Do Joint Supplements Really Help Dogs with Arthritis?

 

Above photo courtesy of Cathy Tucker KTW Wraps and Knotless Hair Wraps

The answer to the question in the title of this post is "absolutely yes."  That is, if you find the right supplement.

Do you notice your dog limping or just not wanting to learn new tricks. If your dog is in pain they will probably limp or simply refuse to learn new tricks. This may be due to joint disease called osteoarthritis. Experts tell us about 1 in 4 dogs in the United States suffer from some type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in dogs. 

Veterinary experts say with proper treatment many dogs live comfortably for years following an osteoarthritis diagnosis even though the disease is progressive and gets worse over time. Finding the proper treatment helps prevent and manage joint pain which is critical to your dog's comfortable daily life. Talk with your vet about your options. Life's Abundance supplies some excellent supplements, however, your vet is the expert source. If you want to give your dog the Life's Abundance supplements, ask your vet if they appropriate for your dog.

Any dog can develop osteoarthritis, however, this disease is seen especially in older dogs, large and giant breeds, obese dogs and dogs that have suffered injures like fractures or ligament tears. Dogs lacking proper nutrition and dogs with congenital joint disorders like hip or elbow dysplasia are also predisposed to develop osteoarthritis.

Other reasons why a dog might develop osteoarthritis include:

1. activity levels of some competitive sporting and working dogs as the increased activity can affect joint cartilage and cause higher risk for arthritis;
2. infections like Lyme disease
3. metabolic disease like diabetes or Cushing's disease

Here are some ways you can recognize osteoarthritis in your dog:

1. stiffness, lameness or limping after lying down quietly
2. your dog is reluctant to walk up stairs, to run, jump or play as usual
3. there are changes in dog's appetite
4. your dog acts weak and sleepy more than usual
5. sudden is angered when touched or petted
6. loses muscle mass in the rear limbs
7. has difficulty urinating or has sudden accidents in the house.

If you notice any of the above symptoms it is most important to take your dog to the vet for a full check up. Your vet is the expert at treating your dog. If you have a particular supplement in mind you want to feed, mention it at the time of this visit.