JOINT SUPPLEMENTS FOR YOUR PETS

What They Are and What They Do

When it comes to our pets and their hip and joint issues, including arthritis, there are so many products out there with different ingredients at different levels of potency.  Do you know what the ingredients are and what they do?  Here is a list of some more common ones, what they do and the different products in our store that include the varied supplements.

GLUCOSAMINE HCL
Glucosamine in the body is used to make a “cushion” that surrounds the joints. In osteoarthritis, this cushion becomes thinner and stiff. Taking glucosamine hydrochloride as a supplement might help to supply the materials needed to rebuild the cushion.

METHYLSULFONYLMETHANE (MSM)
MSM is especially popular as part of an arthritis diet and supplementation plan to treat arthritis or osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease since it helps form connective tissue and repair joints, tendons and ligaments.

CHONDROITIN SULFATE
Chondroitin sulfate is a chemical that is normally found in cartilage around joints in the body. Chondroitin sulfate is used for osteoarthritis. It is often used in combination with other ingredients, including manganese ascorbate, glucosaminesulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride.

N-ACETYL GLUCOSAMINE
Perhaps the most important aspect of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements is that they are thought to help slow or prevent the degeneration of joint cartilage, the underlying cause of osteoarthritis pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate dietary supplements may also help alleviate existing joint pain.

GREEN LIPPED MUSSEL
New Zealand green-lipped mussel is a shellfish. Green-lipped mussel is used for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and asthma.

BOSWELLIA SERRATE
Boswellia serrata is abundant in benefits such as reducing body inflammation and helping treat conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. It’s also a painkiller, and can help inhibit cartilage loss.

YUCCA SCHIDIGERA
Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects.

Calcium Ascorbate (Vitamin C)

CALCIUM ASCORBATE
This a buffered form of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). It is used as a nutritional supplement and food additive and is gentler sensitive gastrointestinal tracts. Due to its important role in maintaining the health of collagen, it appears to be especially helpful for slowing – and some say, reversing – degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia, and spinal disorders.

ZINC
Researchers say zinc may help improve RA symptoms by supporting the immune system and cartilage.

HYALURONIC ACID
Hyaluronic acid is an important component of joint fluid. Including it in the management of osteoarthritis may protect the joint by increasing the lubricating action of the joint fluid and reducing inflammation. Most of the research on hyaluronic acid has been done in people and horses, but it may also be effective in dogs. This is an injectable product which is administered directly into the joint.

BLUE GREEN ALGAE EXTRACT
Clinical studies have proven our blue green algae extract is a safe and effective way to make a difference by helping to reduce joint discomfort and provide antioxidants.

OMEGA 3
Can reduce inflammation.

CREATINE
Creatine is an amino acid derivative formed in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas from the amino acids arginine, glycine, and methionine. It is found in red meat and fish. Creatine is not a muscle builder, but aids in the body production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a fuel, for short, intense bursts of energy. In humans, it builds lean body mass by helping the muscle work longer, allowing one to train harder, lift more weight, and have more repetitions. It is the increase in exercise which results in building muscle, not creatine alone. When combined with exercise, creatine may be helpful in dogs with muscle atrophy associated with dog osteoarthritis.

TURMERIC
Reduces pain, inflammation and stiffness related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA).

BORON
Boron uses include the ability to help keep the skeletal structure strong by adding to bone density, preventing osteoporosis, treating conditions like arthritis, and improving strength and muscle mass. Boron uses even include the ability to help animals suffering from pain.

SELENIUM
Some research suggests selenium may help prevent rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

DEVILS CLAW
Arthritis Relief. The most extensively researched of use devil’s claw benefits is its ability to reduce osteoarthritis symptoms. IT is a natural pain killer. It fights chronic inflammation.

Some products that we carry that contain these types of ingredients are Arthrisooth Level 3, ActivPhy and Pain Away. I have had good feedback from my customers on these products in how effective they have been working for their pets.  If you would like to talk with me further about your pet’s joint health, please feel free to contact me.