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Step 1
The best diet and joint supplements won't be really effective if your dog is overweight. Very often losing weight alone can eliminate stiffness and limping. Your dog should have a visible waist and tuck up at the belly. You should be able to clearly feel all of his ribs. In some breeds, ribs should be visible. Consult with your vet if you are not sure because this is very important for managing joint health and arthritis.
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Step 2
If your dog is older and seeming stiff when he first gets up, limps occasionally, has difficulty with stairs or jumping or seems to be losing muscle tone in his legs it is probably arthritis. Always take your dog to the vet if he seems uncomfortable, stiff or in pain to get a proper diagnosis. Arthritic dogs often benefit greatly from joint supplements such as glucosamine and chrondritin. Additionally if you have a dog who has been diagnosed with mild hip or elbow dysplasia, joint supplements may help. While they cannot correct joint deformities, they can strengthen the connective tissue and keep your dog limber and pain-free.
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Step 3
Glucosamine is the most common supplement recommended for joint pain and has been found effective in many studies. While some dog foods and treats contain glucosamine the dose may not be high enough to be therapeutic so additional supplementation is a good idea. It is virtually impossible to overdose on glucosamine. Check with your vet. Pet stores carry a wide range of glucosamine supplements for dogs and they can also use the ones formulated for people, although these are not as palatable and may be more difficult to administer.
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Step 4
Chrondroitin sulphate is often used with glucosamine to treat arthritis. There are fewer studies on its efficacy but it seems certain that there are no side effects to it and it may well be useful. Look for supplements that contain both glucosamine and chrondroitin as they are often available in the same formula.
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Step 5
MSM or methylsulfonylmethane has also been shown to ease arthritis pain. Along with hyaluronic acid from mussels, MSM is often combined with glucosamine supplements for your dog's arthritis. These supplements are also sold seperately. Ask your vet about giving these supplements. Omega s fatty acids found in fish or flax seed oil may also help ease joint pain.
