Joint health is crucial to your pet’s overall well-being, especially when they get older. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), one in five dogs is affected with arthritis. This condition is not limited to dogs, even cats and other pets suffer the same joint issue. Just like humans, pets can also experience joint discomfort and improvements can be made through lifestyle changes. Symptoms may start at an early stage and often go unnoticed by pet parents. It is therefore important for us, as pet parents, to watch out for those early symptoms in our companion. Scientifically based dietary supplements can significantly help improve your companions’ overall quality of life.
In this post, we will delve into and understand the causes of joint problems in pets, and how supplements and lifestyle changes can aid in joint care. Let us begin.
Common Causes of Joint Issues
- Obesity: Excess weight leads to excessive stress on the pet’s joints, which can result in faster wear and tear. Being overweight not only worsens joint problems but also leads to the development of issues like arthritis and other related health issues. Overweight pets are less likely to move around or exercise, which can make their joints stiff and limit their overall mobility. Lower mobility and movement as a result of joint discomfort, early onset of arthritis can also lead to causing less exercise for the pets, which can in turn result in pet gaining weight.
- Arthritis: Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, is one of the most common joint problems affecting pets, especially as they grow older, just like how it impacts us as humans. It occurs when the cartilage, which acts as a cushion between the joints, wears slowly. As cartilage breaks, the bones get rubbed against each other, causing pain, and swelling/inflammation and making it challenging for pets to move.
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit properly together. And, it further leads to abnormal wear and tear. Certain breeds of dogs are more predisposed to develop this condition, especially thein large dog breeds that are intensified with obesity or over-exercise. It results in severe pain, and stiffness and eventually leads to arthritis in the hip joints.
- Aging: As pets grow older their jointsy naturally go through wear and tear. The cushioning between their bone (cartilage) gradually starts to break down and their body cannot fix it easily. The natural aging process also leads to gradual loss of muscle mass and strength. This often results in stiffness, discomfort, difficulty in movement, and joint pain.
- Trauma and Injuries: Pets that have suffered from sprains, fractures, or ligament tears might be at risk of developing joint issues in the later stage of life. Such injuries can lead to chronic inflammation, scar tissue formation, or changes in their movement patterns and all of them can affect their joint health. Dogs, cats, and horses mostly engage in high-impact activities like running or jumping, and this puts them at higher risk of injuring their joints.
Improvements Through Lifestyle Changes
While some causes are unavoidable, some lifestyle changes can help to improve the overall joint health and relieve the discomfort:
- Weight Management: Remember to keep your pet at a healthy weight as this will significantly help to reduce the strain on their joints. A well-balanced diet and regular exercise is the key to maintain an ideal weight.
- Comfortable Environment: Provide your pet with a soft, supportive bed that can help to reduce joint pain. Additionally, try using ramps instead of stairs to minimize the strain on their joints.
- Regular Exercise: Perform low-impact exercises like walking and swimming as they can strengthen the muscles around the joints without causing additional stress. Also, avoid high-impact activities that can increase joint problems.
- Regular Vet Check-ups: Regular veterinary check-ups can help to detect joint problems at an early stage and allow timely intervention.
- Physical Therapy: Involve therapies like hydrotherapy, gentle massage, and acupuncture to reduce joint pain and improve overall joint functioning.
Role of Supplements in Joint Care
Supplements can play a major role in supporting and managing the joint health of pets. Some of the most commonly used supplements are as follows:
- Glucosamine: Glucosamine is a natural compound that is found in cartilage; it generally helps to maintain the health of cartilage and supports the fluid that lubricates the joints. It is mostly used in dog joint care supplements to reduce the symptoms of arthritis.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acts: Mostly found in fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate joint pain and stiffness. Hence, they are considered an essential and one of the best joint supplements for cats.
- MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): MSM is rich in organic sulphur that supports joint health by reducing inflammation and helping cartilage repair. MSM is one of the most common compounds available in many dog joint care supplements.
- Chondroitin: Chondroitin is often combined and used along with glucosamine to act as building blocks of joint cartilage and improve the overall elasticity of the cartilage. This makes it a popular ingredient that helps to promote the joint health of dogs.
- Green-Lipped Mussel (GLM): GLM is one of the most a popular supplement globally. They are 100% natural and have an advantage of delivering omega-3, fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin, along with multivitamins and antioxidants and essential minerals. There are various clinical studies conducted around the world on the safety and efficacy of GLM over the past 3 decades, making it among the most trusted joint supplements for dogs.
Summing Up
Ultimately maintaining your pet’s joint health is essential for their overall well-being, especially when they grow older. However, starting these supplements at the early age of your dog will benefit the dog in maintaining healthy joints and mobility and overall wellbeing for their long and happy life. Along with lifestyle changes also consider weight management, exercises, and a comfortable environment that can help in the long run in relieving joint discomfort.
With proper care and attention, you can help your pet to enjoy a healthier and more active life. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplement, and GoodLicks natural joint supplements for dogs can be a trusted partner in supporting your pet’s joint health and overall well-being.