FREE shipping within N.Z. on all orders over $100 - Same day dispatch if order is placed before 1pm
Dogs love to run about and jump around like crazy things, especially when they get excited. This can mean, as they age, joints start to show signs of wear and tear.
Maybe you’ve noticed your pup slowing down a bit? Or does he refuse to go up the stairs or jump into the car? This can be a sign he’s suffering with hip and joint issues or maybe the onset of arthritis.
If you take him to the vet, it’s very likely he’ll recommend a glucosamine supplement for his joints. Glucosamine is found in the connective tissue and fluid of your dog’s joints. Even though dogs produce it naturally in their bodies, as they age production slows down. Here’s how to get more glucosamine in your canine’s life and help keep his joints in great working order.
Containing high levels of glucosamine, green lipped mussel is a recommended supplement for your dog. It’s been highly researched and found to improve arthritis symptoms in people and dogs. Try Silberhorn’s PetMussel health supplement which contains New Zealand green lipped mussel, B-complex vitamins, omega-3 fats and antioxidant fee radical cleansing properties.
Dogs will love crunching on chicken feet and they are loaded with a healthy dose of glucosamine. Give to him as a tasty snack and other options are turkey, duck, goose or guinea fowl feet.
Trachea is full of glucosamine, being made up of a large amount of chewy cartilage. Some options are beef trachea, goat trachea, lamb trachea and even ostrich trachea. Feed them raw or dehydrated to give a little crunch.
These types of bones often have a good amount of tendon and cartilage left which is high in glucosamine. Your dog will love chewing and gnawing on these big bones, probably keeping him entertained for hours.
To make bone broth, it needs to be simmered over a stove or slow cooker for around 24 hours. The connective tissues, bones and gelatin in the broth will be loaded with glucosamine and other healthy nutrients, all which will support your dog’s joints.
Naturally high in protein and glucosamine but low in fat, pig or oxtails are a great healthy snack for your pup. Being quite chewy, they should keep your dog entertained for quite a long time and give his joints a boost from the glucosamine.
Scientific studies have shown that 80% of dogs over the age of 7 start to see joint stiffness/pain and 20% of dogs over 1 year of age may see symptoms. You also need to take into consideration your dogs breed, as some are more prone to joint problems than others. Always check with your vet if you’re unsure.
Common thoughts are that after the age of 12 months is a beneficial time to give your dog joint supplements. This is because dog’s bodies generally reach full growth at this age. So, prevention is better than cure when it comes to joint health. Don’t wait until your dog is in his senior years and limping about to start giving him a joint supplement like glucosamine. Start early and your dog will have the best possible chance to keep happy, healthy and pain free joints.