Tips To Consider When You Use Joint Supplements For Your Pets

With a continuously aging Population in the US
the use of nutritional supplements and vitamins
has been increasing every year over the last ten
or more years. Not long ago a podcast show talked
about how much Americans love their pets and
express this by providing their beloved animal
companions with nutraceuticals and supplements,
especially for arthritic joint conditions, but
also to increase their pet's well-being and
enhancing general health, states an article in
The Journal of American Veterinary Medical
Association in 2006.

A very common question pet owners have got is if
nutraceuticals actually work and are safe for
their pets and animals. Obviously, this cannot
be answered adequately in a short article,
because there are many factors that need to be
considered. However, more general tips can be
given. Also, don't forget that there are a few
similarities in their effectiveness for humans,
too.

Make sure you use products only from
manufacturers with an excellent reputation, as
they will use high quality ingredients and
adhere to quality standards in their production.
Therefore, try to avoid products of the cheapest
range and always remember that expensive
products do not guarantee high quality either.
The two most popular supplements for arthritic
joint problems, glucosamine and chondroitin, are
discussed in more detail in this article.

A study published in 2007 in The Veterinary
Journal researched the effectiveness of the
treatment of dogs suffering from arthritic joint
problems with joint supplements that contained
glucosamine and chondroitin. They concluded that
during a treatment period of about 8 -10 weeks
there was a correlation between the use of
supplements, better mobility and decreased pain.
Only be aware that as in us humans, not all pets
will respond to treatment in the same way and
therefore it is a good idea to consult your own
veterinarian about this treatment option first.

Chondroitin and glucosamine can be bought and
given to your pet separately, but both are
necessary components to influence cartilage
production positively. On the other side,
research did prove that there are far better
results when they are administered together.
This is the reason you find usually both
ingredients in a supplement. It is also
important to think about possible side effects
and the duration of treatment with a supplement.


Always get the advice of your veterinarian
before you start to give your pet any medication
or supplement. Joint supplements that contain
chondroitin and glucosamine normally do not
cause side effects in pet animals, but sometimes
problems in the digestive tract, such as vomiting
or diarrhea can occur if you start with the
highest recommended dosage. Therefore your vet
will most likely start with the lowest effective
dosage.

Most animal patients are fine to remain on joint
supplements for arthritic conditions life long.
Of course, there will be always exceptions, but
your veterinarian will be able to give advice on
how to introduce any supplement, adjust the
dosage appropriately and monitor this long term
treatment accordingly.

Sometimes, a balanced multivitamin supplement
may help to enhance joint health and reduce
symptoms, such as swelling. Well known
components such as vitamin C for example, can
help to get inflammation in joints better under
control. Best is to get professional advice and
do some research to get an even better knowledge
about nutraceuticals and supplements for your
animal companions.


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Dr. Ellen Schmidt, a veterinary practitioner
focusing on alternative veterinary therapies
offers acupuncture for animals in the North East
of Scotland, UK. Visit her website and claim your
free e-zine "Pet Health Tip", available at
=>http://tips.pet-health-pro.com



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