Hello Dogs
Today,
My Lab,
Molly, is getting on a bit now and doesn’t enjoy such long walks anymore. A
friend suggested adding supplements to her diet to ease her joints, but I’ve
had a look online and there are so many that I don’t know where to start. Some
make quite substantial claims that they can perform miracles too.
Can you tell
me which supplements would help Molly along a bit, and how they work? If any
readers could recommend any good ones I’d be grateful.
Thank you,
Sally
Probert, by email
I used to give my older dogs (2x14 years and 1 x 12 years) glucosamine but since changing them to a raw diet I find they do not need anything extra. Their joints are so much more flexible, their coat and teeth wonderful and they also seem much more satisfied.
ReplyDeleteI Have A 13 yr Old Jack Russell who has bad joint problems he has Cartrophen Injections Every 3/6 Months
ReplyDeleteI use Skinners with joint aid for my 2 older dogs . They are 6 and 10 and both are still competing at agility. Having the supplements in the food is easier than dosing them. I don' t know if it is helping as it is more a prophylactic, they are both still very fit.
ReplyDeleteLiz
We use Salmon Oil by "Fish 4 Dogs" and it really helps mobility, with the added bonus of a nice shiny coat! x
ReplyDeleteDear Sally,
ReplyDeleteI can understand that it can seem bewildering when you look at the range that is out there. As a general rule, I'd avoid supplements that claim miracles, and look for those with some proof behind them, and ideally those where you have plenty of owner reviews available so you can see how others have got on.
You might find the following article useful. It talks through how joints change as your dog ages, what causes the stiffness & discomfort, and how supplements can help:
http://www.lintbells.com/articles/how-to-ease-joint-pain-in-dogs--cats
When we developed Yumove, we took a scientific approach to determine which ingredients to use and at what levels. I've popped a list of the ingredients and how they help the joints at the bottom of this message.
And if you'd like to see how other owners have got on using Yumove, you can read over 175 reviews by Googling 'Yumove Reviews' or clicking this link:
http://www.lintbells.com/reviews/view/id/1
We also offer free samples so you can try before you buy. If you wanted to do this, please email info@lintbells.com and ask for a sample. We can also provide any other advice you'd like on your dog's joints.
Best wishes
John Howie (Co-founder, Lintbells)
Triple Strength Green Lipped Mussel - YUMOVE provides a concentrated source of unique Omega 3's proven to soothe stiff joints and improve joint comfort.
Green Lipped Mussel contains a unique omega 3 called ETA to soothe stiff joints. The high content of these key active oils is one of the reasons why YUMOVE works so quickly
Pure Glucosamine - YUMOVE is made with veterinary strength and purity Glucosamine HCl to provide more concentrated joint support.
Natural Chondroitin - YUMOVE is rich in natural chondroitin sulphate from green lipped mussel which plays an important role in slowing the breakdown of cartilage in your dog's joints.
Manganese - supports stronger tendons and ligaments
Hyaluronic acid - a major part of synovial fluid, the cushioning fluid in the joint which helps lubricate and cushion the joint during movement.
Triple Strength Green Lipped Mussel also provides a rich source of minerals, amino acids and glycosaminoglycans to support joint, tendon and ligament health aiding flexibility and mobility.
Vitamins C & E - vital for active and working dogs. As your dog exercises, they produce more free radicals which can cause problems over time. Vitamins C & E neutralise these free radicals, helping to maintain joint mobility
The ingredients you need to be looking out for in joint supplements are Chondroitin and Glucosamine. As a nice added extra Omega 3&6 will help with cartilage support in the joints also. Make sure whatever supplements you use they are specially formulated for dogs not humans. Firstly they will be more palatable for your dog and secondly they will be less likely to upset your dog's stomach. Joint supplements come in tablet, capsule, liquid and powder form, it is simply a case of finding out what your dog likes best! As for brands Seraquin is the market leading brand and has a proven track record. I also rate Arthriaid as it has high concentrations of active ingredients and is highly palatable. With any joint supplement it is important to give a higher "loading dose" for 4-6 weeks and after this time the dose is reduced. It will not instantly deliver results you do need to trial it for a few weeks before you will notice any change. Joint supplements are not cheap (especially for larger dogs!) but are significantly cheaper when bought online from a reputable retailer.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is such a thing as a miracle cure, but there certainly are supplements that can help older (and younger dogs) with their joint health and mobility. Our German Shepherd is 12 years now and she's been on Cetyl M Joint Action Formula, based on Cetyl Myristoleate, since she was 8, when we first noticed her hips being less flexible. She still gives a good squirrel chase and easily jumps into the back of the car. What I like about the Cetyl M is that you will know after about 4-6 weeks whether it works or not. If you don't see a difference, you need not waste any more money on the product. However, 95% of dogs show a significant improvement after a few weeks. It is natural! There is a good little booklet by a Rita Elkins on Cetyl Myristoleate and what it can do for arthritis available on Amazon. Or read some reviews on the Cetyl M website http://www.cetylm.co.uk/products/cetyl-m-joint-action-formula-for-dogs-and-cats/16955. Cetyl M does not contain any meat derived ingredients, but it does contain Glucosamine from shellfish.
ReplyDelete