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There’s no doubt you’ve heard that your dog can benefit from taking joint supplements.
However, many owners are confused as to when they should start giving them to their dog. If this is what you’re wondering, the short answer is – right now!
Even if your furry friend is not old or limping around, they still need hip and joint supplements for dogs.
Prevention is the Key
Keep in mind that the best joint supplements for dogs will provide the most benefits before symptoms begin to appear.
Additionally, if you begin to care for your pooch’s joints now it will allow them to play, jump, run, and go on walks for as long as possible.
Bone and joint supplements for dogs typically contain ingredients such as MSM, chondroitin, and glucosamine. These are all essential supplements to provide the best care for your dog’s joints. They provide essential nutrients that offer natural pain relief, improved flexibility, strengthened joints and cartilage, as well as reduced inflammation.
The Breed Matters
We’ve compiled a list of dog breeds below that are prone to problems with their bones and joints.
It’s suggested that if you find your breed on the list, begin giving them joint supplements as soon as they stop growing. This is generally as early as 1 year of age.
Let’s take a look at the breeds. Each one listed is more prone to experiencing issues such as arthritis, joint inflammation, elbow and hip dysplasia:
- American Staffordshire Terriers
- Bloodhounds
- Basset Hounds
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Chow Chows
- Dachshunds
- English Bulldogs
- French Bulldogs
- German Shepherds
- Great Danes
- Golden Retrievers
- Labrador Retrievers
- Mastiffs
- Newfoundlands
- Old English Sheepdogs
- Pugs
- Rottweilers
- Saint Bernards
- Shih Tzus
Please note that there may be other breeds we did not list. You should check with your dog’s vet to see if the breed is at an increased risk of these conditions.
Dogs Hide Their Pain
Keep in mind that dogs don’t always make their pain obvious. It’s in their nature to hide their pain. This is due to the fact that dogs are pack creatures.
When in a pack, pain is viewed as a weakness, and individuals can be left behind because of it. Although this is sad, it’s true because it means the dog can’t pull its own weight and could become a liability to the rest of the pack.
So, many times, dogs will not show that they are experiencing discomfort in their joints until they have no other choice.
It’s thought that somewhere around 90% of older dogs suffer from arthritis in at least one of their joints. This is why it is vital you begin giving your pooch joint supplements before they reach an old age.
Do NOT Allow Your Dog to Become Overweight
Though it may come across as harsh, obesity is unacceptable. The main cause of joint issues in dogs is obesity.
When your dog becomes overweight, it will decrease their overall quality of life. Let’s be honest, no one wants this for their canine best friend.
Yet, when a dog’s joints have to carry lots of extra weight it will lead to pain, inactivity, and eventually more weight gain. This is a vicious cycle you should prevent at all costs.
You should aim to get your dog to a healthy weight and also find quality glucosamine supplements for dogs. The combination of these two things will ensure your dog is healthy for much longer.
How To Choose The Best Hip And Joint Supplement for Dogs
There are lots of bone and joint supplements for dogs on the market. Each of them will claim they are the best and offer unmatched benefits. However, the truth is, not all dog supplements are created equal.
Before you waste money on ones that won’t work as well, here’s some key items to look for when choosing one.
1. Read the active ingredients
Paying attention to the amount of active ingredients is imperative. Compare the individual ingredients and keep in mind that some brands may only contain one or two of these ingredients, but glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and Manganese for dogs all provide their own benefits. So, a blend of all four is best!
2. Buy products made in the USA
It’s important to only buy from manufacturers who make their products in the United States. Check the label before purchasing to be sure.
3. Choose a supplement that’s well-rounded
As we briefly mentioned above, make sure the supplement you choose contains more than one nutraceutical.
Most veterinarians agree that the best joint supplements for dogs contain a mix of ingredients. The blend should include MSM, glucosamine, manganese and chondroitin for dogs.
Studies have shown that chondroitin works best when it’s paired with glucosamine.
3. Supplement to Improve the Health of Bones and Joints
Supplementation is usually used by vets for a comprehensive intervention, prevention, or treatment plan in a wide range of skeletal conditions, including hip dysplasia.
You can use hip and joint supplements for dogs that contain ingredients like Glucosamine to protect your dog’s mobility.
Glucosamine is renowned for its ability to boost the production of synovial fluid, which lubricates dogs’ joints.
In Summary
Don’t wait until your dog is a senior or has hip and joint problems to begin administering a joint supplement. Such supplements work much better to prevent these conditions, than they do to treat them.
The last thing you want is to see your dog’s health begin declining. So, remember to exercise your canine companion regularly, feed them a well-balanced diet, and give them hip and joint supplements. Doing these things will ensure your dog lives a happy, long, healthy life with you.
When choosing a joint supplement for your dog, be sure to follow our guidelines above. If you do, you are sure to choose a great supplement that will work wonders for your pooch.
Be sure to check out our own line of VetGen Pharmaceuticals products, as we offer a supplement Maximum Hip & Joint – Beef Flavored Glucosamine Supplement for All Dog Sizes. Our blend contains MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin as well as manganese, and is easily one of the best glucosamine supplements for dogs on the market.
