As pet owners, we all want to ensure our furry companions live long, healthy, and comfortable lives. One of the most crucial aspects of their well-being—often overlooked until problems arise—is joint health. Whether you have a bouncy puppy, a sprightly kitten, or a senior pet who's starting to slow down, taking proactive steps to support their joints can make a world of difference.
The Statistics: How Common Are Joint Issues in Pets?
Joint issues in dogs and cats are more common than you might think, especially as they age. Studies estimate that 20% of adult dogs suffer from arthritis, with this figure rising to 80% in senior dogs over the age of 8. Cats, though less likely to show symptoms, aren't spared—research suggests that up to 90% of cats over the age of 12 have some degree of arthritis, even though they may hide it better than dogs.
Joint problems can stem from a variety of causes: breed predisposition, obesity, over-exercising when young, or the natural aging process. But no matter the root cause, joint care should be an integral part of your pet's overall health plan from day one.
Growing Pains: Why Joint Care is Crucial for Puppies and Kittens
Many people mistakenly think joint care is only important for older animals, but young, growing pets also need joint support. Puppies, in particular, are prone to over-exercising. While it's natural to want to wear them out with long walks or play sessions, over-exercising growing dogs can cause long-term damage to their developing joints. Their growth plates, the soft areas at the ends of their bones, are still forming. Too much strain can result in misalignment, arthritis, or even fractures.
A balanced exercise regime, with plenty of rest and play breaks, can help protect their joints while they develop. Supplementing their diet with the right nutrients can also set them up for a lifetime of good joint health.
Why Raw Feeding is Ideal for Joint Support
When it comes to diet, raw feeding is a top choice for joint support. Raw diets are rich in natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin—key components for healthy joints. Bone and cartilage found in raw meaty bones provide these nutrients in their most bioavailable form, supporting your pet’s overall skeletal health.
For those who may not find raw feeding suitable for their pets or lifestyle, there are grain-free dry and wet food options that cater to joint care needs. These foods are specifically formulated to provide the essential nutrients older animals require, such as omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine, without the inflammatory grains that can aggravate joint conditions.
Our Joint Care Product Range
We carry a wide range of products to support your pet's joint health, from joint supporting diets to supplements. Below are some of the top supplement recommendations we have in stock:
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Pharmaquin (Dogs, Cats & Horses)
- Benefits: Highly potent glucosamine and chondroitin supplement, excellent for pets already showing signs of arthritis or needing preventive support.
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Why it stands out: Pharmaquin is known for its pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, making it more effective than many commercial joint supplements.
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Dorwest Movewellia (Dogs & Cats)
- Benefits: A blend of Boswellia and glucosamine, perfect for easing joint inflammation and improving mobility.
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Why it stands out: The Boswellia in Movewellia has strong anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain.
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Dorwest Jointwell (Dogs & Cats)
- Benefits: A comprehensive joint care supplement with glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM for full joint support.
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Why it stands out: Jointwell provides a well-rounded approach to joint health, addressing inflammation, pain, and tissue repair all in one.
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Dorwest Cod Liver Oil (Dogs & Cats)
- Benefits: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for reducing inflammation and promoting joint flexibility.
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Why it stands out: The high-quality cod liver oil in this supplement is sourced sustainably and contains added vitamins D and A for bone health.
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Dorwest Rhus Tox 6C Homeopathic (Dogs & Cats)
- Benefits: Homeopathic remedy that’s particularly effective for easing stiffness and pain from arthritis, especially in colder months.
- Why it stands out: This natural solution offers gentle relief for pets sensitive to stronger medications.
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Proflax Bones & Joints
- Benefits: A herbal blend that supports bones, cartilage, and soft tissue.
- Why it stands out: Proflax uses natural ingredients to promote overall joint and bone health without relying on synthetic additives.
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Proflax Omega Bounce
- Benefits: Omega-rich supplement designed to enhance joint flexibility and reduce inflammation.
- Why it stands out: It combines the power of omega oils with herbal extracts for comprehensive joint and coat health.
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Proflax Mega Mobility Powder
- Benefits: A powder supplement that supports advanced joint care for aging pets.
- Why it stands out: Ideal for pets already experiencing joint issues, this powder is packed with nutrients like glucosamine, MSM, and herbs for targeted support.
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Eden Joint Support
- Benefits: A blend of natural ingredients that support cartilage health, including glucosamine and chondroitin.
- Why it stands out: The addition of turmeric and black pepper extract enhances the anti-inflammatory benefits of this supplement.
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Anco Hemp Seed Oil
- Benefits: Rich in omega-3 and omega-6, this oil helps reduce inflammation and support joint flexibility.
- Why it stands out: Hemp seed oil offers a natural alternative to fish oil, with additional benefits for skin and coat health.
Treats That Boost Joint Health
In addition to food and supplements, natural treats like collagen chews, air-dried or raw feet and tracheas are excellent for joint health. These contain natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin, making them not only tasty but also beneficial for joint support.
Everyday Joint Care Tips for Dogs
While diet and supplements can provide substantial support, there are several daily habits that can further protect and preserve your dog's joints.
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Keep Your Dog Moving
Regular, low-impact exercise is key to maintaining joint health. Activities such as walking on softer surfaces like grass and shorter, more frequent walks are beneficial for older dogs. Swimming and hydrotherapy are particularly effective as they allow your dog to exercise without putting stress on their joints. Swimming helps build muscle tone and improves flexibility, while hydrotherapy can also be used therapeutically to alleviate joint pain and stiffness. -
Modify Their Living Environment
As dogs age or develop joint issues like arthritis, certain modifications at home can make a big difference. Avoid stairs for older dogs or those suffering from joint pain, as climbing can exacerbate arthritis. Installing ramps can make it easier for them to access furniture or cars. Additionally, make sure their bedding is soft and supportive, reducing pressure on their joints when resting. -
Manage Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is critical to reducing joint strain. Excess weight adds stress to the joints, speeding up wear and tear. A high-protein, balanced diet like raw or grain-free options helps keep them lean and well-nourished.
By incorporating these daily strategies and avoiding common pitfalls, you can significantly improve your dog's quality of life while protecting their joint health naturally.
The Effects of Over-vaccination and Early Neutering on Joint Health
Over-vaccination, particularly against canine distemper, has been linked to potential joint issues in dogs, including a heightened risk of developing autoimmune joint diseases. Vaccines are designed to trigger an immune response, but when administered excessively, they can over-stimulate the immune system. This overreaction can sometimes result in inflammation of the joints, contributing to conditions like arthritis and other joint diseases. Vaccines can contribute to chronic inflammation, which in turn accelerates the degeneration of joints, particularly in dogs with pre-existing conditions or genetic predispositions.
Similarly, early neutering (spaying/castrating) can negatively impact joint health. Dogs that are neutered before reaching sexual maturity experience a disruption in the natural hormonal development that plays a critical role in the growth and closure of bone plates. This hormonal imbalance can lead to abnormal joint formation, increasing the risk of hip dysplasia and other joint disorders. The absence of protective hormones like oestrogen and testosterone, which play a vital role in bone and muscle development, can result in weaker joints and a higher likelihood of degenerative diseases later in life.
By titre testing instead of vaccinating (read our blog on titre testing here) and delaying neutering until after your dog’s growth plates have closed, you can significantly reduce the risk of joint problems such as hip dysplasia and arthritis.
For more in-depth information, check out this article from Dogs Naturally Magazine on the mistakes that can contribute to joint issues: 3 Major Mistakes That Cause Joint Problems in Dogs.
Need Help? We're Here for You!
We know that choosing the right joint care regimen for your pet can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Pop into our store or give us a call for personalised advice. Whether you're looking for dietary advice, supplements, or just want to learn more about your pet’s joint health, our team is always ready to assist you!