Joint Support for Senior Dogs (& Cats)

Cassie’s in the Middle…She Certainly doesn’t look 13!

(Question)  “I was wondering what your recommendation would be for a hip/joint supplement for Cassie. She’s 13 1/2 and so far has not been on anything extra for senior dogs/arthritis/etc. I have noticed that is seems more difficult for her to get up from laying down and she seems to really “thump” when she lays down. She does not appear to be in pain while walking, but I have also observed that her back end seems stiff and her hind legs move in more of a straight motion without a flexible bend (if that makes sense lol). She can still jump on my bed, so I think the stiffness and reduced flexibility are “just” inevitable senior ailments. And, as you know, she can be quite a finicky eater. But, if it’s good for her, I’ll find a way to entice her to eat it! =)     Thanks SO much for any suggestions!      ~Steph…

Just like Cassie, my nearly 12 year old Coonhound, Gus, is in fairly good health and in excellent weight, but seems to have similar difficulties and more groaning when laying down.  We enjoy daily exercise including walks, and occasional bike rides (Gus jogs along side).  And, Gus has always gotten the best natural meat based foods comprised of raw frozen/freeze dried, canned, kibble, raw goats milk, and of course, cooked meat and veggies left over from our dinners.  Further, I have always rotated Gus’ food to provide variety and differing nutritional benefits from an array of different protein sources.

Joint supplements and herbs are changed based on many factors including, diet, age, time of year, illnesses or injuries, activities and lifestyle, and stress in general.  Homeopathic remedies are also given on an as needed basis.

In 2008, Gus contracted Lyme Disease after having exposure to infected ticks while hiking in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.  Lyme Disease can settle in the joints and damage them causing arthritis type symptoms and premature arthritis.  Hence, I’ve had to pay extra close attention to supporting his joint health in any way possible.

All things considered, I have been giving Gus joint supplementation since he was about seven years old because he has always been so active and I felt it necessary to support his joints from all of the exercise and activity he gets.  Over the years I have given Gus different joint specific supplements like:  Nupro Joint Support (contains Chondroitin, Glucosamine, MSM and Vitamin C), Azmira Joint E’ZER (contains Chondroitin and Glucosamine), Pet Naturals of Vermont Hip & Joint treats (contains Glucosamine, MSM, Chondroitin, Vitamin C, and Fish Oil), Fish (Salmon, Krill or Anchovy) Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids), and Kinetic Hyaluronic Acid supplements.  You should consider using one of these supplements (and fish oil and HA).

Any or all of the following are very beneficial for joint support:

1. Chondroitin Sulfate supports proper structure and function of healthy connective tissues (particularly cartilage) and joints and also has anti inflammatory properties.
2. Glucosamine supports the production of chondroitin sulfates and hyaluronic acid that support function of joints, flexibility and mobility.
3. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a source of organic sulfur which supports proper maintenance of connective tissue function.
4. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect tissues from free radical damage.  Vitamin C is also required for the production of Collagen.
5. Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acid) is important for joint comfort and supports joint and connective tissue health.
6. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a component of connective tissue whose function is to cushion and lubricate.  HA occurs naturally in the body and is also found in several foods, including starchy vegetables.  Check out this interesting link on HA and related topics:  http://www.ctds.info/hyaluronic_acid.html.

Egg Membrane Derived Joint Supplement

Also, very recently, I discovered a new supplement, Fidoplex http://www.wondercide.com/fidoplex-dog-hip.html/?partner=1708 that has many of the necessary elements of a good joint supplement (chondroitin, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid and collagen).  Fidoplex is different from other joint supplements in that it is derived from egg membrane and is safe and effective at relieving joint pain and improving range of motion and flexibility.  This particular supplement is a chewable and has an egg and bacon flavor that Gus loves.  Gus just started using the Fidoplex and my initial observation is very positive and I think he does seem more flexible and less stiff, especially when getting up off the floor.  Even better, Wondercide, the company that makes Fidoplex has a money back guarantee if you don’t see signs of improvement in mobility, range of motion, and comfort after using one bottle!

The use of egg membrane has been studied recently in humans and the results are very promising.  It appears that the egg membrane works better than glucosamine and chondroitin to help with osteoarthritis for pain, mobility and stiffness in human studies.  Check out this link for more information on the actual 2009 egg membrane study that appeared in Clinical Rheumatology    http://www.springerlink.com/content/6356h040172q8947/fulltext.pdf?MUD=MP.

Another alternative you may want to consider is the use of homeopathic remedies which are safe and have no known side affects.  Two homeopathic remedies I use often for Gus (and for me too!) are Rhus Tox and Arnica (30c) which you can find at most organic/natural food/supplement stores (for humans!) including Feel Rite.

Rhus Tox is indicated for general stiffness that eases up and improves with movement.  Generally arthritis like symptoms are worse in the morning or after long periods of lying still and during humid or rainy weather.   Rhus Tox is the #1 homeopathic remedy used for arthritis and joint pain.  You can dissolve four to five remedy “pilules” in Cassie’s drinking water 2-3 times per day for a couple of days.  Don’t worry about your other dogs drinking the water with the remedy as it will not harm them.

Arnica is also a very popular remedy and is often used for pain, sore muscles, bruises, strains, injuries, prior to and after surgical/dental procedures, etc.  If Cassie strained her muscles after a really long walk or was running in the yard and came up lame, Arnica would be useful.  Again, dissolve four to five pilules in her drinking water 2-3 times per day for a few days.

I also use a liquid homeopathic remedy  Homeopet’s Joint Stress.  This can be used daily in drinking water and contains several remedies in the formula.

Another approach to alleviate some of the painful symptoms of arthritis is an herbal tincture, Azmira’s Yucca Intensive.  This liquid herbal product is a very powerful anti-inflammatory, without dangerous side effects.  It is similar to bute (used mostly with horses) or aspirin in that it is a proven pain reliever for arthritis, bone and joint problems and soft tissue swelling.  I’ve tasted the Yucca Intensive and it’s really bitter, so you’ll have to “mask” it in food.  Remember when using herbals you must be diligent and give the herbals time to build up to the necessary therapeutic levels in their system.

Many Benefits of Acupuncture

Another important tool worth mentioning for any senior dog (or cat) is acupuncture which can really provide needed relief for joint pain and arthritis.  I’ve been going to my holistic veterinarian for over 10 years with my cats and dog and have seen, first hand, the many benefits of acupuncture, particularly in controlling pain and discomfort.

Also, remember it’s super important to keep up the daily exercise and/or walks with Cassie as she tolerates to promote good blood circulation and movement which is also very important in controlling arthritis in aging pets (and people).

NOTE:  All of the above suggestions can also be used for joint support in cats too.  You must adjust dosages for dogs and cats, but all of the supplements, herbals, and homeopathic remedies I’ve mentioned above are beneficial and safe for dogs and cats. :-)