Which Ingredients Actually Reduce Joint Pain in Dogs?

If you have ever had a dog, then you will know about the bond that forms between a dog and its family over time. This bond isn’t just palpable in how the family feels, but also in how dogs act, with their excitement as we return home speaking volumes about how much they love us. With great love comes great responsibility, and as their owner, we should do everything within our power to ensure they’re both comfortable and happy.

Joint pain isn’t only uncomfortable, it can actually be debilitating and have an impact on the daily life of those who suffer from it. Unsurprisingly, the same goes for Fido, who may be prone to it simply through their breed or genetics. Modern veterinary science has found a number of ways to help treat joint pain, although you shouldn’t need to be a scientist to know what works.

Here is a look at which ingredients common in treatments for joint pain in dogs are actually effective.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

In recent years it has become common knowledge that Omega-3 fatty acids have a variety of properties that can not only help us, but also our pets. Despite being an essential fatty acid, the body doesn’t actually produce it itself, and it needs to be consumed regularly for the full effect to take place.

What Do They Do?

Omega-3 fatty acids help with the circulation of blood throughout the body and have anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce joint pain in dogs and humans alike.

EPA and DHA

The two types of Omega-3 fatty acids which provide these properties are Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid. These acids promote the reduction of inflammation in joints, reduce the production of negative proteins, and keep collagen and cartilage healthier for longer.

Where to Get it?

While EPA and DHA are found in cold-water fish, feeding your dog on a diet that includes cold-water fish may be difficult, especially in certain areas or with picky dogs. Instead, finding an Omega-3 fish oil and incorporating that into your dog’s diet can provide them with what they need. Be sure to look for those supplements which state their EPA and DHA content on the label, as this is a declaration of the purity of the product.

Chondroitin

Unlike Omega-3 fatty acids, Chondroitin is a naturally occurring substance that is a vital part of cartilage giving it elasticity by retaining water. Studies in recent years have shown that, when taken as a supplement, Chondroitin can reduce the activity of the enzymes and substances which break down collagen in joints. Other studies have shown that it also has anti-inflammatory properties and that it can even trigger the repair mechanisms in joints.

Where to Get it?

Most modern treatments for joint pain in dogs include Chondroitin, as it has proven effective against joint pain as well as regenerative effects. It is commonly occurring in chicken feet, although it may be difficult to source, handle, and convince your dog to eat them regularly enough for full effect.

Be sure to only give them Chondroitin supplements made for dogs, as human-grade supplements can not only be incompatible but also harmful to them.

Glucosamine

Another naturally occurring substance, Glucosamine is a chemical sugar that is found naturally in the body. As with the other ingredients, Glucosamine is able to alleviate symptoms of joint pain by promoting the repair of damaged cartilage, specifically articular cartilage. Effective as both preventative and as long-term treatment, Glucosamine has been proven to be safe to take regularly.

Where to Get it?

Again, Glucosamine is a common ingredient in treatments for joint pain in dogs, and the combination of Chondroitin and Glucosamine has been considered an effective way for repairing joint damage, even slip disc damage.

Exercise and Massage

As with any kind of supplement, they can only work so far, and other elements will need to be changed or introduced to ensure their efficacy. When it comes to joint pain in your dogs, you may need to change how you exercise them when starting them on supplements. If they suddenly don’t feel their joint pain anymore, they may become more boisterous, and cause further damage to their joints.

Warm-Up and Cool Down with Exercise

As with any good exercise routine, a period of warming up before exercising, followed by cooling down afterward is the best way to ensure its efficacy. This can also reduce any strain on your dog’s damaged joints, and ensure you aren’t further hurting them with exercise.

Dog Massage

While it won’t cure their arthritis, massaging your dog according to one of the many guides available online can help to reduce the painful symptoms. Check out this video which shows you how to give a dog massage that aids in reducing joint pain in dogs.