Education

Owning a pet is a big, exhausting and fun responsibility! We love our dogs because they can be our best friend, constant companion, workout and snuggle buddies - all in one. Taking care of the four-legged creatures in our homes is very important, and just like we pay attention to what we put inside our body, we really should pay attention to what we put in their bodies. 

Supplements for hip and joint health, skin and coat health and many other things are now readily available on the market for your dog’s health. Finding a supplement with the highest quality ingredients to support maximum hip and joint health for your dog doesn’t have to be too hard! 

Arthritis and inflammation are two common issues in dogs that can compromise their hips and joints. When they age, dogs may experience pressure, discomfort, and pain that can be related to these conditions. All-natural supplements provide support and pain relief for your dog and improve their mobility and flexibility. 

We have put together a list of the top of the line ingredients you should be looking for in a dog hip and joint supplement as well as their main functions for you. 

Glucosamine 

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound in your dog’s body and is also a common arthritis remedy. It is one of several natural substances, or nutraceuticals, that are known as chondroprotective agents, used in the treatment of arthritis in humans and dogs. 

In dogs, glucosamine is also often used to ease joint pain resulting from age and wear, keep high performing or highly active dogs in tip top shape, and helps repair damaged cartilage. 

Chondroitin

Chondroitin is another naturally occurring substance that exists in your dog’s cartilage. It promotes water retention and elasticity in the cartilage, and provides adequate nourishment of the tissues that line the joint. Like glucosamine, chondroitin may also prevent the production of inflammation that can be destructive to the joint. This is why you will often see chondroitin and glucosamine working together in a hip and joint supplement for dogs. 

Manganese

Manganese isn’t a naturally occurring mineral, so it must be added in as a supplement. Manganese is a mineral that will help your dog absorb proteins and carbohydrates that he receives from his food. 

Manganese serves a multifaceted purpose in the body, including the conversion of food into energy and fatty acids. Manganese in dogs, combined with other minerals, assists in the formation of a healthy skeletal structure, which is why it’s an ingredient in hip and joint supplements! 

MSM

MSM is an organic sulfur that provides specific benefits to your dog’s hip and joint health. MSM blocks inflammation by enhancing the activity of cortisol, which is a natural anti-inflammatory hormone in your dog’s body. Cortisol is one of the factors in keeping your dogs joints supple and pain-free. 

Understanding the common issues that can arise in your dog might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a lot of resources, tools and supplements that you can use to keep your dog healthy. Having a healthy dog is very rewarding, for you and the dog, and also saves you money on vet bills.

There are common skin allergies that happen to a lot of dogs, and it’s good to be a responsible pet owner and understand them before they happen. You can take proactive action to help keep these allergies and skin issues from harming your dog's skin and coat.

Dog’s allergies can be caused by allergens found in pollen, animal dander from other pets, plants, and insects. Dogs can also be allergic to food and medication as well. It’s important to carefully observe your dog’s skin health if you make any dietary changes or spend a lot of time in a new environment. These allergies can cause a variety of symptoms: excessive itching, scratching, and grooming; rashes; sneezing; watery eyes; paw chewing; and skin inflammation. 

We want to help you know how to understand and potentially treat skin allergies in your four-legged friend to avoid these uncomfortable symptoms. 

Dermatitis 

Dermatitis is a skin reaction to a variety of environmental or nutritional factors affecting your dog. Keep an eye out for excessive licking or irritation because your dog will lick in an effort to soothe their own itchiness, but this will only cause more issues for them. If you see your dog licking their paws for a long time, or furiously scratching and licking any area of their body, check for skin irritation. 

Make sure that you keep your dog away from triggers of this skin irritation and consult your vet about incorporating a supplement for skin and coat health into your doggies routine.

Food Allergies

Food allergies can result in itching, redness, dry patches or even small sores. The main thing to remember when it comes to feeding your dog is that they are a carnivore, so meat should be the top ingredient in their food. Oftentimes the filler ingredients in certain dog foods can cause some allergies because they are not natural ingredients. 

If you feel like there is a food allergy you can’t identify on your own at home, consult your vet for an allergy test. This is something that is a very attainable switch to make to improve the health of your dog

Hives

Hives are another skin allergy your dog may face at one time or another. For the most part, hives are a reaction to something very specific, and should fade after approximately 24 hours. If your dog has a hives reaction, call your vet because they may need a dose of antihistamine. The good news, hives don’t last forever! 

Flea Allergies

Some dogs are allergic to the saliva of fleas, so when they get bitten, it makes the reaction even worse than usual. Keep an eye out for risen red bumps near the base of the tail. You should be checking your dog for fleas regularly, but especially if you see them giving their skin extra attention. Flea allergy reactions can lead to other infections, so it’s important to stay on top of it. Treat your dog with preventative flea medication to avoid this problem. 

Treating Common Skin Allergies in Dogs

The first step to treating these allergies listed above is avoidance and trying your best to prevent them. That isn’t always possible though, and that’s okay. Your faithful canine friend deserves healthy skin and a good-looking coat of fur, free of irritation or any sense of discomfort. 

Treating a skin reaction to a food allergy: make dietary changes as necessary to avoid continued ingestion of the allergen.  

Treating a dermatitis skin condition: finding a skin and coat supplement to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat with extra-strength Vitamin E, Zinc, and Biotin. 

Treating flea allergies and hives: using flea medicine and shampoo, and removing the cause of the inflammation from the dogs environment. 

Things like leave-in conditioner, coconut oil, and skin and coat supplements will help you have a healthy dog. Coconut oil can be good for dogs, may improve their coats, and may help prevent infection and alleviate skin irritation that can be caused by these allergies.

Pets bring so much joy and fun into our lives, especially dogs - man’s best friend. Dog owners know that it’s a special bond you form with your four-legged friend that makes you hope they can be with you forever. It’s more than just giving lots of love and going for a walk every once in a while. 

Well, there are a few things you can do to make sure your dog has a long, healthy life. Just like a human needs to develop and maintain consistent healthy habits to live a healthy life, animals do too. 

Dogs are active, predator-minded creatures by nature, so sitting inside and being limited to small yards is not a natural way for them to stay healthy. You need to use these five essential tips to keep your dog healthy.

Daily Exercise

Exercising both your dog’s body and mind every single day will help them stay at a balanced weight and well-behaved. This is especially true for large breed dogs who need a lot of activity to burn off the energy! When they burn off energy daily, they stay lean and avoid unnecessary weight gain. 

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight means higher chances for a longer life, and lowers the risk of joint pain. If you notice your dog experiencing joint pain, adding some of the best supplements for dogs to relieve their ailments can help.

Proper Nutrition

Feeding your dog the correct amount of food is just as important as the kind of dog food you feed them. Serving your dog the correct portions, and limiting their access to food when its not mealtime will prevent them from gaining unnecessary weight. 

Dogs need a balanced diet to stay healthy. Be sure to check the ingredients on the dog food you buy, to make sure that you avoid harmful additives and preservatives that may not be great for your dogs health. In order to do your best to promote a healthy skin and coat in your dog, try giving them the best supplements for dogs that are formulated to treat the health of their skin. 

Dental Health

One of the main essential ways you can keep your dog healthy is to stay on top of their dental hygiene. Bacteria and germs can grow in the plaque on your dog’s teeth, which if not taken care of on a regular basis will only cause gum issues and potentially infection. Keeping your dog’s mouth clean and healthy will keep your dog healthy. 

Grooming 

Grooming and brushing your dog on a daily basis is a great way to bond with your dog and keep an eye on their skin health at the same time. When you brush your dog’s coat, you can clear out dead skin, shedding hair, and spot any potential issues that might be hard to see through their fur. 

If you notice that your dogs coat isn’t thick and shiny, try giving them a daily supplement for dogs to help promote a shiny coat and healthy skin. If there is anything abnormal about your pets skin or coat, be sure to call your vet. 

Staying Hydrated

Providing your dog with access to fresh, clean, and cold water at all times is very important to their overall health. It is suggested that a dog drink a half ounce of water for every pound of body weight. A healthy dog is a hydrated dog! 

For more information about some of the very best supplements for dogs that are available to help with joint pain and health, and benefit the skin and coat, click here.

Does your dog love to play, run, jump and act wild every once in a while? That’s what makes them dogs right? We love our furry companions because they join us on adventures, on the road and on the couch. So, it’s natural to be concerned when you notice that your four-legged friend might be slowing down. 

Here’s the thing: slowing down and less activity than normal is not a “necessary” side effect of your dog getting older. There are ways to prevent hip and joint issues in your dog, like hip and joint supplements, so that they don’t have to miss out on the fun. 

Are you unsure how to detect or figure out when your dog might be suffering from joint pain? There are some signs that will help you take notice, so you can take action and get hip & joint supplements for your dog to help ease their pain. 

Certain breeds of dogs are genetically more prone to dealing with joint pain or arthritis issues. It is important to be aware of the potential health issues your dog could face and be prepared if you have one of these breeds of dog. One thing to note is that not all of these breeds are large dogs. Sometimes small dogs deal with joint pain too. 

Here is a list of some dog breeds that can deal with more joint pain than others: 

• German Shepherds
• Golden Retrievers
• Daschunds
• St. Bernards
• Rottweilers
• Mastiffs
• Great Danes

Signs Your Dog Is Dealing With Joint Problems

• Irritability
• Lethargy
• Not wanting to play
• Dragging behind on walks
• Loss in muscle tone
• Slower to get up or jump up 

As dogs age, just like in humans, it can cause degenerative issues on their joints and bones. Tendons and cartilage start to regress due to wear and tear, and your dog will feel the effects of that. This joint pain can actually take quite a toll on your dog physically. 

Many people think that once their dog starts aging, there isn’t anything they can do. The good news is that there are things you can do to help relieve your furry friend’s pain. 

How to Relieve Joint Pain in Your Dog

1. Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Obesity is a huge cause of discomfort in dogs, and only wears harder on their joints. Aid in pain relief by keeping your pup on a healthy diet and avoid over feeding. Work with your vet to insure your dog is at a healthy weight. 
2. Hip and Joint Supplements for dogs have quickly become a popular and effective alternative to prescription medication. Offering this proactive and more natural option to your dog will help prevent the hip and joint pain problems that naturally arise. 

Why get hip & joint supplements for your dog?

• Help Maintain Joint Flexibility
• Great Tasting Chewable Tablet
• Alleviate Aches and Discomfort Associated with Daily Exercise
• Packed full of Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM

VetGen Pharmaceuticals glucosamine-based Maximum Hip & Joint Supplements for Dogs can provide extraordinary relief of pressure, pain, and discomfort that is commonly associated with muscle inflammation, bone loss, and arthritis. 

Each of our products are made with only the best ingredients that are sourced, produced, and manufactured in the USA at an FDA-registered and GMP-certified facility.

Your dog doesn’t have to stay in pain, even as they age and deal with the natural side effects of that. By providing the best hip and joint supplements available on the market for dogs to your precious pets, you will revitalize their quality of life.