Tips for Hip & Joint Health from Holistic Veterinarians

Published in an article "Pet nutrition goes beyond food. What else does your pet need?"
 

Can pet nutrition include supplements?

“Every active dog should be on a glucosamine source”
Dr. Chris Bessent

Dr. Chris Bessent is a Wisconsin-based veterinarian specializing in natural treatment methods for performance horses and dogs. She explains that most athletic dogs have healthy joints that have not sustained damage yet. But, active dogs regularly “push the envelope,” causing some joint inflammation that can develop into early joint breakdown. Dr. Bessent refers to mature, athletic dogs that show the generalized, early signs of joint deterioration as “dogs running on four low tires.” Supplementing with glucosamine, she believes, “pumps up the tires” again.

Chondroitin is the most abundant glycosaminoglycan in cartilage and is responsible for the resiliency and elasticity of cartilage. Supplemental chondroitin is derived primarily from bovine (cow) cartilage, particularly the cartilage rings of the trachea. It is also derived from shark and whale cartilage. The source does not appear to have any impact on its effect. Chondroitin provides additional substrates for the formation of a healthy joint matrix. Evidence from many studies has shown that chondroitin acts as both as an agent to slowly reduce symptoms and can reduce the need for NSAID’s.

MSM (methylsulphynolmethane) is a natural biological sulphur compound found in all plants, soils, fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, eggs, meats and milk. It has been found to help improve joint flexibility and reduce pain and inflammation in both humans and animals.

While glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM are the most common ingredients in supplements for joint health, there are other ingredients which may increase the effectiveness of a joint supplement. A few of the better joint supplements boost their effectiveness by adding in herbal ingredients that have historically well-known anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties such as: wild yam, licorice root, aloe vera, pfaffia root, red poppy flower, white peony root, turmeric and yucca.

It is important to note that no amount of consumed supplements will correct structural damage to a dog's joints. If there are calcium deposits, scar tissue, cartilage tears and dissolution, contour changes to the bones at the joint surfaces from long-term abnormal forces being applied, these abnormalities will remain present and will continue to affect the animal regardless of nutritional intake. Supplements will assist in decreasing inflammation and improving the body's ability to repair and strengthen tissues. Supplements, however, will not reverse structural changes in a joint such as torn cartilage, calcium deposits and advanced scar tissue.

Once a dog begins using a joint supplement, they should stay on it for the rest of their lives or the degeneration of the joint cartilage will return. Continued supplementation is necessary as neither glucosamine or chondroitin are found naturally in your pet's food - including raw diets. Also, please be aware that it can take a few weeks to begin seeing any beneficial effect of a joint supplement. Typically, your dog will start on a "loading dose" for several weeks and then it will be reduced to a lower "maintenance dose. The safety of these joint supplements is well suited for long term use. They can also be used with most other drugs and vitamins without any complications. The owner of any animal that is taking any type of prescription medication should always seek veterinary advice before administering any new supplement or drug to their pets.

NOTE: Well Loved Hip & Joint Chews contain many of the vet recommended ingredients in the above article including: Glucosamine, MSM, Chondroitin and Yucca.  In addition we include anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Omega-3 and Omega-6 (Fish Oil and Flaxseed).  

​Veterinarians in article referenced above are not affiliated or sponsored by Well Loved