Should you give your dog joint supplements?

Watching our beloved dogs age and slow down can be tough, especially when joint pain is to blame. Joint supplements are often hailed as a solution, but it’s important to understand how they work and if they’re right for your pet. Let’s dive into the science behind joint supplements, their ingredients, and when it’s appropriate to introduce them into your dog’s diet.

How do joint supplements work?

While joint supplements for dogs typically feature ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids — known for their anti-inflammatory properties and support for joint health — Blue Pet takes a different approach. We do not include glucosamine in our products because of its environmental impact. The production of glucosamine involves toxic chemical processes that are harmful to the environment. Instead, we offer GoActive™, a natural dog supplement that includes our unique marine complex, PhyCoidan™. This exclusive bio-active complex serves as a natural alternative to glucosamine, containing over 60 micronutrients that support healthy bones, muscles, and joints. Additionally, PhyCoidan™ helps maintain your furry friend’s overall optimal health.

Benefits of joint supplements for dogs:

1. Reducing joint pain: Joint supplements help to relieve pain associated with joint problems, making it easier for dogs to move without discomfort.
2. Improving joint health: The ingredients in joint supplements may promote the production and repair of cartilage, ultimately supporting joint health in dogs.
3. Enhancing mobility: By reducing pain and inflammation, joint supplements can potentially improve a dog’s mobility, allowing them to engage in normal activities.

Do Joint Supplements Work?

Many pet parents ponder the effectiveness of giving their furry friends joint supplements. The good news is that joint supplements have a track record of clinically proven benefits for maintaining joint health in dogs.

Joint supplements can indeed slow the degradation of cartilage in your canine companion, positively impacting their overall joint health. These supplements are particularly beneficial for breeds susceptible to conditions like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, Notably, this includes not only German Shepherds but also Spaniels, large breeds like Great Pyrenees, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and popular breeds such as Labradors, Retrievers, and various Bulldog breeds. Additionally, joint supplements help ensure better joint lubrication, which can aid in alleviating symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs.

It’s important to note that joint supplements are generally designed to work over time and may take four to eight weeks to demonstrate their full benefits. This gradual effect is in stark contrast to NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs), which typically offer more immediate relief from joint pain but can also come with a higher risk of side effects. Given these differences, joint supplements are often used in conjunction with NSAIDs to provide comprehensive treatment. However, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian before starting any new treatment regimen. They can provide guidance tailored to your dog’s specific health needs and help you navigate the best combination of therapies for managing joint health

In summary, while these supplements offer a safer long-term approach to joint care with fewer side effects, patience is essential as improvements build gradually over consistent use.

GoActive Field Study

Our recent field study on the effectiveness of GoActive supplements has shown promising results in improving the mobility and quality of life of dogs. Participants, including a 13-year-old Springer Spaniel named Millie, exhibited significant improvements in energy, playfulness, and mobility after regular use of GoActive.

Key Findings:

• Enhanced Mobility: 78% of dog owners observed that their pets found it easier to engage in longer walks. Dogs also showed better mobility after waking from sleep, indicating reduced joint stiffness and pain.
• Increased Energy and Playfulness: Owners reported noticeable increases in their dogs’ energy levels and playfulness, contributing to a more active and enjoyable lifestyle.
• Scientific Validation: The positive behavioural changes align with our in-house biomarker data on bone and muscle health. Studies show that PhyCoidan™, a key ingredient in GoActive, effectively supports joint, cartilage, and connective tissue health.

What are the most common ingredients in joint Supplements?

Joint supplements for dogs typically feature a blend of ingredients known to support joint health and alleviate discomfort associated with ageing and joint diseases. Here are some of the most commonly used ingredients:

• Glucosamine: A vital building block for repairing and maintaining cartilage.
• Chondroitin Sulphate: Works synergistically with glucosamine to help maintain joint flexibility and cushioning.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil): These offer anti-inflammatory properties and enhance joint lubrication.
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): This compound has antioxidant effects and reduces inflammation in the joints.
• Hyaluronic Acid: This ingredient aids in joint lubrication and the maintenance of connective tissue.
• Green-lipped Mussel: A source of omega-3s, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, it’s known for its role in promoting joint health.

Blue Pet Co’s GoActive Ingredients

Instead of the traditional ingredients listed above, GoActive™ features a distinctive blend of components that set it apart:

• PhyCoidan™ (Seaweed Meal): Extracted from 100% Irish Fucus vesiculosus seaweed, PhyCoidan™ is enriched with Fucoidan, a polysaccharide known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It supports joint, cartilage, and connective tissue health while promoting overall mobility.
• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant in GoActive, Vitamin C helps combat free radicals and supports skin health. Its antioxidant properties contribute to the overall well-being of your pet by supporting skin health and potentially aiding in other bodily functions.

The combination of these unique ingredients in GoActive™ not only supports joint health but does so while being mindful of the environment, avoiding the ecological drawbacks associated with more commonly used ingredients. Blue Pet Co is committed to sustainability and the well-being of your pet, ensuring that every chew offers more than just joint support — it enhances your dog’s overall quality of life.

By choosing GoActive™, you’re opting for a product that cares for your dog’s health and the planet.

Do all dogs need joint supplements? 

Deciding whether all dogs need joint supplements is a nuanced topic. Not every dog requires joint supplements, but they can be highly beneficial for many. Here’s how to determine if they might be necessary for your dog:

1. Age: As dogs age, their joints naturally begin to wear due to age-related cartilage destruction. Over time, the body’s natural production of cartilage-supporting compounds, such as glucosamine, decreases significantly. Unlike in younger dogs, this cartilage cannot be regrown naturally in older dogs. This makes senior dogs particularly prone to joint issues like arthritis. Supplementing with joint health products can be crucial, as it helps maintain the cartilage and may alleviate the symptoms of joint degradation, providing much-needed relief and improving quality of life.
2. Activity Level: Highly active and working dogs place more stress on their joints, which can lead to faster wear and tear. Supplements can help maintain joint health and mobility in these high-energy dogs.
3. Existing Joint Problems: Dogs already exhibiting signs of joint issues, such as stiffness, limping, or difficulty rising, are showing clear indicators of discomfort or pain. In these cases, supplements can provide essential nutrients needed to support joint health and may help reduce discomfort. However, these symptoms typically warrant the use of pain medications or NSAIDs, as recommended by a veterinarian. It’s crucial to view supplements as an adjunct to these medications, not as a replacement. Always consult your veterinarian to tailor a treatment plan that addresses your dog’s specific needs and ensures their comfort and well-being.
4. Preventive Health Strategy: While some veterinarians recommend initiating joint supplements early in a dog’s life, especially for breeds prone to joint issues, it is crucial to ensure that these supplements are started at an appropriate age. Over-supplementation in very young animals can lead to severely negative outcomes. Therefore, it’s important to begin such regimens only with mature, fully grown dogs as a preventive measure to slow the degradation of joint health. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the right time and appropriate dosage for starting your dog on joint supplements, ensuring it aligns with their specific health needs and life stage.
5. Breed: The appropriate age to begin joint supplements can vary significantly based on your dog’s breed. Below is a list of breeds that typically experience more joint-related issues, such as arthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia, and chronic joint inflammation, from an early age.

• American Staffordshire Terriers
• Bloodhounds
• Basset Hounds
• Bernese Mountain Dogs
• Catahoula Hounds
• Chow Chows
• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
• Dachshunds
• French Bulldogs
• German Shepherds
• Great Danes
• Golden Retrievers
• Labrador Retrievers
• Neapolitan Mastiffs
• Norwegian Elkhounds
• Newfoundlands
• Otterhounds
• Old English Sheepdogs
• Pit Bulls
• Pugs
• Rottweilers
• Saint Bernards
• Shih Tzus
• King Charles 
• Cavalier Spaniel
• Spaniel breeds

Conclusion

Watching our beloved dogs age and struggle with joint pain is heart-wrenching, but integrating joint supplements like GoActive™ from Blue Pet Co. can be a game-changer. These supplements, enriched with a unique marine complex, PhyCoidan™, offer a sustainable and effective alternative to traditional ingredients, promoting joint health while being environmentally friendly. They not only aid in reducing discomfort and enhancing mobility but also contribute to overall health, making daily activities more enjoyable for our canine friends. By choosing such supplements, pet owners are not only supporting their dog’s health but are also making a responsible choice for the environment. It is essential, however, to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that any supplement regimen is appropriate for your dog’s specific conditions and lifestyle, optimising the benefits while minimising any risks.

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