Dog Joint Health: Tips for Strong and Happy Joints

Did you know that up to 80% of large dogs experience joint pain? Wondering how to support your dog’s joints? Look no further for some great ways to do so. These tips can be used as preventive measures or for dogs that are currently dealing with joint issues.

When it comes to joint health, nutrition plays a pivotal role. Within our guide, we'll uncover the advantages of healthy dog food, formulated to offer optimal nourishment for your beloved pet's joints. Furthermore, we'll look in-depth at potent supplements for upholding canine joint health alongside additional tips to support your furry friend's vitality.

Here are 4 tips to help support your dog’s joints and keep them as healthy as possible:

1. Feed Your Dog's Joints with Healthy Food

One of the best things you can do for your dog to help them live a long, healthy life is to feed them a healthy diet. It is best to avoid foods that are highly processed and contain cheap fillers. Instead, try feeding a diet that is full of nutrient-dense ingredients.

Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance formula is a wonderful food to support healthy joints that is full of whole food ingredients. Raw Vibrance contains green lipped mussels and eggshell membrane which are both known to rebuild and replace bone and cartilage tissue. Raw Vibrance also contains ingredients like chia seeds, blueberries, and apples. These ingredients are high in antioxidants which fight free radicals and reduce cell damage.

Fish oil is also great to incorporate into your dog’s diet, especially for those dealing with joint issues. Fish oil can help with inflammation. As an added bonus, it will improve your dog’s skin and coat!

2. Give a Joint Supplement

Including a joint supplement into your dog’s diet can also help with joint support. Dr. Harvey’s Hip + Joint chews are an easy way to do so! With green lipped mussel, eggshell membrane, and super herbs, these chews provide targeted support for your dog’s joint mobility, helping to promote cartilage lubrication, muscle recovery, and limber limbs. These chews can be fed as a treat and can help improve your dog’s joint health!

3. Keep Them Active

Keeping your dog active can help keep their joints strong. Swimming and walking are two of the best ways to do so! Swimming and walking are great for the cardiovascular system, increasing muscle, improving range of motion, and circulating blood flow to stiff joints. Make sure you start with short walks/swim sessions to see how they respond. You can slowly increase the length of your walks/swim sessions over time to help them gain muscle.

4. Get Them a Supportive Bed

Humans need supportive beds and so do dogs! We highly recommend Big Barker beds as they are created with comfort and support in mind. Big Barker Beds are made from American made foam certified by CertiPUR-US. This means they meet CertiPUR-US standards for emissions, content, performance, and durability.

Big Barker beds have triple-layer foam that supports large dogs by wrapping their joints in total comfort. In a clinical study conducted by University of Pennsylvania, owners reported that the Big Barker bed reduced joint pain and stiffness, improved joint function and gait, and led to improved nighttime restfulness in large dogs with arthritis.

Big Barker beds are so comfortable that you can relax in them with your dog too (I have definitely done so myself). They come in three sizes: large, extra large, and jumbo and come with several different options for the removable covers (note: they do also carry Barker Junior beds for dogs under 50lbs.).

Our personal favorites are the Coastal and Rose colors. It is so easy to remove the covers to wash them too! We can’t say enough great things about Big Barker. My dog, Larry, loves his bed and I know it provides him with the joint support that he needs as he ages!

Embark on the Journey to Healthy Joints for Your Pup

These four tips are sure to help support your dog’s joints and help them live a longer, healthier, and happy life! We should be committed to our dog’s health and do what we can to help them as they get older. So, prioritize your dog’s joint health, and embark on a journey to keep them healthy and happy for years to come!

As you follow these essential tips for supporting your dog’s joints, you take the first step towards ensuring healthy joints for your beloved companion.

FAQ

How do I keep my dog's bones and joints healthy?

To maintain your dog's bone and joint health: provide a balanced diet with joint-supportive ingredients, manage a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise, engage in suitable and low-impact exercises, consult a vet about joint supplements, schedule regular check-ups, offer comfortable resting spots, groom gently, choose appropriate toys, implement warm-up and cool-down routines, ensure hydration, avoid overexertion, and seek physical therapy if needed for improved mobility.

Remember, every dog is unique, and what works best for one might not work for another. Regular communication with your veterinarian is key to tailoring a plan that meets your specific dog's needs and promotes their bone and joint health.

What foods improve dogs joints?

Foods that can improve dogs' joint health include those containing glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, green-lipped mussel, antioxidants from fruits and vegetables, lean proteins like chicken and fish, bone broth, vitamins C and E, and minerals like manganese. These nutrients support joint function, reduce inflammation, and contribute to overall joint well-being.

Do dogs really need joint supplements?

Joint supplements, specially those containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids, can be beneficial for dogs with existing joint issues, older dogs, or breeds prone to joint problems. These supplements may help alleviate discomfort, promote joint health, and improve mobility.

Are joint supplements worth it for dogs?

Joint supplements can be worth considering for dogs, especially those with existing joint issues or breeds prone to joint problems. They can be particularly beneficial for older dogs as a preventive measure or for managing age-related joint stiffness. While results vary among individual dogs, many pet owners and veterinarians have reported improvements in mobility and overall well-being with the use of joint supplements.