If your dog is affected by the degenerative changes to his joints that are caused by arthritis, he may benefit from the inclusion of a good-quality dog joint powder in his diet. So, how do you recognize canine arthritis and where is the best place to obtain a suitable dietary supplement?
Signs of canine arthritis
There are a number of tell-tale signs that your dog is suffering from some form of arthritis.
Arthritis typically affects the joints of the dog’s limbs and spine, including the neck and tail. Early indications of the condition are a loss of enthusiasm for exercise, often characterized by a slower, stiffer gait and lameness. The stiffness often improves when the dog gets moving, but it is usually worse following rest or when conditions are cold and damp.
There are usually no external signs of a problem, such as heat or swelling of the joints, but your pet may continually lick a painful area, eventually leading to hair loss or saliva staining. Some animals exhibit behavioral changes, becoming grumpy and even aggressive when touched.
You may also notice that your dog struggles to get up, or that his hind limbs begin to lose their muscle tone and strength. In advanced cases, your dog may even begin to carry his tail awkwardly until even wagging it becomes difficult.
Alt tag: Senior dogs often develop canine osteoarthritis
Diagnosis
Your vet will usually be able to diagnose arthritis in your dog by carrying out a physical examination. Further investigation may be recommended in some cases, including X-rays or blood tests to identify the underlying cause of the condition.
Once the cause of the arthritis and its extent have been established, a suitable treatment program for your dog can be devised.
Treatment
Arthritis is usually worse in dogs that are unfit or overweight. An exercise program and weight control regimen will therefore be recommended, aimed at strengthening the muscles that support the joints and relieving the load on the joints themselves.
Your dog may also be prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relief. If the arthritis is chronic and wear-and-tear related, this therapy is likely to be lifelong.
In addition to drug therapy, vets now recommend the inclusion of ‘nutraceuticals’ as an ongoing joint management strategy for arthritic dogs. Nutraceuticals are supplements, which are specifically formulated to treat canine arthritis.
Alt tag: Giving your pet the best dog joint powder can help to keep him active and enjoying life
Canine joint supplements
Nutraceuticals come in a number of different formats, but the easiest to administer is dog joint powder. When choosing a suitable dog joint powder, you should look for something that is formulated to provide protection and repair to damaged cartilage, as well as relieving inflammation. Many dog joint powders that contain hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and turmeric curcumin are very effective. In addition, some are also extremely palatable, so your dog will happily take his medication without complaint!
It should be noted that not all canine joint powders are made equal, and some are more effective than others. Be sure to choose a high-quality product to get the best results for your pet, as well as the best value for money.
Where to buy online dog joint powder
Although you can buy dog joint powder at your local pet store or from your vet, you will find a much wider choice if you shop for dog joint powder online. Online dog joint powder is also often available with attractive discounts and special offers, allowing you to save money too.
When looking to get a good deal on the best dog joint powder, it can be helpful to check out online retail sites such as Amazon, where there is a wide range of products to choose from.
Alt tag: Shop for dog joint powder online
In conclusion
Canine arthritis is a chronic, debilitating condition. Unfortunately your dog will never be cured of arthritis, but he can be made pain-free and free to enjoy a good quality of life through careful management. You can find the best dog joint powder for your pet by shopping online, either directly from the product manufacturer or through major online retail sites.