vet and doing some research we've found 2 supplements that have really made a difference in the past couple of months (in addition to a diet, where Dolly dropped 11 pounds since June to a svelte 63 pounds).
They are Dasuquin and Extend Joint Care. (I'm just a Dog dad/consumer sharing this info, and I have no affiliation with these manufacturers. I just want to share what I learned to help you help your dog!).
HOW DO YOU KNOW ITS ARTHRITIS? - There's one sign, which is heavy breathing or panting when your dog starts to walk. That's how I knew something wasn't right. X-rays confirmed arthritis in her hips. Also, if you
notice that your dog slows down during walks, does not get up easily, or
is reluctant to climb stairs or jump into the car. WEIGHT CHECK - If your dog has arthritis, make sure he or she isn't overweight. That weight adds pressure to the joints and causes pain.
BIG DIFFERENCE - BOTH of these things have really made a difference in the last 2 months. Since Dolly has lost weight, and has been taking these, she doesn't pant anymore while walking. We also practice agility training in the house after dinner, and she now runs up and down stairs without issue.
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| Dolly standing at attention |
Dolly takes this daily for her arthritis:
1) Dasuquin® Soft Chews for Large Dogs
WHAT IS DASUQUIN? - Dasuquin is a joint health supplement containing the powerful ingredient ASU along with the optimal amount of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for your pet. ASU works along with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to support your pet’s joints. In fact, cell culture studies have shown that the combination of glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate plus ASU works better than glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate alone. Green tea extract is included for additional wellness support and benefits, making Dasuquin a comprehensive joint health formula.
AND
2) Extend Joint Care -
This has really made for great improvement in Dolly!
http://extendpethealth.com./howitworks
I sprinkle 1 packet of this on her food at dinner time and mix with a little water to make a tasty gravy on her kibble.
Directions:
Sprinkle one packet over your dog's food, either dry or mixed with water and poured over food like a gravy, once per day. Allow 4-6 weeks for best results. Continue as needed.
WHAT IS EXTEND JOINT CARE?
Extend Joint Care™ has been formulated to optimize the
benefits of all four ingredients, each of which have been shown to be
highly effective in supporting joint health:
Glucosamine HCL is a building block amino sugar
for the glycosaminoglycans matrix (GAGs). GAGs give joint cartilage
extra firmness while bearing weight. Its beneficial effects have been
documented and established in several human and animal. Glucosamine
supplements of every form are extracted from shellfish and have been
proven to ease the discomfort of arthritis in clinical studies since
1980. It comes in several supplement forms including sulfate and
Glucosamine HCL. Studies have also demonstrated Glucosamine’s
effectiveness in soothing discomfort associated with rheumatoid
arthritis, osteoarthritis, bursitis, disc degeneration, ankylosing
spondylitis, tendinitis, and in reducing inflammatory response. It has
also shown to be effective in repairing cartilage, tendons, and
ligaments as well as healing wounds in the skin. Its effective
application in pets has been demonstrated in assisting dogs with
inflamed discs, siatic nerve, and joint inflammation associated with
aging.
MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) is reported to
enhance the structural integrity of connective tissue, and help reduce
scar tissue by altering cross-linkages which contribute to scar
formation. MSM has been shown as having powerful anti-inflammatory and
pain reducing properties, blocking the pain perception in certain nerve
fibers before the pain impulse reaches the brain.
Type II Chicken Collagen has been shown in studies
and trials to help the body repair and rebuild joint cartilage -
reducing joint pain, increasing joint mobility and flexibility, and
promoting long-term joint health. Taken from the chicken's sternum
cartilage, Type II Collagen is an innovative form of undenatured type II
collagen that works with the immune system to reduce inflammation and
restore cartilage (alongside glucosamine & chondroitin, which are
materials involved in the structure of healthy cartilage). Extensive
research and clinical studies have shown Type II to be both safe and
effective in supporting joint health – and clarify how it helps the body
derail a destructive process involved in both types of arthritis.
Ascorbic Acid functions as an antioxidant and
free radical scavenger, is used for normal repair of tissue, and is
used for collagen synthesis. In fact, it is vital for the synthesis of
the connective tissue collagen, which is an integral part of cartilage.
In addition, studies show that MSM is more effective when taken with
Ascorbic Acid.
