Joint health for dogs is one of the most googled doggie related subjects on the internet. As like their humans, joint wear and tear, degradation and autoimmunity prevails and in fact 1 in 4 dogs have arthritis or joint issues in their lifetime.
Whether a large breed, a long backed breed, an active breed or just a breed, joint issues can arise at any given time. These issues can range from a little stiffness, osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia to the more serious lamenessness.
The two main types of joint problems in dogs are developmental and degenerative.
Developmental joint disease includes:
- Hip or elbow dysplasia
- HOD (hypertrophic osteodystrophy)
- OCD (osteochondritis dissecans)
Degenerative joint disease is usually seen as osteoarthritis. Degenerative joint disease can also get worse with age if you don’t treat it.
If inflammation goes unchecked for weeks, months or even years, it can add to your dog’s joint issues so supporting joint health early on can be helpful. Swelling and pain from inflammation is an attempt to heal from injury and wear and tear. This is how the body sends antibodies and white blood cells to promote healing. Antibodies from chronic inflammation will begin to attack the joint lining and this is were the degradation begins.
Joints are lined with a thin layer of cartilage that produces a fluid to lubricates the joint, keeping it moist and lubricated. This helps the joints move and function without any friction or pain.
To help support inflammation, lubrication, bone formation and further degradation, we often look to these natural ingredients to help keep a pep in your dog's step.
Glucosamine is a combination of glutamine (an amino acid) and glucose (a sugar).Your dog’s body naturally produces its own glucosamine. It’s a substance that helps create molecules that form the cartilage of your dog’s joints.
Chondroitin is the major glycosaminoglycan in cartilage. It’s often combined with glucosamine for a synergistic formation similar to cartilage.
Green Lipped Mussel is known as an anti-inflammatory and considered a superfood because it contains a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fats, amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes, and many more nutrients that may support joint health.
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organo sulfur compound found in the body. It has shown in studies to help reduce inflammation in the body. It may also inhibit the breakdown of cartilage.
Curcumin, the key constituent of turmeric, has a long list of supposed, amazing benefits. Not only may it support inflammation, it may also relieve stiffness and support immunity.
Vitamin C aids absorption and immune function.
Hyaluronic Acid, also called hyaluronan, is an anionic, nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan distributed widely throughout connective, epithelial, and neural tissues. HA can help lubricate tissue and the joint matrix.
Manganese studies have shown that combined with glucosamine and chondroitin, may help reduce osteoarthritis pain.
So grab yourself a pot of Vitali for Pets and put that bounce back into your pooches pounce.
