Life Extension
Life Extension Dog Mix Supplement is an all-natural formula that supports joint health in senior dogs. This supplement contains Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Omega-3 fatty acids to help keep your pups joints lubricated and healthy.
Plus it’s made with natural ingredients that taste great! So you can be sure your pup is getting the best possible care without sacrificing flavor. With this formula, you can give your older pup the nutrition they need to stay active and healthy.
Dog Shoulder And Elbow Braces
Its common for a dog to injure its shoulder and elbow at the same time, especially in short or smaller dogs. The ligaments are close together, and both can easily become sprained from the same injury.
A shoulder brace is also sometimes called a hobble vest, and it should be used when there is a medial shoulder instability due to an injury like a sprain or tear. Medial shoulder injuries in dogs are comparable to rotator cuff injuries in humans. They are common and easy to treat the pain using the right type of brace.
An elbow brace can be used for elbow injuries and shoulder dislocation injuries. Dogs with elbow dysplasia, elbow arthritis, or hygroma can wear an elbow brace to help alleviate the pain and increase mobility in the front legs.
Our favorite thing about the NeoAlly Dog Elbow Brace is that you can purchase a pair of left and right-leg elbow braces instead of purchasing them individually.
You may notice that one of your pups elbows is hurting more than the other, but you think he would benefit from having a brace on both front legs. It just makes it easier to keep your pup safe and comfortable by having the option to brace both legs using this pair of elbow braces.
We also like that it can be used in conjunction with a shoulder injury. While its designed to treat elbow injuries, it can also help with a dislocated shoulder, allowing the brace to serve more than one purpose.
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Movoflex Joint Support Soft Chews
It’s in a dog’s nature to want to move and explore. Movoflex Joint Support Soft Chews are a high-quality dog joint supplement that is designed to provide support for dogs experiencing the early stages of joint pain and discomfort.
Unlike most joint supplements on the market, Movoflex chews are made with eggshell membrane and hyaluronic acid. Eggshell membrane contains naturally occurring collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients work together to improve mobility while strengthening the joints.
These soft chews are sugar-free, gluten-free, and shellfish-free, making them ideal for dogs who are on restricted diets or have food sensitivities. Give your pup just one chew a day and give his joints much needed TLC.
Glucosamine per dose: N/A
Best Overall: Zesty Paws Mobility Bites
The best overall joint supplement for dogs is by Zesty Paws. This is a hip and joint dog supplement that contains chondroitin, curcumin, organic turmeric, MSM, and omega-3 to support mobility and offer arthritis relief. These chewy bites are available in either chicken or bison flavor. Theyre formulated to improve cartilage function for dogs and also contain hemp seed, which provides your pup with a source of stearidonic acid , which is a precursor to long-chain fatty acids. These are included in the formula to support your dogs immune function.
These chews also contain a premium form of MSM called OptiMSM. This ingredient undergoes a purifying distillation process so that your dog gets the highest level of muscular support. The curcumin included in this formula is also made more powerful with 95% curcuminoids that are known to ease joint stiffness and improve mobility. Additional ingredients include vitamin C and E, zinc, and organic Boswellia for extra joint support. You can provide your pup with these chewable bites, no matter his age.
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Joint Disorders In Dogs
Some joint disorders in dogs, like arthritis, affect the joint membranes themselves, while other types of joint disorders will affect cartilage, tendons, bursae, and the fluid within the joint. For example, joint diseases may be present from birth or result from an injury to the joint, immune-related conditions, infections, or abnormal development.
Activity And Physical Therapy
Never underestimate the power of exercise, especially for its ability to maintain muscle. An x-ray may show a joint deformity but it will not show strong muscle. And strong muscle helps support weak joints like dysplasic hips.
If youve got a breed susceptible to hip dysplasia, have him do strengthening exercises now. Walking is the best exercise. And work in some hills to build strength in his joints. Hip dysplasia can lead to muscle atrophy so activity should be part of every dogs lifestyle. If hes showing signs of joint degeneration, go for shorter walks and look for softer surfaces with grass or sand.
Swimming or hydrotherapy bring excellent results for dogs with hip dysplasia. Many veterinary rehab facilities have an underwater treadmill or swimming pool. The buoyancy of the water reduces the pressure on your dogs joints and allows him to exercise his rear leg muscles with much less pain. As he strengthens the rear muscles, hell maintain his mobility.
Physical therapy can also provide helpful exercises for your dog. It usually includes a combination of massage and joint mobilization movements involving balance and inclines.
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How Can Dasuquin Help My Dog
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: Legg-Calves-Perthes disease is a non-infectious hip disorder that causes destruction of bone within the hip joint due to loss of blood supply. Small dogs, less than 20lbs tend to be most affected by this disease. Degenerative arthritis develops which causes significant pain and the affected pooch may eventually need surgery.
Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: Dysplasia is the abnormal development of a joint with hips and elbows being the most commonly affected joints. This is a disorder that primarily affects larger breeds of dog with German Shepherds and Labradors being some of the most commonly affected. These disorders cause painful inflammation within the affected joints and surgery may be required to relieve the puppers suffering.
Osteoarthritis/Degenerative Joint Disease: Osteoarthritis refers to progressive cartilage degeneration that causes chronic inflammation within a joint leading to pain and further destruction of the joints integrity. Most osteoarthritis is secondary to other orthopaedic issues such as dysplasia or trauma. Affecting up to 25% of dogs, this painful condition tends to affect older pooches and while the effects can be managed, there isnt a cure.
Zesty Paws Senior Advanced 11
Image courtesy Zesty Paws
Zesty Paws Senior Advanced 11-in-1 Bites Chicken Flavored Soft Chews Multivitamin for Senior Dogs offers health benefits galore in each delectable chew. Each soft chew goes beyond simply tasting great–it’s crammed full of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to help your senior dog feel energetic and spry. Support your furry friend’s stomach, immune system, skin and more with these 11-in-1 easy-to feed soft chews!
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I Have Been Told That My Dog Has Hip Dysplasia But She Isn’t Lame Is That Diagnosis Correct
Hip dysplasia is a deformity of the hip that occurs during growth. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. During growth, both the ball and the socket in the pelvis must grow at equal rates.
In hip dysplasia, this uniform growth during puppyhood does not occur. The result is laxity of the joint, followed by degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis , which is the body’s attempt to stabilize the loose hip joint.
The degree of lameness that occurs is dependent on the extent of these arthritic changes and may not be correlated with the appearance of the hip joint on X-rays. Some pets with significant signs of hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis on X-rays may not exhibit any clinical signs, while others with minimal changes may experience severe pain and lameness.
The Missing Link Ultimate Canine Hip & Joint Formula
The Missing Link Ultimate Canine Hip & Joint Formula is a daily powdered supplement that can be added to your dog’s meals. It’s specially formulated to manage movement related pain while also supporting overall mobility.
The Missing Link Ultimate Canine Hip & Joint Formula is made with a blend of glucosamine, omegas, and superfoods, which work together to keep your dog’s joints flexible and lubricated. The supplement also promotes heart health, thanks to the addition of taurine, ground flaxseed, and nutritional yeast.
If your pup has arthritis, stiffness, or soreness, this supplement is sure to help. Get back to your active lifestyle of playing fetch and going on long walks!
Glucosamine per dose: 400 mg
Chondroitin per dose: N/A
Price: $25.99 for 1 lb bag
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Buyers Guide: How To Choose The Best Dog Joint And Hip Supplements
There are many supplements available to buy for your beloved pet, and you are probably aware that some are better than others. This buyers guide will go over what you should look for when you are shopping for the best dog joint and hip supplements.
Joint and hip supplements are ideal for senior dogs or dogs predisposed to developing joint problems, in order to prevent issues from occurring as they get older. A few signs that your dog has joint and/or hip pain are:
- Difficulty getting up or laying down
- Difficulty going up or down the stairs
Your dog may show only a few of these symptoms or others that arent listed. Its important to notice when your dog is not acting normal. Its not recommended to give your dog supplements without speaking to your veterinarian first, just in case the symptoms your dog is exhibiting are not related to joint pain, but rather something else. Lets discuss features to consider when selecting a joint supplement.
Petlab Co Joint Care Chews
Give your pup much needed joint support with Petlab Co. Joint Care Chews. These yummy pork-flavored chews enhance movement and joint flexibility with a high concentration of glucosamine and other powerful supplements, including salmon oil, green lipped mussels, and turmeric.
These chews are also great for providing support for occasional discomfort and stiffness caused by daily activities and exercise. So after a long day of hiking or playing fetch, give your pup a Petlab Co. Joint Care Chew and have peace of mind that hes happy and comfortable.
Glucosamine per dose: 600 mg
Chondroitin per dose: N/A
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Ways To Provide Hip Support For Dogs
Regardless of why a dog needs hip support, there are a variety of great options that can fit your dogs unique needs. Some are supplements designed to promote orthopedic health. Others are support devices to help your dog move around with increased comfort and ease. And still others are things you can do for your dog to reduce pain and improve mobility.
Dog Braces Vs Surgery
While dog braces do provide a more conservative approach to surgery in some cases, they can also be used in conjunction with surgery for pre-operative and post-operative comfort and support. You dont necessarily have to choose either one or the other.
Youll find a range of anecdotal evidence from pet parents who are overjoyed at their dogs reaction and recovery using a brace such as an 83-pound Newfoundland named Penny.
When 8-year-old Penny tore the ACL in her right hind leg, the vet recommended immediate surgery. Pennys owners instead went with the recommendation of Pennys and other dog breeders, who suggested trying a dog knee brace. After wearing the brace daily for nine months, Penny is enjoying a full recovery. She still wears the brace on long hikes to stabilize the joint, but otherwise gets along fine without it.
Youll also find opinions on the flip side of the equation. One is from a vet who says dog braces are not the right answer for dog ACL injuries due to the specific anatomy of a dogs leg. Another story is from a pet parent whose dog found the knee brace intolerable enough to chew it off in its entirety.
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What Helps Dogs With Anxiety
Sometimes, simply spending more time around your dog or giving them a comfy corner to relax in can help to relieve the symptoms of anxiety. However, the treatment must fit the cause of the problem to be effective.
There are several mild sedative drugs that can be effective in the treatment of CDS and short-lived anxiety, such as riding in the car or 4th July fireworks. However, calming treats are also a very popular choice with many dog owners.
Best Dog Hip Dysplasia Braces
If your dog is suffering from mild hip dysplasia, then using a canine brace to help support the affected joints can make a big difference in their quality of life and mobility.
In this post, we will review some of the best braces available and weigh up the pros and cons of each product.
But if your dog is more severely disabled, you might want to take a look at this blog post asking what are the best dog wheelchairs for hind legs?
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Work With A Rehabilitation Professional
Physical rehabilitation can also be very helpful in maintaining mobility and comfort for senior dogs and younger dogs with joint disease. There are many hip support exercises that may benefit your dog. These exercises can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the hips and the core muscles to help support the hip joint.
A rehabilitation practitioner may also recommend additional therapies to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and help maintain a normal range of motion in the hips. Some of them include:
- Laser therapy for dogsHelps reduce pain and inflammation in affected joints and muscles.
- Underwater treadmill for dogsA great way to build or maintain muscle in dogs who find walks on land too high impact or uncomfortable.
- Acupuncture for dogsLessens pain and encourages healing.
Most rehabilitation therapists take a multimodal approach to managing joint disease in dogs. They can make a variety of recommendations to help your senior dog enjoy a better quality of life.
Early Diagnosis Of Hip Dysplasia In Dogs
To treat hip dysplasia naturally, its important to confirm the diagnosis as early as possible. Sometimes that could mean months into a dogs life.
If you suspect hip dysplasia in your dog, ask your vet to examine him. She can
- Manipulate your dogs hind legs to gauge the looseness of the joint
- Check for any grinding, pain, or reduced range of motion
If you know your dog has hip dysplasia or his breed is prone to it, you can create a plan that promotes joint health to help your dog retain his mobility and quality of life.
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What Are The Treatment Options For Hip Dysplasia
Depending on your pets age, physical condition, and degree of hip pain/lameness, there are several surgical treatment options. Young dogs that show hip pain early in life that have no evidence of osteoarthritis on pre-operative radiographs may qualify for a triple pelvic osteotomy . This procedure allows your pet to keep its own hip joint, and eliminates pain and lameness by correcting the laxity within the hip joint.
Dogs older than 12 months that have osteoarthritis or dislocation of the hip joint secondary to severe hip dysplasia can be treated with either a total hip replacement or femoral head ostectomy . The advantage of total hip replacement is that it eliminates pain and lameness and provides normal range of motion and gait by removing the affected joint and replacing it with a prosthetic joint that is biomechanically similar to the original joint. Total hip replacements are usually very successful for the lifetime of your pet, and active dogs are able to resume a high level of activity for the remainder of their lives.
Radiographs of a juvenile dog with subluxation of both hip joints secondary to hip dysplasia. The head of the femur is poorly seated within the acetabulum, indicating poor hip joint congruity. There is no evidence of degenerative joint disease .