Does your dog or cat suffer from arthritis, hip dysplasia, knee dysplasia, elbow dislocation or other joint problems?
Dog owners need to be aware of changes in their dog’s behavior.  If your pet starts gaining lot of weight, sleeping more, not interest in playing and has difficulty climbing stairs they may have arthritis.  Arthritis sufferers also have stiffness when walking, getting up or down;   smaller dogs suffering from arthritis whimper or growl when picked up or handled.
Hip dysplasia is a form of osteoarthritis. Hip dysplasia is the abnormal development of the hips, which results in an increasing amount of looseness in the hip joint. Dogs can suffer from degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) that is not caused by hip dysplasia or they can suffer with it because they have hip dysplasia.
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a genetic, painful, crippling disease that causes a dog’s hip to weaken, deteriorate, and become arthritic. It is a hereditary condition and is the leading cause of lameness occurring in the rear legs of dogs.
Generally, hip dysplasia (a malformed hip socket) strikes generally in larger breeds of dogs for example, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes to name a few, although medium and small breeds can have hip dysplasia also.
Unfortunately many dogs suffer from arthritis and experience hip pain.  An overweight dog can be at risk for joint pain.   Keeping your dog’s weight at what is normal for its breed is important, along with making certain your dog is getting all the proper nutrients its body requires.
Excessive weight puts a great deal of stress on the joints. This is especially true if your dog is predisposed to hip dysplasia or has arthritis.
Arthritic Relief Dog Cookies All Natural Dog Treats are a delicious dog treat to supplement your dog’s diet with cookies containing herbs, vitamins, minerals and essential elements known to build strong joints and relieve inflammation.   Alfalfa and cod liver oil are used to reduce the discomforts of arthritis. Proper amounts of Vitamin C are necessary for good adrenal function, to make enough cortisone, resulting in arthritic symptoms. That’s why pure applesauce is in the cookies.
Exercise is important for everyone, especially your pet, however if your dog is predisposed to hip dysplasia limit its exercise to long walks, swimming, and very short runs. Do not put excess pressure on your dog’s limbs.
There are nutritional supplements on the market made especially for cats and dogs that can be given on a daily basis that will help maintain a healthy joint system from young to senior cats and dogs.  Connectin Granular Dog Joint & Arthritis Food Supplement is a veterinarian proven glucosamine-based supplement for dogs, cats and horses with arthritis and other joint disorders. Connectin – Granular is a delicious Roast Beef flavor – just sprinkle over your pet’s food or mix with water to make gravy.
Connectin Chewables Joint & Arthritis Supplement for Dogs is a chewable option for Dog arthritis relief and Dog hip pain relief.  It has a delectable Roast Beef flavor-give to your dog or cat as a chewable treat.

Pro Care Pet 100% ORGANIC PRO-JOINT 100% ORGANIC JOINT Bone is a tasty treat with the necessary organic ingredients to strengthen connective tissue and enhance bone and joint integrity. Delicious and nutritious – this product enables freedom of movement and comfort for your dog!
Animals produce a certain amount of glucosamine within their bodies. As animals grow older, their bodies lose the ability to make enough glucosamine. Having sufficient glucosamine in your pet’s body is very important to producing the nutrients needed to stimulate the production of synovial fluid, the fluid which lubricates your pet’s cartilage and keeps your pet’s joints healthy. Without enough glucosamine, the cartilage in their weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees deteriorates. The cartilage then hardens and forms bone spurs, deformed joints, and limited joint movement. This is how the debilitating disease of arthritis develops.
Glucosamine and chondroitin help to reduce symptoms and to rebuild the cartilage and restore fluid.
Sea Mobility Glucosamine Jerky Strips for Dogs offers Glucosamine joint relief.  Sea “Mobility” provides mobility enhancement and flexibility improvement from the natural power of Sea Cucumber, MSM, and Glucosamine.  Real Beef, chicken and venison (USDA) jerky strips, are super-powered with nutraceuticals to help maximize joint function when joint mobility is critical for your dog’s lifestyle.  Excellent for dogs from puppies to “Seniors”.  Great for any dog that can’t swallow a pill or capsule.
Before doing any “self prescribed” medicating for your pet, always get the advice of your pet’s veterinarian.
Dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia and joint pain can live long and healthy lives with a little help from their friends and as a dog owner you owe it to your pet to be as accommodating and loving as you can be.

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About the author

Joanne Gallagher

eCommerce Specialist - Jake's Dog House - Joanne has been a part of the JDH team since it’s inception in 1995. Her focus is on the website and multi-channel listings. She is a HUGE Animal Lover and currently lives in Maple Glen, PA with her husband, three teenage kids and three rescue dogs, Pebbles the Golden Retriever, and Betty and Wilma the Bichons. Along with Jeane she is a leader in the push for all things Green and Holistic.