5 Warning Signs that indicate Your Dog Needs a Joint Supplement Now!
Introduction
But what about the joints ?
Which dogs are at higher risk of joint disease ?
Although any dog can develop joint issues at any age, there are some categories of dogs who are more prone to this. The most prominent ones are:
Elderly dogs
As dogs get older, the synthesis of cartilage slows down, and breakdown increases. The net result is gradual loss of cartilage, accompanied by inflammation in the joints. This makes older dogs more prone to get joint disorders
Larger & Heavier Breeds
Large breeds like Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, etc have high body weights. Due to higher range of body weights, their joints can get more stressed than smaller dogs, making them more susceptible to joint issues
Overweight dogs
Obese dogs have excess body weight. Due to this, the joints remain under constant pressure, promoting inflammation & breakdown. Maintaining a healthy body weight is very essential for both prevention and management of joint diseases.
Check out our obesity blog to learn more on obesity management
Dogs sterilized in puppyhood
Sterilization of dogs before reaching sexual maturity is associated with higher risk of developing joint disorders, specially hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament ruptures as evident from several scientific studies. Large breed dogs are affected more than small breed dogs due to early sterilization
5 alarming signs that indicate your dog’s joints need attention
The earlier joint issues can be detected, the better it is. Joint disorders like osteoarthritis significantly impacts the quality of life of both the dog and the pet parent. The following are the five alarming signs you should look out for:
1. Reluctance for long walks & play sessions
If you notice that your dog is not enthusiastic for longer duration of walks or sustained play sessions, the same which he/she used to enjoy before, it can be an obvious indication that the joints are getting weak
2. Longer time to stand up
Is your dog taking more time to stand up from a lying position ? Often not noticed by pet parents as a problem, this can be an early sign of joint disorder, indicating pain and stiffness.
3. Dull mood and lethargy
Dogs suffering from joint issues often have hidden pain. This chronic discomfort can cause dull moods and hamper the range of natural movement, making them lethargic
4. The one sided ‘sloppy' sit
If your dog extends one of their back legs while sitting, it can be because they are reluctant to bend their knee. This is often an indication of knee or back pain.
5. Licking the joint areas
When your dog’s joints become sore, they are more likely to start licking the affected areas frequently. This is commonly observed with joints such as at the paws and elbows, which they can easily reach
How do joint supplements help ?
The main purpose of joint supplements is to provide the dog with those nutrients which are essential for the maintenance and repair of the joints. Such nutrients support joint health by promoting cartilage synthesis and reducing associated inflammation. These nutrients are generally absent in the diet
Hence, providing those nutrients in the form of supplements becomes necessary. Joint supplements are most commonly required by elderly dogs and dogs predisposed to joint disorders.
Top 3 nutrients beneficial for dog’s joints are-
1. Glucosamine, Chondroitin & MSM
This is the obvious trio in any joint supplement. These 3 synergistically reduce cartilage breakdown, promote cartilage regeneration and prevent inflammation in the joints.
2. Collagen
Collagen is a nutritional supplement made from animal or fish materials. It's rich in amino acids that play an important role in the building of joint cartilage and it has anti-inflammatory effects.
3. Green Lipped Mussel (GLM)
GLM is a natural dietary supplement that reduces joint inflammation and arthritis. GLM contains abundant long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and many minor fatty acids. Bioactive peptides of GLM with the strongest radical scavenging activity and ACE inhibitory activity would supply a therapeutic effect for the osteoarthritis.
How to select a quality joint supplement ?
While getting a joint supplement for your dog, it is important to choose a brand that uses high quality ingredients and contains the vital nutrients for joint health in right proportions for maximum efficacy. Collagen and Green Lipped Mussels are two richest sources of natural nutrients for joint health. Although clinically proven to be highly effective, very few commercial brands contain these two
[Link of TTT Product]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can young dogs develop joint issues ?
While it affects elderly dogs more, but joint issues can impact young dogs too. It’s a common misconception that joint disorders only affect senior dogs. In reality, 2 out of 5 dogs under the age of 4 suffer from this. Sadly, many young dogs remain undiagnosed and untreated.
Q2. My dog does not have any of the signs of joint disease. Should I still use a joint supplement ?
Joint supplements can be given to dogs of any age and breed. If you have a large dog or a dog getting into the senior years with no complaints of joint pain, giving a joint supplement is beneficial to prevent the issue. For such dogs, regular maintenance doses are good enough.
Q3. Do joint supplements have any side effects over long term use ?
Joint supplement is not a drug, but a combination of vital nutrients that nourish the joints. In fact, a good quality joint supplement can significantly reduce joint pain and inflammation, thereby reducing the dependency on pain killers
Q4. Are all joint supplements equal ?
No, all joint supplements do not have the same level of efficacy. Each brand uses a different composition, creating differences between individual products. The most common components of a joint supplement are glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM. Collagen, a major structural component in joints, is of great value. Clinical studies have shown collagen peptides to outperform glucosamine in patients of joint disorders. Green Lipped Mussel (GLM) is another magical ingredient. So, a joint supplement containing collagen and GLM in their component is a superior choice than the ones containing only glucosamine, chondroitin and other ingredients
Conclusion
Joint issues are common in dogs, yet often go unnoticed in the beginning phase, due to high pain tolerance level in animals. Early detection can significantly improve the quality of life. Joint supplements are the best option to prevent further progression of the condition and to support overall joint health of the dog. All joint supplements are not equal. Hence, choosing one that use quality ingredients at the right amount is crucial
