JOINT HEALTH AND OUR PETS
We all want to provide the best to ensure our dogs and cats live long, healthy, happy lives. When it comes to joint health, our pets stand a much better chance of having healthy joints if we focus on it as early as possible. Proactive joint health at an early age has the potential to minimize the impact age and other issues can have on their bodies over time.
Let’s have a look at the types of joint issues our pets can face and some common signs we should look for. Secondly, I’ll share some tips you can consider to be as proactive as possible to ensure a long and pain-free life. Finally, I will summarize our more popular and effective joint supplements that we have been recommending to pet parents for some time now.
COMMON JOINT ISSUES
Joint issues tend to fall into two categories:
These tend to be issues present from birth. Usually caused by genetic issues and could manifest early or predispose them for issues in the future i.e., hip dysplasia in large breed dogs or cruciate tears in almost every breed nowadays.
These are caused by repeated use over time. This could be general wear and tear or an injury. The most common is cruciate ligament problems, where tissues degenerate over time and with repeated use until more sever problems and pain develop. Other issues are caused by stress fractures and osteoarthritis.
SIGNS OF JOINT PAIN
• Lethargy
• Limping and stiffness
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability
• Depression
• Frequent slipping
• Licking, chewing, or biting the affected area
• Muscle loss
• Lack of interest in loved activities
• Sleeping in different areas of the house
• Panting when it’s not hot
PROACTIVE TIPS FOR JOINT HEALTH
• Omega 3’s – Omega 3 fats are best known for their anti-inflammatory properties
• Medicinal Mushrooms – many contain active ingredients that target join health. Turkey Tail mushrooms help reduce pressure on the joints and swelling that causes pain. Chaga mushrooms are very high in antioxidants.
• Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM – These are all natural components of cartilage and synovial fluid. They play a role in cartilage synthesis, maintenance and repair and are often used for joint-related pain.
• Collagen - Collagen is found in connective tissue, skin, tendons, bones, and cartilage. It provides structural support to tissues and plays important roles in cellular processes. Collagen can help in tissue repair, immune response, cellular communication, and tissue maintenance
WHAT SUPPLEMENT IS BEST?
Our store experience tells us that there is no one best supplement to target joint health. Every pet is different. Every household has a personal preference for how they supplement and how they feed. I decided to provide a summary of some of our most popular supplements, the form they come in and the average cost. Click on the product name to go to our shop to find out more.
Active Ingredients – Glucosamine Sulfate, Glucosamine HCL, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Chondroitin Sulfate, Hyaluronic Acid
Form – Powder, mixed directly into food
Average daily dosage cost* - $0.54/day
Active Ingredients – New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel
Form – Powder, mixed directly in food
Average daily dosage cost* - $0.13/day
Adored Beast Jump For Joynts XS
Active Ingredients - Homeopathic preparation of Calendula (30C), Ruta Grav (200C), Symphytum (1M), and Arnica (1M)
Form – Tincture, spray or drop directly in mouth (most effective) or on treats
Average daily dosage cost* - $0.50/day
Calyx CBD Oil Pet Nurture 1000mg
Active Ingredients – Unflavoured MCT Oil, Hemp Extracted Cannabidiol
Form – Tincture, drop directly in mouth (most effective) or on treats.
Average Daily Dosage Cost* - $1.00
Adored Beast Phyto Synergy 15G
Active Ingredient - 100% pure proprietary blend marine phytoplankton.
Form – Powder, mix directly into food
Average Daily Dosage Cost* - $1.67
Pets In The Kitchen Bone Broth
Active Ingredients – Pork Joint Bones, Apple Cider Vinegar, Turmeric, Ginger
Form – Frozen cubes, served on its own or mixed in food.
Average Daily Dosage Cost* - $1.27
*The average daily dosage cost is based on a 50lb dog. Cost may vary and is based on prices at the time of the writing.
Here are a few more thoughts on joint health in our pets.
Gut health and stress can play a role in the prevention and/or healing of joint health in our pets. The mucosal lining of the gut plays a major role in metabolic processes. If you choose to supplement a good joint supplement, a healthy gut allows the ingredients to be properly synthesized. Stresses can elevate cortisol levels in the body, which leads to weight gain. Keeping stress in check can help keep weight at a healthy level.
Finally, I am a firm believer that our pets need a break from long-term supplementation. Give your pet a break for a month every 6 or 7 months. Maybe try something new and rotate your joint health supplement. We want to minimize a sensitivity from developing and allow the supplements we choose to use to be as effective as possible.
With a little dedication, we can provide those delicate joints with some extra love. Doing so will help protect both joint and overall health. Something all pet parents can stand behind.
This information is intended to provide information only. Each animal health situation is unique. This information is not intended for use in diagnosis or treatment of specific health problems or diseases and should never be considered as a substitute for veterinary advice.