Is your dog or cat getting older and starting to show signs of joint stiffness? Do they have trouble going up or down stairs, or jumping up like they used to? Don’t despair! There are ways to help your furry friend.
Metacam For Pet Joint Problems
Vets often recommend Metacam (or Meloxicam), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that addresses joint problems. When our previous Golden Retriever, Samson, developed joint problems, we gave him Metacam once every two weeks, with noticeable improvement in his mobility. However, what we did not know is that Metacam is also hard on the liver and kidneys. Additional possible side effects include: loss of appetite, dizziness, and vomiting, among others that can be researched on credible websites. We stopped Samson’s Metacam, and looked for other options.
Pet Foods Containing Joint Supplements
Changing to a pet food with joint supplement products, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, and even MSM (an anti-inflammatory) can be beneficial. If your pet has mild joint problems, you may notice an improvement in their movements. However, many times the dose in pet foods is only a basic supplement, and does not provide the therapeutic amount needed to make a substantial difference.
Joint Supplements For Pets
Looking for a product that provides a therapeutic dose of glucosamine and chondroitin is a better option. It is important to know that human glucosamine joint products are not as effective for pets. Pets have a much shorter digestive system, meaning they process foods and supplements much quicker than we do. As a result, they don’t get much out of the human form supplement before it is through their system.
Not all pet glucosamine products are created equally either. One of our customers had been using a glucosamine joint product for three years with few noticeable results. She switched to using a liquid joint supplement, and in less than a month, she noticed an improvement in her dog’s ability to negotiate stairs!
There have been some concerns that liquid joint supplements don’t work because the active ingredients settle to the bottom. However, testimonials such as the one above tell a different story. In speaking to the supplement company about this, they advised that continuous monitoring of samples from each batch produced shows that the active ingredients stay in suspension. Again, not all products are created equally!
Samson’s Story
When Samson started having joint problems, he also had a partially torn cruciate ligament, and we were told surgery was the best option. However, we chose to try a different route, and found a vet that gave him acupuncture and chiropractic treatments. She also taught us how to massage some of the muscles in his hip area to keep them supple and flexible. We gave him the therapeutic dose of glucosamine and chondroitin, as well as salmon oil for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Finally, we also started giving him yucca powder. Like Metacam, it’s an anti-inflammatory, but unlike Metacam, it actually detoxifies and cleanses the liver and its related systems. Within two months, Samson was doing things we had not seen him do in the previous 2-3 years (like running up the side of a hill at full speed)! Other customers have also come in with their yucca powder/glucosamine supplement success stories!
Most pet joint supplements are available in powder, tablet, or liquid form. Be assured that there are healthy, natural options to help your furry family member regain the quality of life that you both deserve! As your local pet specialty store, we would be happy to answer your questions about quality joint supplements. Simply drop by!
