Good quality joint supplements are an important way to help maintain your pet’s flexibility and mobility, especially as aging occurs.
There are many supplements available.
How can you choose the right one for your pet’s particular needs?
You can start by reading below about the key ingredients to look for.
Next, talk to your veterinarian or pet care professional.
Consider your pet’s age and any particular health concerns such as hip dysplasia.
Remember that you don’t have to wait until bone and joint problems occur.
You can use supplements to prevent or alleviate bone and joint problems.
Weight is another important consideration with any bone and joint issues.
Weight loss will alleviate many joint problems.
Supplements support joint health as well as allowing some repair and lubrication of the joint to occur.
Here are the most common ingredients found in quality joint supplements:
* Glucosamine is the most widely known and most important supplements for joint health. It is composed of small molecules that are well absorbed by the body. It allows the body to make thick viscous joint fluid. This joint fluid cushions the ends of bones and allows them to glide smoothly over each other. The minimum recommended dosage for a 50 pound dog is 1,000 milligrams per day.
* Chondroitin is another important ingredient which is a component of cartilage. The molecules in chondroitin are larger than glucosamine, so it is not absorbed by the body as readily as glucosamine.
* MSM has an anti-inflammatory effect. Inflammation causes the release of enzymes that break down the joint fluid that cushions joints. MSM prevents the destruction of joint fluid by these enzymes.
* Hylauronic acid is found in many joint supplements and is chemically similar to joint fluid. It is a large molecule like chondroitin and is not as easily absorbed as glucosamine.
* Herbs can be helpful for joint support. Some particularly helpful ones are: boswelia which stops the breakdown of joint fluid, cinnamon has a warming quality that can be helpful in cold weather. Others to consider are yucca, curcumin and corydalis.
* Omega 3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory as well. They have the additional benefit of helping skin and coat health.
Make sure that you buy high quality supplements from a reputable USA supplier.
Most supplements must be given for at least one month before positive results can be noted.
If you are going away and are using a pet sitter such as Four Paws Pet Sitting Services, we will be glad to give your pets their joint supplements.
Ideally, you should plan on a six month course to get the best effect from most supplements.
Remember that cats and dogs can benefit from joint supplements.
We at Four Paws Pet Sitting Services know how important your pets are to your family and we will take care of your pets as if they are our own.
Check out our services and give us a call today. 919-388-PAWS (7297)
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