Osteoarthritis is quite prevalent in our companion animals. Dogs often suffer for years before their pain is recognized and most cats never show obvious signs of joint pain. New data has suggested that upwards to 40% of dogs between the ages of 8 months to 4 years of ageand 90% of cats over the age of 10 years have osteoarthritic changes on x-rays. As such, joint health is a crucial aspect of pet care - something that all caregivers should keep top of mind.
Caring for pets with osteoarthritis is not a one-size-fits-all approach and a multimodal approach to caring for these patients yields the best results. There is so much more we should be considering than just prescribing "rest" and an anti-inflammatory. Weight control is certainly important as carrying extra pounds adds stress and strain on joints and their surrounding tissues.There are a variety of interventions that can help these animals including physical rehabilitation and exercise, joint injections, acupuncture, laser therapy and shockwave therapy. Many also turn to joint supplements.
The Market Landscape
The oral supplement industry has seen explosive growth since the early 2000s, with a significant portion of this market dedicated to joint health products for pets. Despite its size, the supplement industry is less regulated than pharmaceuticals, which means that many products lack rigorous testing for safety and efficacy. This raises concerns about the bioavailability and effectiveness of various supplements, leaving pet owners unsure about what they are giving their pets.
Quality Matters
Since the oral supplement industry is not regulated consumers should seek out reputable products. Here are a few considerations for choosing a quality supplement:
1. Choose Established Brands: Opt for companies that have been in business at least ten years. Established brands are more likely to have the financial resources to conduct safety tests and recall products if necessary.
2. Third-Party Testing: Look for supplements that have been tested by independent laboratories. This ensures that the ingredients match what’s on the label and that the product is safe for consumption.
3. Quality Assurance Labels: Certifications from reputable organizations, such as the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) label or Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification, indicate that a product has undergone rigorous quality checks. This provides assurance that what's inside the bottle actually matches up with label claims.
4. Clinical Trials: Ideally, choose supplements that have been tested on dogs or cats with similar conditions. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials provide the best evidence for a product's effectiveness.
5. Ease of Administration: Supplements should be easy to administer. Chewable tablets or tasty powders and liquids can encourage compliance, ensuring the pet actually receives the benefits.
Effective Ingredients
Several ingredients have emerged as particularly beneficial for joint health in pets including:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Probably familiar to most people and found in certain diets and supplements. These are well-documented for their anti-inflammatory properties, helping to alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis.
- Green-Lipped Mussel Extract: Various studies have demonstrated that this marine extract has significant promise in improving joint function.
- Eggshell Membrane: Rich in proteins essential for joint health, this natural ingredient has been linked to improved joint stability and comfort.
- Astaxanthin: A potent antioxidant derived from red marine algae, astaxanthin has been shown to enhance mitochondrial function and improve exercise performance, particularly in older dogs.
- Boswellia serrata: Known for its anti-inflammatory effects, this traditional herb has garnered attention in recent years for its role in joint supplements.
- Cannabinoids (CBD): Derived from hemp, CBD has been studied for its potential in managing inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis. One notable study from Cornell University demonstrated the efficacy of CBD in improving mobility in dogs.
Conclusion
With nearly 40% to 90% of the pet population suffering from osteoarthritis, understanding joint supplements is essential for pet owners. By focusing on high-quality products with proven ingredients, we can help support our pet’s joint health. The pet's veterinarian should always be consulted before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it aligns with the pet’s specific health needs. Making informed choices can enhance a pet’s quality of life and allow them to enjoy their life with vitality and comfort.
