As our canine companions age, their joints develop a tendency to weaken, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. With Osteoarthritis (OA) being the most common joint disease among mid-aged to geriatric dogs, veterinarians find joint supplements like Yumove, Seraquin and Cortaflex Canine/Feline extremely helpful to treat the disease as they help maintain healthy bone mass, prevent further degradation of the cartilage and the eventual revelation of the underlying bones.
Under clinical conditions, dogs with osteoarthritis often exhibit symptoms like lameness or stiffness, with tender activities causing pain bringing constrains in movements. While structural deformities could be identified in some early stages, the joint pain may start as a gradual one or become acute following some trauma or overwork. In such cases, supplements can help them both prevent as well as stop deteriorating and facilitate movement by relieving pain and providing lasting comfort.
As pet owners, we try our best to put our dogs at relief, yet many of us face doubts like - Do joint supplements function for dogs? Are they safe to use? Do I need to use it frequently? Most of your queries are answered in this blog. Let us begin from the grass root level.
Under clinical conditions, dogs with osteoarthritis often exhibit symptoms like lameness or stiffness, with tender activities causing pain bringing constrains in movements. While structural deformities could be identified in some early stages, the joint pain may start as a gradual one or become acute following some trauma or overwork. In such cases, supplements can help them both prevent as well as stop deteriorating and facilitate movement by relieving pain and providing lasting comfort.
Understanding Joint Supplements for Dogs
Joint supplements for dogs are intended to promote bone and joint health, increase the efficiency of motion, and reduce inflammation and pain. They are available as tablets, capsules, chews, and powders. These supplements help reduce friction between the joints by providing the right amount of lubrication to ensure seamless motion and promote cartilage regeneration. Here are the answers to some of the questions facing dog owners:
Do Joint Supplements work for dogs?
Yes, regularised usage of these supplements has proven to significantly increase dogs’ comfort and mobility. According to veterinarians, these supplements improve joint lubrication, reduce discomfort and pain, repair damaged cartilage, prevent the action rate of enzymes that are pernicious for the joints and bring down the steady progress of dog arthritis.
What are the factors that affect the effectiveness of the supplements when used on dogs?
The effectiveness of joint supplements for dogs varies based on the severity of the condition, weight of the dog and the quality of the supplement. Most of these supplements are used with other pain management therapies aiding to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle for old dogs and those recovering from some injury.
Science behind the working of Joint Supplements
Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease which results in quick deterioration of cartilage. The main role of the cartilage is to provide a cushioning effect in the joints. This deterioration leads to painful bone-to-bone contact.
Almost all dogs with arthritis (or without, as prevention methods) are prescribed joint supplements. These supplements contain nutrients and chemicals that improve joint mobility, reduce inflammation, and support healthy cartilage. It is taken along with drugs that lower inflammation or pain.
Constituents of Joint supplements
Most joint supplements are made up of the following:
- Glucosamine: A naturally occurring chemical that lubricates and protects joints
- Chondroitin: It helps to reduce inflammation and strengthen cartilage
- MSM: An organic material that lowers inflammation and preserves joint function
- Fish oil: Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil reduce inflammation and support healthy joints
- Turmeric: It has curcumin, a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory compound that reduces pain and inflammation
- Hyaluronic Acid: It lubricates joints and improves mobility.
Best Joint Supplements for Dogs in the UK: A Complete Analysis
Selecting the best supplement for your dog can be quite challenging. The market is flooded with so many alternatives. So, let's examine some of the best joint supplements for dogs in the UK.
Yumove for Dogs
Yumove has a customised supplement plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs. Backed by science, Yumove formula has been proven to deliver noticeable improvements in joint health within just six weeks, as confirmed by a study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College in the UK.
Yumove for dogs-side effects
The high content of glucosamine sulphate is present in many joint supplements, which can cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, and nosebleeds. However, other than mild upset stomach, Yumove users rarely report any major side effects.
Yumove dosage for dogs
Ideally, you should consult your doctor before incorporating Yumove into your dog’s diet. Inappropriate or over-dose of this might lead your dog to vomit.
YuMOVE Reviews
YuMOVE reviews mostly state about the betterment of the dog's joint health. Pet owners often mention its formula which is particularly effective for increasing flexibility and reducing inflammation.
Would it make a difference if I skipped giving my dog Yumove?
Yes, skipping doses of Yumove can tamper with the effectiveness of the supplement. Consistent feeding habits of this supplement would help your dog achieve the best benefits swiftly.
What are the constituent elements of Yumove?
Some of the major components of Yumove are Vitamin C and E, Green Lipid Mussel, Glucosamine, Manganese, and Hyaluronic acid among others.
Seraquin for Dogs
Seraquin is a popular joint supplement that supports your dog's joint health and movement. It helps maintain healthy cartilage and reduce joint stiffness, aids in reducing the speed of osteoarthritis in dogs, and helps auto-repair cartilage, making it a perfect choice for dogs with age-related joint issues. Seraquin is well-known for its high-quality, natural ingredients. It is easy to use, comes in chewable tablet form and doesn't have any long-term negative effects.
Seraquin for dogs-side effects
Since Seraquin is naturally derived from high-quality ingredients, your pet will not suffer from any unwanted side effects and it can be given for a prolonged time. However, if your pet has difficulty jumping or is showing inconsistent traits in training processes, consult your doctor immediately.
In what form does Seraquin available in the market?
Seraquin come as chewable tablets that could be incorporated into the dog’s diet as a treat or can be crushed and mixed seamlessly with food.
What are the constituent elements of Seraquin?
Glucosamine (HCI), Sodium Chondroitin Sulphate, and Hydrolysed Chicken Protein are among the constituents of Seraquin.
What is the dosage of Seraquin?
The dosage depends upon the weight of the dog and the number of tablets fed:
- Give 1 tablet a day if your dog weighs less than 10kgs.
- Give 2 tablets a day if your dog weighs 10-20kgs.
- Give 3 tablets a day if your dog weighs 20-40kgs.
- Give 4 tablets a day if your dog weighs more than 40kgs.
Seraquin Reviews
Most Seraquin reviews outline its positive impact on senior dogs suffering from arthritis. Pet owners often mention its effectiveness in promoting joint comfort and reducing inflammation. The natural ingredients in Seraquin have made it a trusted option for dogs with long-term joint issues.
When can I reduce the dose of joint supplements?
After a few weeks of consistent use, the dog must undergo substitution therapy for almost the rest of its life as degradation of the cartilage begins after 6 months the product has been discontinued. In the case of Seraquin for instance, after consistently continuing for the first 4-6 weeks, the daily dose can be reduced to ½ a tablet.
Choosing the Right Joint Supplement for Your Dog
Choosing the right joint supplement for your Dog is a challenging process. Here are a few things to consider before circling in on the final one:
- Premium Ingredients: Glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, plus other components like omega-3s and amino acids that promote joint health and lower inflammation
- Verify the Manufacturer: Reputable businesses with third-party testing, safety and efficacy certifications, and quality control over their products
- Consider the Form of Supplement: Based on the preference of your dog in terms of whether the tablets are chewable or not, capsules, or even powders.
- Cost and Quality of Ingredients: Compare between price and the quality of the ingredients. Sometimes, you get what you pay for - a higher price equals better quality or more extensive benefits.
- Reviews and Feedback: Read reviews from other pet owners to know whether or not the product is effective and palatable.
Why are Glucosamine and chondroitin important for the joints of dogs?
On one hand, Glucosamine happens to be the building block of joint cartilage. Apart from promoting joint bone strength and swift mobility, it becomes the stimulator that facilitates the synthesis of joint fluid for lubrication purposes. Chondroitin on the other hand becomes the producer of cartilage.
What are the functions of chondroitin and glucosamine in supplements for dog joints?
Glucosamine promotes mobility, slows the progression of arthritis and aids with cartilage repair. Chondroitin improves joint health, stops cartilage degradation and when combined with glucosamine, controls the pace of the harmful enzymes in the dog’s joint. Products such as Seraquin with Chondroitin enhance the ability to repair cartilage.
How long does glucosamine take to start working?
Ans: After 4–8 weeks of consistent use, you will see results; nevertheless, for long-term effect, continued supplementation is required.
How long should my dog take a joint supplement?
Ans: Generally lifelong, with dosage reductions after initial improvement. Exceptions apply to young dogs post-surgery or injury. Most dogs need to be on replacement therapy for a prolonged period.
Do dog joint supplements have known side effects?
Ans: Rare, mild effects like vomiting or diarrhoea can occur with high doses but are minimised when given with food or lower doses.
Can I give my dog joint supplements along with painkillers?
Consult your veterinarian before combining supplements with medications, while popularly it is prescribed by veterinarians to combine joint supplements along with anti-inflammatory painkillers.
Can glucosamine and chondroitin be used in cats?
Ans: Yes, they effectively support joint health in cats and are included in products such as Seraquin for cats & small dogs, Synoquin EFA for Cats and Yumove cat capsules.
Are joint supplements good for dogs?
Ans: Yes, but we should not overdose them. For better results and quick recovery, it's also essential to maintain a strict weight.
Should I give my dog glucosamine every day?
Ans: Yes, daily dosages are required to aid in osteoarthritis repair. However, consulting a vet will help get better clarity.
Can joint supplements help arthritis in dogs?
Ans: For dogs with arthritis, joint supplements can aid in cartilage repair and inflammation reduction.
At what age should you start giving your dog joint supplements?
Ans: Joint supplements can be started as soon as they turn 1, particularly for breeds that are prone to joint issues once they stop developing.
Should I give my dog joint supplements every day?
Ans: Yes, consistent dosing is important for effective results with prescribed amounts.
Does Yumove necessarily cause vomiting?
Ans: This is one of those dog foods that sometimes can cause mild digestive upset and begin with vomiting. Consult a vet if the symptoms do not subside.
How long does Yumove take to show results?
Ans: Generally, joint health can often be noticed within 4-6 weeks of being used regularly.
What are Yumove Plus side effects?
Ans: It is predominantly minor, such as mild stomach upset, diarrhoea, or lethargy. Consult a vet if these symptoms do not It is predominantly subside.
Is Yumove safe for dogs?
Ans: Any supplement should be safe and well-tolerated with dog-friendly ingredients. However, if you do intend to add a new supplement to your dog's diet, you would first want to talk to the vet.
How are dog joint products different from human joint supplements?
Ans: The canine-specific joint supplements address the needs of dogs. They are ascorbic acid-enriched to ensure that the ingredients are well absorbed, and there is even dosing according to the size of the dog.
Can dogs be given human joint supplements?
Ans: The canine should never be given human joint supplements due to their inappropriate dosages and strengths. Always consult your vet to get your queries clarified.
What is the difference between glucosamine HCl and glucosamine sulphate?
Ans: Both glucosamine HCl and glucosamine sulphate are effective for dogs and cats. Glucosamine sulphate was the preferred compound in Europe initially but now the HCl version is utilised due to its purification and increased concentration of glucosamine per unit weight with less residual ash.
How do the Green Lipped Mussels help in building the cartilages in dogs?
Ans: Scientifically called Pernacanaliculi, Green Lipped Mussels are edible selfish, found off the shores of New Zealand, which get prepped in the form of a powder and fused with the joint supplements. Since it contains glucosamine, glycosaminoglycans and a type of omega-3 fatty acid, this promotes the structural build-up of the de-generated cartilages as well as prevents them from further erosion.
What, other than glucosamine and chondroitin, can act as the storage reservoir of energy to promote the growth of muscle strength in dogs?
Ans: Creatine, by building a steady body mass, helps the muscles work with greater efficacy and for long periods of time and acts as the reservoir of energy that is utilised to build muscles.
What roles does sulphur play in promoting the overall health of joints and tissues in dogs?
Ans: The optimum amount of sulphur that is essential to build strong connective tissues in dogs can be lacking due to the prevalent unhealthy food processing techniques. This is where MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), a naturally occurring organic source of biologically available Sulphur, acts as an essential component to enhance the health of tissues and joints in dogs. Sulphur is also needed for intracellular antioxidants and is also in demand to support the transformation of toxic complexes during liver detoxification. It can be found in products such as Arthri Aid Tablets.
What role does manganese seem to play in ensuring healthy osteo-health in dogs?
Ans: Manganese, being an abundantly available mineral resource, often gets fused with joint supplements like Yumove to ensure better bone health. Facilitating the development of enzymes that help in the growth, repair, and building of cartilages, the mineral resource act as an antioxidant, in addition to being a component of an enzyme called SuperOxide Dismutase (SOD), which decomposes free radicals.
Why is vitamin C essential in ensuring good bone health in dogs?
Ans: Being an essential component in the growth of connective tissue, joints and collagen, vitamin C called Ester-C is used as an antioxidant that aids in guarding the cells from free radical damage, which has a direct correspondence to osteoarthritis and other inflammatory diseases in dogs.
Conclusion
To sum it up, it is true that joint supplements for dogs are beneficial. However, you should make sure that your pets receive the best care possible and are kept in the best possible condition to avoid more damage. Consultation with a veterinarian is highly recommended prior to using any of the products.
The supplements required and the overall course of treatment vary greatly because each dog and needs are unique. The majority of joint supplements are designed to help our furry friends, but you need to consult a doctor to determine which joint supplement is best for your dog. It's also crucial to take the supplement consistently for a few months and at the prescribed dosage in order to notice the advantages.
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