When Should I Start Giving My Dog a Joint Supplement?
Our furry friends are our family; they become a huge part of life very quickly, bringing joy and companionship to our everyday lives. As they age or experience discomfort, our instinct is to care for them. Perhaps they are showing signs of joint pain, either getting slower, finding it difficult to climb the stairs or from an injury, and you’re asking yourself, ‘When should I give my dog a joint supplement?’
It’s a question we’re often asked by our customers, but there is no right answer! You know your dog best, and you’re more than capable of deciding what’s best for them. This expert guide is here to help you figure out what exactly the best might be!
How do you treat joint pain in dogs?
Treatment for dogs with active joint pain has a variety of treatment options that can be combined and adapted for your pup, including medication, supplements, weight management, and physical therapy, like physiotherapy or hydrotherapy. Seeking a vet’s advice is key, but there is something you can do while you wait, in conjunction with or as a preventative. There is no harm in starting a joint supplement for dogs earlier than they might need one. Aviform’s joint supplements are all made with safe, natural ingredients to help support and protect their joints, which means they can even be given to puppies! Incorporating dog joint care and mobility supplements into your pet’s routine to help protect their joints from wear and tear and reduce the risk of age-related joint issues can all help to improve their quality of life.
Most dogs are active, lively adventurers who are always eager to run, jump and play. But over time, their energetic lifestyles can catch up with them and take their toll, leading to stiff and sore joints later in life. Starting your dog on a joint supplement before they start to show any signs of discomfort may help give them a few extra years of pain-free fun.
What is the best time to take joint supplements?
For most owners, the thought of joint supplements may not arise until their pooch starts to become stiff or sore, particularly after a long walk or an exuberant play session. So, researching and exploring different options might only occur with urgent care or as a treatment when it’s time to take action. However, supplements can be used as a preventative, so that they can be taken anytime.
There’s nothing wrong with waiting for your dog to show you they need extra support before you give it to them; you know them best. In fact, it can make it easier to see the impact the supplement is having if you can see a marked improvement in their comfort and activity.
Beginning joint aid for dogs when they start to show signs of discomfort might help them get back to bouncing about like a puppy, giving them a new lease of life in their later years.
Which Dogs Benefit Most from Joint Supplements?
There are a few factors to consider when choosing a supplement and the right time to prescribe them, such as your dog’s age, breed, activity level, and overall health. The breed of your dog and any history of joint issues in their family tree can be a huge decision factor. Certain breeds are more susceptible to joint complications, such as larger breeds like German Shepherds, Retrievers, Newfoundlands, but also smaller breeds like Dachsunds, Toy poodles, Maltese and Terriers. So, it’s worth considering giving a joint supplement earlier than they might need to safeguard against the downfalls of their physiology.
The same applies to overweight dogs – even a few extra pounds might be putting more pressure and strain on your dog’s joints, making them more vulnerable to wear and tear. Adding a joint remedy might help to protect their joints while they’re on their doggy diet!
What dog joint supplement do I choose?
Regardless of the reason to give your dog a supplement, it’s essential to do the research and find the right one that best suits their needs.
For preventative care or to address the very first signs of stiffness, such as hesitating before jumping into the car, slowing down on walks or finding certain activities more challenging, a low to medium support supplement option like Flexus 10 can be ideal. It helps to safeguard and protect against future mobility issues while providing gentle support for joints and cartilage.
If your dog has been diagnosed with a joint condition or is now needing a higher level of support and intensive care due to age, a higher-strength formula may be a better choice. Our Flexus VS offers a concentrated blend of proven ingredients designed to provide maximum joint support, helping to ease discomfort and keep your dog moving comfortably. Discover more about our natural dog joint supplements.
You know your dog best, and you know what’s best for them. Aviform is always here for a chat if you need some advice, either by phone on 01953 528008, by email on [email protected], on our live chat service, or if you want to pop in and see us in Wymondham!
FAQs
Arthritis can affect your dog at any age, depending on their breed and lifestyle. Typically, it can start at the ages of 7 and 8 years old and is more common in elderly dogs.
Based on the breed of your dog and their lifestyle, the vet will examine them and understand their issues at home. They may also observe their joints through scans and X-rays, possibly even blood tests if they suspect joint conditions. They will then help with a treatment plan and explain any changes to their diet or routine that can improve their symptoms and pain.
