Do Supplements Work Against Dog Arthritis?

Dietary supplements are commonly used to treat dog arthritis. However not all dogs respond to such treatment. In cases where the damage is too extensive to the cartilage, supplements may no longer be helpful.

Dog arthritis is surprisingly common, about one in five dogs will suffer with it. Elderly and large dogs are especially susceptible. Dog arthritis causes deterioration of the joints, which can severely impact your dog’s quality of life.

Therefore you should observe your dog’s mobility and behavior - there may be signs that your dog is suffering from dog arthritis.

Listed below are some symptoms of the disease:

• lameness
• difficulty getting up after resting
• irritability
• licking at the joints by your dog

Supplements

More pet owners and vets are first opting for dietary supplements to treat dog arthritis, since they are made from natural ingredients. This makes them less toxic to your dog’s liver. They also work in the natural restoration of damaged cartilage.

In situations where the cartilage has been significantly damaged to the point where the two bones of the joint are in contact with each other, a more aggressive treatment is needed. However, supplements can still be of some use in this chronic stage of the disease since supplements can preserve what cartilage is left.

You know that a supplement is good when it contains chondroitin and glucosamine. Dasuquin contains the said components, plus avocado and soybean unsaponifiables which helps in cartilage protection and growth.

Adequan and cartrophen are other effective supplements. They are administered by injection and cartrophen is not available in the US.

Welactin is another good example of supplements. The supplement with its omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can greatly reduce the inflammation.

When supplement don’t work on your dog, it’s probably best to use a more aggressive approach. Non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain killers are medications that reduce the joint pain and swelling associated with dog arthritis.

Pet owners should realize that there is a variety of ways to treat dog arthritis. Giving supplements to their dogs can improve your dogs condition; nonetheless, people should remain open to other forms of treatment the your vet would suggest, if giving supplements is no longer sufficient.

Dog Arthritis Supplements (PDF)

6 WEEK DOG ARTHRITIS CHALLENGE

TopDog Canine Health & Rehabilitation are hosting a

6 WEEK DOG ARTHRITIS CHALLENGE

Giving hope to dog owners everywhere struggling with arthritic dogs, TopDogHealth.com is challenging your dog to improve his/her quality of life. The challenge is ready to launch on September 15th and reaches out to the first 25 dogs to sign-up and provides 6 weeks of free supplements. The participating dogs cannot have already been on supplements beforehand and must send in a video of their dog’s arthritic condition.

The supplements provided FREE of charge are none other then the excellent joint support of TopDog’s finest Glycanaid HA and Flexerna. Participants will be divided into two groups, each group using a different supplement.

Progress of each contestant is required to be recorded via video throughout the series of 6 weeks. Owners will be instructed through e-mail sequences throughout the challenge to notify them on at-home excercises and therapy they will perform while on the supplements.

Sign-Ups for The 6 Week Arthritis Challenge are on the link www.dogarthritischallenge.com, but hurry only 25 spots are available!

Contact

TopDog Health

607 East Main Street,

Meriden, CT 06451

DAC@topdoghealth.com

Ph: (888) 504 2220 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (888) 504 2220

The Safety of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Products

Glucosamine and chondroitin have been introduced to the United States reasonably recently. However they have been used to treat dog arthritis in both Europe and Australia for more than twenty years. When drugs have been in use for that length of time, their side effects are very well documented - we have been able to look at the safety of these drugs over multiple lifetimes of dogs. This is good news if you’re treating your dog’s arthritis with glucosamine and chondroitin, because the safety of these drugs are time proven and thoroughly documented.

The only side effects that have been reported are the occasional bout of diarrhea and vomiting - side effects that are common across a huge range of medications. So the incidence of side effects is very low and in most cases, the side effects reduce, or stop completely, when the dose of glucosamine is adjusted.

Also glucosamine for dogs does not have any known interactions with other prescription dog arthritis medications such as Previcox, Rimadyl or Metacam. Nor does it interact with normal over-the-counter medications such as aspirin.

Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring amino sugar compound that is produced in humans and canines and is present in high amounts in the cartilage of joints. In its twenty years of continued use, veterinarians agree that it is instrumental in repairing damaged cartilage, promoting the growth of new cartilage that cushion joints and reducing pain & inflammation.

Chondroitin, a supplement which is usually used in tandem with glucosamine, is made from cow and shark cartilage and also found in green lipped mussel. Chondroitin is used to treat dog arthritis as well as human arthritis. Chondroitin attracts fluid to cartilage which helps it remain spongy and flexible and has some effects in protecting against cartilage chewing’ enzymes.

Many dogs respond so well to a glucosamine and chondroitin regimen that vets take them off stronger dog arthritis anti-inflammatory drugs just four to six weeks after beginning glucosamine and chondroitin treatments.

A good veterinarian is constantly looking for a treatment program that provides maximum benefits with a minimum of risk to your dog’s health. When it comes to treating dog arthritis, glucosamine and chondroitin fit the bill.

Is your dog being treated with dog arthritis medications that do not include glucosamine and chondroitin? If not discuss these supplements with your veterinarian - it could make a huge impact in reducing the swelling and pain of dog arthritis.

The Safety of Glucosamine (PDF)

Dog Physical Therapy 1: Keep Your Dog Moving

Dog arthritis may be a debilitating disease; however, there are many forms of treatments available, including medications that help relieve symptoms to surgical procedures to repair tissue damage in the joints. Nonetheless, there are simple ways in which you can improve your dog’s condition. 

Dog physical therapy has become an important part in recovery process after surgery as well as in the management of pain and joint inflammation caused by dog arthritis. The following are some of the benefits of physical therapy:

• It prevents the muscles from shrinking.
• It speeds up the healing process.
• It helps decrease dog arthritis symptoms.
• It improves the overall health of your dog.

Although dog physical therapy is essential for treating dog arthritis, dog owners should be very careful not to overdo it. Improper physical therapy can cause injury and further worsen your dog’s condition.

Muscle Stretching

When muscles are not used, it can result in contracture wherein muscle tissue is replaced by scar tissue. The quadriceps, the muscle group found in front of thigh, is especially susceptible. To keep the muscle tissues healthy, stretching is needed. Gentle and persistent pressure should be used.

Passive Range of Motion

Initially, vets and licensed dog therapists would advise against a sudden return to full weight bearing for your inactive dog. To start with the best type of exercise for arthritic joints is passive range of motion routines. The routine will gently stretch the joints which will stop tightening of the limbs and the development of scar tissue. When passive range of motion exercise is paired with massage therapy will stop muscle contracture and helps in the distribution of the needed nutrients to the joint cartilage. 

Dog Massage Therapy

Massage is another aspect of therapy that will help reduce arthritis pain and inflammation. The following are massage techniques you can apply on your dog:

• Effleurage

• Passive touch

• Kneading

• Stroking

What next?

Start using light weight-bearing exercises when your dog is able to walk again. Shallow pool workouts and underwater treadmill sessions are helpful in improving their disposition, strengthening their muscles and cardiovascular system, and reducing inflammation and pressure sores.

 

Simple treatment for dog arthritis consists of medications, supplements, exercises, and massage. It is also important to realize that treatment is a continuing process. And, it is important to start the treatment as soon as possible especially with dogs with spinal injuries or dogs having carts and slings. Continue reading to part 2 of the series.

Dog Physical Therapy 1 (PDF) 

How Are Those Dog Arthritis Glucosamine Supplements Helping?

Are the Dog Arthritis Glucosamine Supplements Helping?

When your dog is suffering from the pain of dog arthritis, you’ll do anything to make his life improve and one of the things you may have used are glucosamine supplements for dog arthritis relief.

That’s wonderful! This indicates you’re a caring friend, but before you go hailing success, let’s make sure that the glucosamine supplements are really doing the job.

In just a few minutes I’ll tell you everything you need to know so you can decide whether or not you’re going to continue with the glucosamine supplements, or try a combination of supplements.

 

Top 3 Questions about Glucosamine Supplements

How do I know if the glucosamine supplements are actually helping my dog?

How long will it take to see recognizable improvements after I begin giving the glucosamine supplements to my suffering dog?

What are the most common reasons why my dog might not benefit currently from the supplements to end pain?

These are some good questions. Let’s discover the answers:

How to Tell if the Dog Arthritis Glucosamine Supplements are Actually Helping My Dog

You are looking for improvements in the following areas:

Mobility issues: Less problems rising after laying down and more limber - moves with ease.

Lameness Issues: Less limping - will he put more weight on his arthritic leg?

Joint Licking: Is there a decrease in joint licking and chewing episodes?

Behavioral Changes: Has your dog’s aggression level decreased? Is he friendlier like before? Is he eating well?

You can observe all these factors for yourself and calculate the results accurately, keep a detailed log of your observations and perform them once per week for a two-month period. Then you’ll be able to judge the results and tell if your dog’s arthritis is better or not.

Length of Time to Continue the Supplements?

Veterinarians recommend a two month minimum trial period. If you don’t see results after two months, don’t stop the treatment until you talk with your vet.

Glucosamine delivers results over a longer period of time - it’s not a quick fix!  You also won’t see results if the dog arthritis is caused by other symptoms or conditions that need treatment. For example, dog joint supplements don’t help much for knee ailments like cruciate ligament ruptures that need surgery.

Your vet can diagnose the underlying cause of you dog’s arthritis and advise the proper treatment and medications. These treatments may include dog glucosamine, but it’s very likely it will be a combination of a medications and procedures.

Carefully observing your dog, combined with veterinary consultations, can go a long way to relieving your dog’s painful arthritis.

Dog Arthritis Glucosamine Supplements (PDF) 

Dance Steps toward Less Pain: Easy Dog Arthritis Physical Therapy

Another important aspect of dog arthritis treatment is physical therapy. For humans, physical therapy would mean repetitive movements with the help of a therapist or a machine, and can be very expensive and time consuming. However for dogs, it can be simple and enjoyable. 

Believe it or not, dancing with your dog is a legitimate type of physical therapy. Give it a try and be surprised at the amazing results. The following are the benefits of dance: 

• It helps their ability to bear weight on their hind legs

• It helps build muscle mass

• It helps improve your dog’s balance

By now you are wondering how such a fun, simple activity can help your pet overcome dog arthritis. The answer is simple, dancing is like exercising. When you dance with your dog, you hold their front paws, and your dog is forced to stand upright. This position adds more weight on the hind legs. When a muscle is used more, it gets stronger. This is good for your dog since the muscles surrounding joints protect them from wear and tear. Strong muscles in the hind legs mean healthier joints that are not easily injured.  

As mentioned, it is an unnatural position for dogs to stand upright. Therefore owners should take things slowly. Be very observant - look for when your dog is in pain or when your dog is getting tired. The objective here is to help and not to cause injury.

When dancing is done right your dog needs to concentrate on the movements.  As a result, your dog’s balance is improved and he will be able to familiarize himself with how you dance, anticipating the movements which will make him move with you in harmony!

So when you have decided to use dance therapy to treat dog arthritis, remember that dog dancing should be aimed at:

• Strengthening the joints. Standing on the back legs can be a helpful exercise for dogs with hind limb arthritis. The additional weight placed on the hind limbs will strengthen the muscles of the legs.

• Increasing muscle mass. Muscle mass is only increased through physical activity. With an increase in muscle mass, the joints are stable and less prone to injury. The increased muscle mass also protects the joints from wear and tear.  

• Improving balance. Dogs are not made to dance. It takes a lot of concentration for them to dance. However, with their focus sharpened their balance is greatly improved and they become more conscious of their movements. This can protect your dog from joint injuries that can worsen dog arthritis.  

Physical therapy will definitely help your dog overcome some of the pain related to dog arthritis. That is why dog owner should at least invest some of their time in administering physical therapy and dog dancing is a good place to start.

Dog Arthritis Physical Therapy (PDF)