Having the love and companionship of a dog can be one of life’s best experiences. Whether you live with a large or a small dog, an active dog or a couch potato, you and your dog share special moments of warmth, cuddles, and joy together. Ensuring that their dog stays as healthy as possible is a priority for all dog owners, particularly as the dog ages.
While there are a number of health concerns that can crop up as dogs age, one of the most common is joint issues. Certain breeds, like Golden Retrievers, are known for problems with specific joints. However, nearly any dog may suffer from joint issues as a result of arthritis, wear and tear, or a genetic abnormality. Some dog owners try massage, herbs, or natural remedies like alfalfa for dogs to treat joint pain, but SeaPet’s Super Joint Formula Powder offers more support for your dog to keep their joints strong and healthy.
How to tell if your dog has joint problems
One of the hard parts about identifying joint problems, particularly in older dogs, is that dogs tend to slow down as they age. While your dog’s decrease in energy and reduced interest in vigorous activity could be a sign that they are struggling with joint issues, it could also simply mean that they have less energy than they used to.
However, it is important to pay attention to your dog’s activity level as they age, as it could alert you to joint issues before more obvious symptoms, like limping or trouble getting up arise. You also might notice that an affected joint is tender to the touch. If you observe these symptoms, it is a good idea to consult with your dog’s vet. The earlier you address these concerns, the more options you have to manage their symptoms.
What are the causes of joint problems in dogs?
In general, most dog breeds have a susceptibility toward age-related arthritis. These effects can be hastened or compounded by an active lifestyle or by injuries. However, larger dogs, quite naturally, tend to have more joint problems due to the amount of weight their joints have to support. Additionally, certain breeds, such as German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, may suffer from genetic joint problems, like hip dysplasia. In more extreme cases, conditions like degenerative myelopathy can cause joint problems in dogs that are actually symptoms of much more serious conditions.
How to treat joint problems in dogs
Because joint problems in dogs are as common as they are, there are a number of options you can pursue depending on the severity of your dog’s concerns and their situation. In the case of injuries or wear and tear, physical therapy or massage treatment could reduce the intensity of your dog’s symptoms. If possible, keeping them from spending too much time on their feet could be helpful, although that can be easier said than done! For some dogs, acupuncture may also provide relief by stimulating the flow of blood and releasing endorphins and cortisol into the bloodstream.
As there is a fairly strong correlation between a dog’s size and joint issues, you might consider helping your dog lose weight. You could find healthier foods for them to eat, and managing their portions can also help them lose weight and reduce the strain on their joints. Make sure you consult with your dog’s vet before starting major diet changes, however. Just because a dog has joint issues does not mean they are overweight, and under-feeding could result in other health problems.
One of the most common treatments for joint problems in dogs is the prescription of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). While they are an effective treatment in terms of rapidly reducing pain and inflammation, they do come with many side effects. Ask your dog’s vet about both the efficacy and the additional consequences of NSAIDs to see if they are right for your dog.
You can also add different nutrients to your dog’s diet to provide support for healthy joints. Various herbs, including natural anti-inflammatories such as turmeric or pain relievers like ligusticum are said to be able to help manage your dog’s symptoms. Other owners looking to relieve joint pain in their pets use alfalfa for dogs. However, alfalfa for dogs isn’t always the best option. Some dogs are allergic to alfalfa. And compared to other natural joint pain remedies, alfalfa is said to be less effective than most. A simpler, more effective way to address joint problems in dogs is to include a comprehensive joint supplement in their diet to relieve the symptoms and address the underlying causes of joint problems.
How to choose a supplement for joint problems in dogs
Not all supplements are created equal. Some have additives that are unnecessary — or even harmful — and a brand’s quality control has a significant impact on the support your dog receives. Others just aren’t as effective as others (we’re looking at you, alfalfa for dogs). With Super Joint Formula Powder from SeaPet, you can be confident that your dog will receive pure shark cartilage, MSM, and glucosamine sulfate.
Our Super Joint Formula Powder is designed to improve the overall functioning of your dog’s joints while also helping to reduce the severity of any joint symptoms they experience. This supplement can be added to your dog’s diet before symptoms arise, helping your dog age gracefully.
The combination of MSM, shark cartilage, and glucosamine sulfate makes our joint supplement for dogs very potent and effective. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a naturally available form of sulfur that is essential to creating connective tissue. Glucosamine sulfate can help a dog’s body naturally repair damaged cartilage, improving the cushioning between joints. Shark cartilage contains chondroitin sulfate to further improve cartilage health. When taken together, these nutrients can be more than the sum of their parts, promoting holistic, thorough joint health.
Super Joint Powder for Dogs from SeaPet
We understand how important your dog is to you, so our goal is to help you provide them with the best in pet care. That’s why we offer our carefully formulated Super Joint Formula Powder for Dogs. Whether your canine friend is already experiencing joint problems or you want to provide preventative support, Super Joint Formula Powder supplements from SeaPet can make a positive difference in your dog’s health and quality of life.
Image credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/shepherd-dog-german-shepherd-dog-3388580/
