As our dogs age, they start exhibiting signs of their physical maturity. Arthritis is a common ailment that affects our aging dogs and to keep them comfortable, we should be able to identify the early symptoms. We don’t want them living in pain, but dogs are very stoic animals and it can be difficult to know exactly when they’re hurting. If you watch closely, you might be able to spot these signs and seek veterinary care early on into the condition. Once you notice your dog’s discomfort, you can work to improve their quality of life. Outside of traditional medications, there are natural supplements that can reduce the pain and inflammation in your dog’s joints. Always talk with your veterinarian prior to starting any supplements, but do consider their use.
Related: 10 Best Arthritis Supplements for Dogs
#1 – Difficulty Moving
Just like people, your dog’s joints will get stiffer as they get older. We might notice they’re having a hard time getting up from sitting or lying down, struggling to go up stairs or jumping onto the couch or in the car. These are all signs that your dog is experiencing some pain. If you notice these symptoms, it’s a good idea to seek veterinary attention so that you can make sure your dog is comfortable. You might also find your dog shifting around a lot because it’s painful to lie in a certain position for too long. These are all signs that the joints are causing pain.
#2 – Irritability
Sudden aggression in a usually friendly dog is always a reason to seek veterinary care. No dog becomes aggressive at random, so if you notice your dog shying away or showing aggression at being touched or handled, it might be a sign their in some physical pain. Think about it, you don’t want to be bothered when you’re hurt or sick; neither does your dog. Although irritability can be caused by a variety of different things, one common reason is because of physical pain or discomfort.
#3 – Excessive Licking & Chewing
If your dog is in pain, you might notice them licking or chewing the area that hurts excessively. Although many dogs groom themselves frequently when dealing with allergies, they also do so when they are experiencing pain. You might find your dog trying to nurse his or her own pain sources. Since common places for arthritis to occur are in the hips, elbows and spine, you might notice your dog paying extra attention to one or more of these areas. It’s a good idea to get a veterinary check-up if you think your dog is grooming excessively so that you can alleviate any discomfort they’re feeling.
Does a Joint Care Supplement Make Sense for My Dog?
There are lots of different glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin supplements on the market for dogs. It’s important to choose a joint health supplement that offers the correct therapeutic dosage for your dog’s needs and is made from the highest quality ingredients.
For example, the vast majority of joint support supplements for dogs are processed with heat, which destroys much of the nutrient viability. When we here at iHeartDogs set out to create our Happy, Healthy canine joint care supplements, we used cold press extrusion which maintains 98% of the nutrient’s potency. And of course like all our products, every bottle sold provides health meals to shelter dogs!
Learn More about Happy, Healthy Joint Care
We also offer a hypoallergenic joint soft chew for dogs, for our furry friends with allergies and other sensitivities.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Toledo, United States.
