Preventative Measures for Hip & Joint Health

Seeing an aging gun dog suffer through the pains of aching joints or hip dysplasia simply rips my heart to shreds. It's like watching an iconic, superstar ball player way past his prime attempting to eek out one last season in the big leagues. Their statistics have long dropped off but they continue on. They play in earnest for one last season in the spotlight but in the recesses of their mind realize the time to shine has come and gone.

There is no magic bullet, no wonder drug, and no snake oil science that can alter the course of deteriorating joints. Over time, cartilage that holds and lubricates the skeleton together are in a constant state of deterioration. However, there are a number of nutritional supplements we can supply to both ourselves and our dogs to help slow the negative process. For the sake of this post we are going to focus solely on what we can do to help or four legged friends knees and hips stay healthier longer!

When the topic of canine joint care arises it is always quickly followed by two words; Glucosamine and Chondroitin(G & C). According to the well respected website http://www.vetinfo.com/ "Glucosamine and chondroitin are normally found in the cartilage of living animals. In healthy animals, the body synthesizes glucosamine to keep the joints healthy. As your dog ages, his body's ability to create glucosamine diminishes, and osteoarthritis occurs. A glucosamine supplement for dogs can help your elderly dog's body maintain joint health. Glucosamine for dogs can help reduce your dog's pain and restore his freedom of movement. Unlike pain medications, glucosamine has few side effects, none of which are very severe. As a natural dog food supplement, glucosamine can soothe the symptoms of arthritis and hip dysplasia in dogs. Glucosamine supplements work to restore and regenerate your dog's damaged joints. They also have anti-inflammatory properties. Glucosamine for dogs can be used as a preventative measure in elderly dogs who are at high risk for arthritis. Glucosamine supplements for dogs can help treat the symptoms of dogs already suffering from arthritis. Within two weeks to thirty days, you should notice that your dog has become more lively and active. Some owners report a full recovery from symptoms of arthritis and hip dysplasia. You'll want to adjust your dog's daily dosage according to his weight and the severity of his symptoms. You'll want to administer about 750 mg of glucosamine per fifty pounds of body weight at a minimum; you can raise this dosage as necessary if your dog's symptoms are more severe. Look for a product made with glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine HCL. Avoid products made with 2KCL and NaCL. Liquid glucosamine is the easiest to administer. It can be difficult to encourage dogs to swallow pills; if they are mixed with food, they may become stuck in the teeth and lost. A liquid can be poured directly over food. Liquid glucosamine tastes good to most dogs. Vets recommend doubling the dosage of glucosamine during the first one or two weeks for maximum regenerative benefit."

In addition to vet prescriptions, pet retailers carry a wide variety of over the counter tablets, liquids, or powder forms of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. Obviously, the vet prescribed supplements are normally much stronger doses. Also, many premium brands of dog food have now added both G & C into their large breed dry food formulas. In fact, there are also a few companies that are offering tasty dog treats with high levels of both nutrients. One company in particular, Dogswell, offers a full line of treats called "Happy Hips". Although treats do not contain the daily levels adequate to match prescription or over the counter dedicated G & C supplements, they are a convenient way to maintain some form of additional G & C into your dog's daily diet. My pointer Dewey, is a HUGE fan of Dogwell's "Happy Hips Veggie Life treats. These are dried apples wrapped in chicken! Honestly, I ate one and thought they were very tasty! They are 100% natural and are made solely of Chicken Breast, Apple, Vitamin E Supplement, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, and Chondrotin Sulfate. Dogswell also makes their Happy Hip line in protein only dried duck or chicken strip treats. Click on the image to check out their website for more information and Dogswell's other great G & C based treats.

If you are the owner of any breed of working dog I strongly recommend adding some form of G & C to their diet immediately. Although it can't "turn back the clock" it can help slow the process down and/or help add comfort to your aging dog who is showing signs of chronic joint pain or hip dysplasia. It would also be a great idea to have your dog x-rayed by a knowledgeable vet to help head of an possible future issues!

As always, I urge any questions or comments about this post. Feel free to email me personally at northupland@yahoo.com or drop a comment in the below box.

Best of luck out there. -Mark