May 15, 2012
Posted in Pet Food, Pet Supplies

If you have an older dog that is suffering from arthritis, you and your veterinarian have most likely discussed a number of options to relieve pain and improve the health of your dog's joints. Pain relieving pet drugs like Previcox and Metacam are commonly prescribed to soothe pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, as are joint supplements. But there are other pet products that might make supporting joint health a little tastier for your pooch.

Joint-supporting treats

When looking for joint supplements for your pooch, some pet owners might despair, knowing it is almost impossible to get their dog to swallow a pill. Luckily, there are treats on the market today that have crucial joint-supporting ingredients like chondroitin and glucosamine for dogs in them. These compounds are found naturally in healthy cartilage, and work to hydrate joints by increasing the production of molecules that bind and hold water. Hydrated joints are better able to provide cushioning between the bones, reducing pain and inflammation from bones rubbing together, as they do in osteoarthritis.

Happy Hips Treats are one option that even the pickiest eaters might love. These strips of dried chicken breast have no fillers, hormones, antibiotics or byproducts, but do have glucosamine and chondroitin. If your dog loves chewing, consider getting chews like Greenies JointCare Dog Treats. These chews will clean your dog's teeth while maintaining healthy joint cartilage.

There are also chewable versions of the most popular joint supplements. Dasuquin Soft Chews have all the ingredients necessary to promote healthy cartilage, but come in tasty, chewable cubes that seem more like a treat than medicine. You can also turn almost any pill, like Cosequin, into a treat by concealing it inside Greenies Pill Pockets.

Food that nourishes body and joints

There are types of pet food that contain cartilage-boosting nutrients, too. Switching your dog's current bet food to kibble like Wellness CORE Dry Dog Food might improve its mobility and joint health because this food has joint-supporting nutrients added to it.

Other additions around the house can also help. Consider investing in dog steps to put next to the couch, bed or chair where your dog likes to lounge. These make it so your dog can get up and down without putting painful pressure on sore joints. 

Related posts:

1. Support your dog’s joints naturally
2. How to protect your agility dog’s joints
3. Learning the foreign language of joint supplements
4. How can I help a dog with degenerative joint disease?
5. Helping your arthritic dog with pet food