What are dog joint supplements?
Dog joint supplements are manufactured products that come in the form of a pill, capsule, tablet, powder, or liquid and are intended to serve as add-ons to a dog’s diet so as to provide nutrients either extracted from a food source or that are synthetic in order to increase the quality of their consumption and improve the performance of dogs’ joints.
Why give your dog supplements?
Food alone may not be enough to address all of your dog's health needs. That is why dog supplements come in handy to help correct any deficiencies that may exist in your dog's everyday diet.
Supplements for dogs are particularly essential for those that have stiff joints and those that lead active lifestyles, such as diving dogs and working dogs. They help the dogs’ stiff joints feel comfortable so that the canines can remain active. The supplements also play a huge role in ensuring that the dog’s immune system is unharmed and vigilant against any potential attacks.
Like supplements for relieving human or cat joint pain, supplements for dogs are not "one size fits all." The best dog supplement for one dog may not be the best one for another dog, which is why dog owners are advised not to self-prescribe dog supplements for their dogs and seek the advice of their veterinarian in any situation requiring supplementation.
The best supplements are those adjusted to your dog’s needs
A dog supplement that is best for your dog is one that is adjusted to your dog's specific needs based on the canine’s varied stages of life. It should be able to effectively smooth the dog’s transition from a lively puppy to a mature canine companion for you.
If you've never given your dog a dog joint supplement, start by determining the best supplement for your canine companion based on its life stage.
Indeed, the best dog joint supplement for your dog is a decision you won't make by yourself because it requires a veterinarian’s guidance. Nonetheless, experts concur that you can know the best dog joint supplement by checking out the following factors:
- The main ingredients
The best dog-joint supplements will contain active ingredients that are scientifically proven to support dogs’ joint health, namely, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the green-lipped mussel. These three ingredients have been particularly acknowledged, through research, for their effectiveness in combating dog joint pain and inflammation.
The general rule of thumb when looking for the best joint supplement for dogs is to find out whether the key ingredients are fully natural and free of any artificial fixings, flavors, or additives.
- Dosage instructions
The best supplements for dogs will come with very detailed dosage instructions on their labels. Clear dosage labeling enables dog owners to know exactly how much of the product they will be giving their dog, based on the canine’s weight.
- Pills or chews
Whether the supplement is to be taken as a pill or chewed depends on your dog's preferences. So the best dog joint supplement for your dog is one that is available in the form your dog would prefer. I've noticed that dogs prefer chews and even regard them as treats from their owners!
- Taste and smell
The best supplements for dogs are those that the dogs find tasty and odorous. This implies that if you select a product for your dog that doesn't taste or smell good, you'll need to come up with creative ways to deceive the dog into eating it. Will that be the best supplement for that dog if you have to keep devising ways to make the dog eat the supplement?
My experience with dog-joint supplements
As a dog owner, I have tried out many dog joint supplements while working closely with my veterinarian. Based on my experience with dog joint supplements, Antinol for dogs has given me the best results. Each tiny softgel of this product includes 50 mg of a proprietary combination of marine lipid oils derived from green-lopped mussels.
The marine lipid oil blend contains glucosamine and chondroitin, as well as antioxidants, vitamins C and E, and a variety of minerals such as zinc, copper, and selenium. I read of studies whose reports indicate that 90 percent of dogs that have been put on Antinol usually have a substantial difference in their joints’ health in as little as five to ten days.
When I began to use Antinol for dogs, my veterinarian recommended giving this dog joint supplement twice the prescribed amount for the first fifteen days to get the most out of it. That was because my furry friend was in bad shape due to its advanced age.
Need more information or help with dog joint supplements?
Supplements for dogs are a great way to ensure your dog lives a healthy and strong life. The dog joint supplement market has, however, been flooded with products whose ingredients may not be verified for your dog’s safety. That is why you should always consult your veterinarian whenever you want to introduce your dog to any supplements or change the supplement you use for another.
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