Attention all big dog owners!
Larger dogs are more prone to joint problems as they age, and I’ve learned the hard way not to be lazy with joint supplements. As my dog aged, he was displaying some stiff joints and discomfort during the walks. Instead of going through expensive vet-prescribed medications, I decided to try an OTC supplement, and it’s been working out greatly.
There are many joint support supplements for dogs on the market, and you’ll need to look for 2 main ingredients – glucosamine and chondroitin. Be wary of supplements that are much cheaper than the competitors – they may contain glucosamine and chondroitin, but their contents are usually much lower than others.
Besides the key ingredients, the ideal supplement should have an appealing taste to the dogs, so they don’t spit it out or eat around it. My dog is highly skeptical of pills or medication, so I need to use pill pockets whenever I administer preventatives (for flea, tick, or heartworm prevention). Because I give out joint supplements daily, I didn’t want to use pill pockets, so I experimented with a few different brands to find a flavor he likes the most.
To me, Nutramax Laboratories’ Cosequin DS didn’t smell appealing at all. They looked and felt like medicine, but my dog loves them. He eats them happily and wags his tail every time I open the bottle.
I love the supplement’s glucosamine and chondroitin contents and welcome my dog’s positive reaction. I certainly don’t want the daily supplement to be a hassle or a chore.
I’ve emptied a few bottles over the months, and my dog walks much more energetically. His joints don’t appear as stiff as they used to, and his strides are more confident. If your dog is showing minor signs of joint stress, I recommend trying out the OTC supplement first before shelling out $$$ for a vet bill.
Attention all big dog owners!
Larger dogs are more prone to joint problems as they age, and I’ve learned the hard way not to be lazy with joint supplements. As my dog aged, he was displaying some stiff joints and discomfort during the walks. Instead of going through expensive vet-prescribed medications, I decided to try an OTC supplement, and it’s been working out greatly.
There are many joint support supplements for dogs on the market, and you’ll need to look for 2 main ingredients – glucosamine and chondroitin. Be wary of supplements that are much cheaper than the competitors – they may contain glucosamine and chondroitin, but their contents are usually much lower than others.
Besides the key ingredients, the ideal supplement should have an appealing taste to the dogs, so they don’t spit it out or eat around it. My dog is highly skeptical of pills or medication, so I need to use pill pockets whenever I administer preventatives (for flea, tick, or heartworm prevention). Because I give out joint supplements daily, I didn’t want to use pill pockets, so I experimented with a few different brands to find a flavor he likes the most.
To me, Nutramax Laboratories’ Cosequin DS didn’t smell appealing at all. They looked and felt like medicine, but my dog loves them. He eats them happily and wags his tail every time I open the bottle.
I love the supplement’s glucosamine and chondroitin contents and welcome my dog’s positive reaction. I certainly don’t want the daily supplement to be a hassle or a chore.
I’ve emptied a few bottles over the months, and my dog walks much more energetically. His joints don’t appear as stiff as they used to, and his strides are more confident. If your dog is showing minor signs of joint stress, I recommend trying out the OTC supplement first before shelling out $$$ for a vet bill.