Hip and Joint Pain In Pets

As our pets age, they can develop joint problems, just as people do. If you notice your senior dog takes his time to get up, is slower climbing up and down stairs or has difficulty jumping into the car or onto a chair, it could be joint pain. Cats exhibit joint pain in similar ways or they may simply chew or lick their joints in an attempt to make the pain go away. If your pet is in pain, you should always take your animal to the veterinarian.

If your dog or cat has osteoarthritis, your vet may recommend a prescription medicine or prescription pain reliever. Or, he may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers. These should be used only under the direction and supervision of your vet, because these drugs can have serious side effects in dogs and cats when not administered properly.

If your vet suggests you try an over-the-counter joint supplement, there are many to choose from. Here’s a quick look at the ingredients you’ll find in the hip and joint supplements carried at your local Feeders Supply store.

Many ingredients are the “building blocks” of healthy joints and cartilage. Glucosamine and chondroitin are the two most recognized ingredients and many people take supplements with these two substances. Glucosamine in pet supplements is primarily derived from shells of shellfish. The recommended canine dosage is 500 to 750 mg of Glucosamine HCl or Glucosamine Sulfate per 50 pounds of weight. Cat products typically contain around 200 mg. for the average feline. Chondroitin comes from cow or pig cartilage.

Sulfur is found in healthy joint fluid. Many supplements contain MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) which is a dietary source of sulfur. Another component of joint fluid is HA (Hyaluronic Acid). It is thought this ingredient may help with joint lubrication and could also be good for skin condition.

Other ingredients target the inflammatory aspect of joint pain. Some supplements contain Vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids and even the yucca plant.

Hip and joint supplements come in flavored chewable tablets and liquids. There’s even a paw gel for kitties who may not care for “treats”.