How to Choose The Best Vitamin Supplements to Treat Dog Joint Problems

Your veterinarian may have prescribed anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs to help address inflammation and pain for dogs experiencing joint problems. These provide fast acting relief. However, they can only be used for the short term and are associated with many side effects and drug interactions. For this reason, many pet owners choose to supplement prescription medications with dog joint vitamins. These are available for over the counter purchase and in a wide variety of different formulas which are designed to be highly palatable for easy administration. They are available in organic, raw foods and calorie controlled to meet any dietary requirements. Some are specifically designed according to your dog's health needs and your dog's size.

Many joint supplements contain glucosamine, an essential building block of cartilage which helps to cushion joints. Chondroitin sulfate helps to prevent the breakdown of health cartilage and manganese which is often used with these two ingredients helps to enhance the effectiveness of these. MSM helps to support healthy cellular membranes and also has powerful anti inflammatory and pain reducing properties. There are many additional ingredients found in dog joint vitamins such as Omega 3 fatty acids and Perna Canaliculus to address inflammation and Boron for bone strength. Dog joint vitamins may also contain vitamin C which helps to support the immune system, boost collagen production and act as an antioxidant. Fish oil is good for inflammation but may reduce Vitamin E which is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. For these reasons, ensuring your dog takes additional vitamin E is also important.

Vitamin B Complex helps to build tissues within the body such as cartilage as well as supporting a healthy nervous system. Calcium is very good for bone health and vitamin D is important in rebuilding cartilage. Vitamin A also plays an important part in helping to reduce inflammation within the body and helps to fight free radicals in the body which occurs with the aging process. As free radicals can reduce mobility in the joints Vitamin A is particularly dog joint vitamin.

It may take longer for the benefits to be seen when using dog joint vitamins as compared to prescription medications such as NSAIDs. Typically results can be seen between 8 - 10 weeks of the recommended dosage. They can however be taken long term and are ideal for providing additional support for your dogs joints