My dog Barnaby is an old yellow lab that I love dearly. He’s getting up there in age and I know that within the next few years he’ll probably be leaving us. I don’t want to think about that right now though. While he is with us, I want to be sure his life is as stress free and healthy as possible. Looking at him you’d know he was older, but he acts much younger. Aside from adding a teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar to his water dish each day, I feel I owe it all to the natural supplements I give him, especially glucosamine.
Bigger dogs tend to have problems with their joints. Being part great pyranees, along with lab, Barnaby’s a hefty boy. Yet even at the age of 11 he has no trouble going up and down stairs and jumping on beds. He goes for walks every day and runs around the Dog Park, playing with even the youngest pups.
Glucosamine has been touted as a wonderful supplement for joint health. Information found on the University of Maryland Medical Center’s website states that glucosamine “plays a key role in building cartilage, the tough connective tissue that cushions the joints.” The site goes on to say that many studies have been conducted using glucosamine and the results suggest that it may be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, which is a type of arthritis that occurs when cartilage breaks down due to injury or normal wear and tear.
Are all supplements that humans take okay for dogs though? Not all of them, and I’m sure to do extensive research before giving my pets anything. A good website is Pet Care Naturally. They have a lot great information about herbal and natural supplements for dogs and cats, such as which ones are most effective and the ones you should avoid. Feverfew is said to be good for migraines and arthritis in humans, and seems safe to give to dogs as well, though the glucosamine seems to be doing the trick.
For purchasing supplements, one of my favorite websites is iHerb. Not only do I get my own supplements there far cheaper than I ever could at any local Walmart or CVS, but they also sell some pet supplements too.
For only ten dollars a month I can keep Barnaby in optimal health and free of arthritis pain so he can enjoy his golden years in peace.
More information on natural remedies for dogs with arthritis can be found on Neuro.VetMed.