Enhance Your Dog's Joint Health & Vitality with this Natural Supplement
- Sep 28, 2020
- 7 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Learn about the risks of NSAID use in dogs & cats. PLUS; view research on the benefits of a healthy, nourishing alternative to Rx pain medications. Not only is there a natural and effective way to manage joint inflammation and chronic pain... This one particular product has been shown to actual RESTORE joint health, provide immune support, and boost the overall vitality of your pet! Learn more in this exclusive post on Re-Thinking NSAIDs!
Do you have an old, arthritic pet?
Or a young, extremely active one?
Either way, this post is for you!
It's time to get re-think the conventional approach to managing joint health. From NSAID use, to highly processed chewable joint supplements, to stinky fish oil pills.
What's the Scoop on Pain Medications?!
Prescription medications for pain and inflammation can be costly and have long-term consequences and side effects.
It's important to speak with your veterinarian about risk vs benefits to medication, and any supplements you use, especially if your pet has a medical condition! While NSAID use carries risks, there are definitely times where these medications should be used to provide comfort and good quality of life for the animal.
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) are often used to manage pain and inflammation in pets (and humans).
Uses can include, but not limited to:
Acute injury
Surgery
Arthritis
Short term use can be needed to manage pain, especially after surgery or acute injury.
But some veterinarians prescribe these medications for long-term management of conditions, such as arthritis.
How Do NSAIDs Work?
Essentially, NSAIDs relieve pain and inflammation in the body.
Routine liver function tests are often done for pets who are on these medications long- term.
"For a dog taking an NSAID long-term for osteoarthritis, it’s good to check his or her liver and kidney function by doing blood tests before starting the medication and then repeating the blood tests on a regular basis."
As you know by now, I'm a firm believer in supporting the body for it to function optimally as naturally as possible, rather than covering symptoms and suppressing these natural functions.
Don't get me wrong, sometimes NSAIDs are most definitely needed for short term use, and on occasion- may be needed long term.
Are NSAIDs Safe?
They can be. But they can also cause side effects (as with nay medication).
NSAID side effects can include:
GI upset
GI signs should NEVER be ignored. If your pet is experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or black/ tarry stool; seek medical help immediately. Even if you were given this drug by a veterinarian and gave the correct dose. Side effects are a sign that a medication is not agreeing with your pet and could be harming them.
Kidney damage
The FDA states:
"Because NSAIDs prevent the production of prostaglandins or block some prostaglandin activity, these drugs can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, possibly causing kidney damage and leading to sudden-onset kidney failure."
Also included in this article, the FDA mentions:
"Currently, no NSAIDs are approved for long-term use in cats. More than one dose of meloxicam in cats can cause kidney failure or death, and the effects of long-term use of other NSAIDs in cats are unknown. Cats are more sensitive than dogs to the side effects of NSAIDs because they can't break down the drugs as well."
Liver toxicity
Most medications are processed and broken down in the liver, which can cause extra stress and cause damage. Further damage can include liver inflammation, jaundice, and liver failure.
"Many NSAIDs are mitochondrial toxins, and some are associated with idiosyncratic acute hepatocellular toxicity."
"Most NSAID-associated liver damage occurs within the first three weeks of starting the medication."
Ulcers
The GI tract is the most sensitive organ in the body. And without a doubt, medications play a critical role in damaging the delicate mucosal lining.
"NSAIDs can cause direct topical damage to the GI mucosa, and inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 decreases production of protective prostaglandins."
It's very important to be aware of the side effects of these medications.
*Please contact Pet Poison Helpline if your pet unintentionally ingests these medications, or if an overdose happens.
Supplements for Joint Health
While some people will suggest high doses of fish oil as a natural remedy for pain, inflammation, and arthritis... even that can have side effects (upset stomach, diarrhea, decreased blood platelets, increased inflammation). My dog never did well with fish oil. In fact, fish oil can contribute to oxidative stress in the body and contain harmful heavy metals and other contaminants, so I don't recommend it.
Some common joint supplements on the market are filled with inflammatory ingredients, fillers, preservatives, artificial dyes, etc.
Many contain various additives that can contribute to allergies, inflammation, stomach upset, and more.
Glycoflex Chews:
Milkbone Joint Treats:
Soy
Canola Oil
Sorbic Acid
Rye Flour
Brewer's Yeast
Wheat
Salt
Animal fat
Caramel Color
These two ingredient lists are just a huge pile of NOPE on my end.
Not to mention, the isolating and processing of either natural or synthetic vitamins hinders bioavailability.
Isolating nutritional variables has little value, since whole food items have many co-factors and all the nutrients work together in synergy.
When these are stripped away, they don't work as well.
In order for your pet to receive the highest quality supplement and most bio-available nutrients- be sure you use sources from whole foods, or a synergistic blend of herbs and other nutrients that are proven to work together in the body to increase health and vitality.
Natural Supplements Improve Joint Health & Boost Vitality
Remember, if your dog is in severe pain from arthritis, and on long-term NSAID medications, do not abruptly discontinue them or add anything to their regimen without speaking to your veterinarian!
Here are some of my favorite products for supporting joint health in a holistic way!
Petandim
Petandim is a fantastic product that works by activating NRF2 pathways in the body naturally.
Everyday stressors and toxins can damage the body, deep beyond where we can see.... Before any symptoms even arise. This includes impacting joint health.
NRF2 Activation is the body’s “master switch” for cellular protection and resilience.
When NRF2 pathways in the body are supported, it helps your cells:
- Activate natural antioxidant defenses
- Reduce everyday oxidative stress
- Age gracefully from the inside out
- Detoxify & Repair
- Communicate more efficiently
- Boost resilience so the body can handle more of life’s stressors
It really is the master key to wellness!
Studies show that Petandim improves energy, playfulness and alertness.
It also supports joint function, mobility and flexibility, cognitive function, plus so much more!
When you let the body do all the work, the work it was designed to do.... Without handfuls of supplements each day, that ultimately leave your cells feeling bogged down and overwhelmed:
Amazing things happen!
Maddie has had SO much more energy and is no longer showing signs of being uncomfortable at almost 14 years old! Her posture has improved, she is no longer having urinary trouble, and her energy has improved dramatically!
NRF2 Activation is a non-negotiable in our house! This is an absolute daily staple!
Read the Petandim Clinical Study Summary.
Learn more about NRF2 Activation and read Maddie's full story.
Purchase Petandim here.
*You can also grab a bottle of Protandim for yourself!
Green Lipped Mussel (GLM)
Green Lipped Mussel is another fantastic addition to support joints, mobility, skin, coat, and more!
It is:
100% pure -cold extracted and stabilized
100% Nutraceutical grade
Nothing added
By far, one of my favorite supplements! And I never let my dog go without it!
I have had Maddie on this since she was 2 years old.
She is extremely active and can turn on a dime.
I wanted to give her hard working joints some extra support (truthfully, I dreaded the day she tore an ACL)!
Now that she is a senior, I give her the sister product Hemp + Joint chews which is Green-lipped Mussel plus CBD for extra support!
The Green Lipped Mussel (GLM) possesses the strongest anti-inflammatory effects of any shellfish or mussel! GLM has high bioavailability, and is sustainable!
It has similar effects of NSAIDs on inhibiting certain mechanisms to reduce inflammation- without the nasty side effects!
"The extracted lipids have been shown to possess significant cyclo-oxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX-5) inhibitory activity; hence, the GLM seems to be working on the same mechanisms as newer NSAIDs."
"This dual inhibition of both LOX- and COX metabolic pathways may offer an explanation for the reported clinical efficacy and favorable gastrointestinal tolerability of GLM. Platelet aggregation remains unaltered and the lipid fraction be non-gastrotoxic in fasted disease-stressed arthritic rats at a dose of 300 mg/kg (treatment dose 20 mg/kg). This shows that the GLM does not have the negative side-effects of the NSAIDs."
"The results of clinical trials for GLM have been significantly promising."
GLM has so many health benefits, not limited to joint health!
Let's take a closer look at the evidence.
The Benefits of GLM:
Rebuild cartilage
Support joint mobility
Reduction of cytokines/ inflammation via adjuvent-induced arthritis
Anti-histamine effects
Boost immunity
Improve skin and coat
Reduce stomach ulcers! (NSAIDs CAUSE ulcers)
Side note: GLM has promising results for humans as well!
What other rich qualities does GLM contain?
Good source of amino acids
Packed with essential trace minerals
Natural proteins
Enzymes
Natural source of Glucosamine and chondroitin
Omega's such as EPA & DHA
With all of these nutrients in such a natural and bio-available form, you can see how this would be an overall support to not only inflammation and joint health, but also in boosting the immune system and supporting skin and coat!
I was so excited to give this to my dog when I first found it.
Added, unexpected benefit:
Reduced shedding!!
Who doesn't love that?!
Fish oil on the other hand, does not have these benefits and is often chemically processed and even heat treated for extraction.
Fish oil can contain:
Oxidized fats (source of free radicals)
Heavy metals
PCB's (plastics)
Fish oil is also not sustainable, and is rapidly killing marine life and the ocean's ecosystem. Low-quality fish oil supplements can be very inflammatory. I do not recommend them for my Clients!
Learn more about the risks and drawbacks of fish oil supplements here.
You can buy Super Snouts products here.
Algae Oil
Another healthier alternative to fish oil, and so much more potent than chewable omega supplements.
This is also a great fish-free option for sensitive pets!
This potent oil makes for a fantastic joint health supplement, as it's sustainable, 3rd party tested for toxic contaminants, and provides a great source of EPA & DHA for cognitive function!
You can buy my favorite Algae Oil here.
It's never too early to start your pet on joint supplements, especially if spaying/ neutering before maturity!
A proper diet and gut health can also help greatly with joint health, reducing shedding and immune support!
Help give your pet a pain free life, and a strong immune system... so they can have Happy Trails!
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