Dog Joint Supplements: Are They Helpful?
Medically Cited
Joint supplements for dogs - Do they really work. Shutterstock Images
For pet owners, nothing is more satisfying than watching your pets play around and have a good time. And for this healthy, functioning joints are important in ensuring that your pets are as active as they can be. Nonetheless, there are instances where these joints need some boost to keep them at optimum health. That’s where dog joint supplements come in.
What are Dog Joint Supplements?
Dog joint supplements are dietary supplements intended to support and maintain the health of the joints in dogs. It can also be used to provide some form of relief for joint pain and stiffness, especially for dogs who suffer from osteoarthritis.
Dog Joint Supplements - Reasons To Consider
Dog joint supplements are given to dogs to maintain joint health and relieve any discomfort brought about by joint problems like osteoarthritis[1]. Much like in humans, aging has its effects in a dog’s joints[2]. Normal wear-and-tear causes the cartilage between the bones to thin out, causing them to scrape against each other[3]. This results in pain and stiffness. In young dogs, the body compensates by repairing the cartilage but in older dogs, this ability becomes less efficient, hence the need for this type of supplement.
Dog joint supplements may also be given to dogs that are at high risk for joint problems. These include certain breeds[4] like German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. The supplements may be used alone or in combination with veterinarian-prescribed medications.
