28 Oct Bad hips? Here are some helpful tips.

As dogs age, it’s very common for them to experience some degree of arthritis, commonly in their elbows or hips. And hip dysplasia can be debilitating even for young dogs. One of my dogs had a total hip replacement at age six for hip dysplasia, and her other hip still gives her trouble. Janeen has had many dogs with hip problems, also. It’s frustrating and sometimes heart-wrenching to watch a beloved furry family member with obvious hip pain or struggling to move freely.

We’d like to share a few of the products that have helped our dogs over the years, and hopefully they will help yours, too!

ASSISTANCE DEVICES

Help ‘Em Up Harness

This harness fits securely around the dog’s chest and fully around the hips, with handles and a multi-point leash. It’s designed to be worn comfortably for long periods of time, and sizes are available to fit dogs from 8 to 220 lbs. It’s made out of neoprene, so it’s flexible, lightweight and easy to keep clean. Especially for larger dogs with bad hips, this harness is a godsend! It’s great for getting in and out of vehicles, the bath tub, up and down stairs, walking on rougher terrain, stabilizing a dog after surgery, etc. We fully recommend this harness for any dog with hip problems!

Buy the Help ‘Em Up Harness at their website.

SUPPLEMENTS

Below are some supplements that have worked for some of our dogs. It’s important to remember that not all dogs respond the same way to every supplement. What works for one dog, another cannot tolerate at all. So give them a try, but pay attention to your dog’s response. If unusual symptoms develop (ie: diarrhea, coughing, vomiting, lethargy, increased itching, increased thirst, etc.), stop administering the supplement right away and try again in a few days, or try a different one all together after the symptoms clear up completely. Of course if symptoms are severe, call your veterinarian!

Salmon oil

Wild Alaskan salmon oil is essential for many dogs with joint or skin problems. It has the highest ratio of EPA and DHA (long-chain) Omega-3 fatty acids compared to other, cheaper fish oils. There are so many benefits to the EPA and DHA in fish oil, it’s hard to even list them all, but here are the big ones:

• Improves the coat and skin, making it soft and shiny.
• Powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
• Helps to prevent skin allergies.
• Helps with bowel and digestive problems.
• Regulates the immune system and can help treat autoimmune diseases.
• Aiding in mental development of  puppies.
• Improves cognitive function in older dogs.
• Lowers blood pressure and triglycerides.
• Provides support for dogs with kidney disease.
• Fights heart disease.
• Is preventative against cancer.
• Helps promote weight loss in overweight dogs.

There are a lot of fish oils available in pet stores, but keep an eye out for artificial colors, flavors and preservatives you’ll want to avoid. I’ve even seen some brands add corn syrup! The brand I often buy is Grizzly, which is available on Amazon (don’t forget to use Amazon Smile to support JCLDR!) and in many boutique pet food stores.

Liquid Glucosamine

Liquid glucosamine supplements can work wonders for dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia. Look for high-potency, human-grade/pharmaceutical-grade liquid supplements that are made in the USA or Canada. There are various brands and formulations you can try. And if you’re ordering from Amazon, don’t forget to use Amazon Smile to support JCLDR!

Missing Link Hip + Joint formula

Missing Link is a powder that combines glucosamine, omega fatty acids, dietary fiber and phytonutrients to benefit a dog’s joints, digestion, and general nutritional health. The dosage of glucosamine is not as high as many liquid supplements, so you might want to use both if your dog is in serious discomfort.

You can buy Missing Link on Amazon (don’t forget to use Amazon Smile to support JCLDR!) or directly from their website.

Need more help with your dog’s hips, or want more information on any of the above? We’re happy to share our knowledge with you. Just use the contact form to send us an email!

– Ramey, Board member and Western Canada rep