Support Your Pet’s Joint Health

Pet food is generally loaded with nutrients to keep your pet happy and healthy. Many pet parents give their pets additional vitamins or supplements for specific concerns, such as maintaining healthy joints. If you decide to supplement your pet’s diet, it’s a good idea to discuss options with your vet, so you don’t end up giving too much of a certain vitamin or nutrient.

Over-supplementing is a common mistake that can easily happen with the most well-intentioned pet owners. For instance, vitamin A is good for the kidneys and metabolism, but too much could result in joint pain or brittle bones. So while you want to find a pet supplement for joints that will keep your pet in good health and support his joints and tissues, be sure to talk it over with your veterinarian beforehand.

Joint Health and Your Pet

Signs your pet might have joint problems include difficulty doing activities he normally would, like jumping up on the couch or climbing stairs. Or you may notice that your pet is limping or holding a certain limb up and favoring other limbs. If you’ve noticed these symptoms, it’s probably time to go to the vet.

If your vet diagnoses your pet with joint problems, he or she might recommend a pet food with glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint function and/or a supplement to benefit joint health, such as Nutramax Cosequin Chewable Tablets.

Common joint issues include cruciate ligament problems, a degenerative condition in which the ligament of a joint is in the process of wearing down. Hip or elbow dysplasia are developmental problems that can afflict certain breeds. In addition, if your pet is overweight, that won’t do his joints any favors. You might want to try a weight-managementformula like Blue Buffalo’s Healthy Weight Adult Recipe.

Do Your Research

If you do choose to give your pet a supplement and your vet has approved, be sure to read the label. Check that the product’s ingredients are specifically for the disorder your pet suffers from and that the product has a lot number. If not, don’t risk giving it to your pet. Get a specific brand recommendation from your vet if you can.