Can Dogs & Cats Get Joint Discomfort?
As our companions age, many will develop joint discomfort, a common issue. Gradually you may notice that your feline friend no longer jumps up on the counters or furniture as easily. Your dog may hesitate to jump in the car or climbs stairs more slowly. You may notice your companion is stiff upon rising. These are all signs of joint discomfort. Up to 30% of companion animals have joint discomfort.
Joint discomfort is a slowly progressing issue found in hips, knees, ankles, and any other of your pet’s joints. Joint discomfort can be present in any pet, but it is more common in large dog breeds.
No matter the type of joint discomfort, a maintenance program developed specifically for your pet with a holistic veterinarian can be supportive.
Natural Supplements for Joint Discomfort
There are many ways to support joint discomfort with an alternative or natural approach. Joint health can often be supported for years using diet, supplements, herbs and acupuncture.
Glucosamine & Chondroitin
One of the best ingredients for joint health is a high quality glucosamine & chrondroitin sulfate supplement. Glucosamine supports glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), important proteins found in cartilage, and proteoglycans, the water-holding molecules that make up cartilage.
Glucosamine has been shown not only to help maintain cartilage as well as support a healthy inflammation response within the joints.
A typical amount would be at least 1000 mgs. per 50 lbs. of body weight daily, but this should be determined for your companion’s specific needs with your veterinarian.
I often recommend that dogs be started on a good joint supplement that includes glucosamine by the time they become “senior”: 8 or 9 for larger breeds, and 10 or 11 for smaller breeds, even when no symptoms are present.
Supporting joint health can go a long way to maintaining your aging pet’s quality of life.
