Joint Aid: Keeping your dog active this spring with joint support
There’s nothing quite like getting out in the fresh air with your dog in the beautiful spring weather. But if your pooch is slower than usual or seems reluctant to get out and about, it may be worth considering whether they need joint support in the form of a nutritional supplement.
A good quality joint supplement can help your dog stay active even into his senior years. The best joint supplements should support your dog’s overall movement as well as the joints and muscles. They will usually contain glucosamine for dogs as well as chondroitin or hyaluronic acid and some natural anti-inflammatory support. These supplements can support your dog’s joints alongside a healthy lifestyle and any care they are getting from your vet.
How can I tell if my dog needs a joint supplement?
Unfortunately, joint problems and joint stiffness are extremely common in dogs and can range from minor discomfort to severe pain and arthritis. Problems in your dog's joints can be so serious that they hinder exercising or even walking short distances and prevent your pet from leading a full life. With the most severe painful joint pain even getting up or standing can become difficult for your dog. Hips and elbows are amongst the most commonly affected areas thanks to conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia.
You’ll know as an owner whether your dog is not his or her usual self – but if you’re unsure here are some key signs to watch out for:
- Your dog limping or moving awkwardly
- Reluctance to climb stairs or jump
- Stiffness especially when your dog is getting up from its bed or the floor
- Are your dog's back legs giving way?
- Bad temper and a dislike of being touched
- Swelling in your dog's joints
- Licking the joints excessively
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to get your dog seen by the vet straightaway. Don’t forget that joint stiffness or pain can be a symptom of an underlying condition.
So what can you do?
Your vet may suggest medicinal support if it’s needed. And of course, supplementing your dog’s diet with nutraceuticals can also help to support their joints and movement from the inside out.
Joint Aid for Dogs has been helping Britain’s dogs stay active for 20 years. It provides your dog with 32 targeted active ingredients including:
- Natural Anti-Inflammatories Omega 3 fatty acids help to maintain the natural anti-inflammatory actions of the body. Joint Aid also contains turmeric in conjunction with vitamins C & E and selenium.
- Glucosamine This important nutraceutical provides the building blocks to help maintain smooth and resilient cartilage in your dog’s joints.
- Hyaluronic Acid Provides the building blocks of chondroitin, which works together with glucosamine in the structural formation of cartilage. It also helps to cushion and lubricate the joints.
- MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) A source of sulphur which is used by your dog’s body to produce and maintain connective tissues like tendons, ligaments and cartilage.
- Turmeric The active ingredient of this spice is curcumin, a potent antioxidant that mops up potentially damaging free radicals produced during exercise. In Joint Aid for Dogs you'll find extracted curcumin which contains 98% curcuminoids and so is far more potent than the
traditional turmeric powder found in other supplements. - Piperine Black Pepper Extract Helps with the retention of poorly accepted nutraceuticals like curcumin.
Joint Aid for Dogs is easy to feed - simply sprinkle over your dog’s favourite food daily for optimum results.
Each 500g pouch lasts as long as 100 days depending on your dog’s weight, so it can be a cost-effective way to support his or her immune system. It’s suitable for all life stages and breeds.
| Size of Dog | Maintenance | Full Support |
| Small (up to 15kg) | 1/4 measure/day | 1/2 measure/day |
| Medium (16 - 30kg) | 1/2 measure/day | 1 measure/day |
| Large (31 - 45kg) | 1 measure/day | 2 measures/day |
| X-Large (over 45kg) | 2 measures/day | 3 measures/day |
Always seek advice from your vet
If you suspect that your dog is in pain or has a medical issue you should contact your vet as soon as possible to identify the cause and establish a course of treatment as soon as possible.