Will a Canine Joint Supplement Work For Your Dog?

With one in five dogs developing some form of joint problem in their lifetimes, it’s likely that you’ll one day be looking for a supplement to ease your dog’s pain. Canine joint supplement use is becoming more and more common as pet owners seek out a solution to address the pain associated with swelling, tissue and cartilage loss.

There are several issues that dogs face that could cause joint pain, including osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia or injury. Once dogs develop a degenerative joint disease, the cushion of cartilage in their joints deteriorates and bone-on-bone contact occurs, which is painful. You’ll notice your dog becoming less active, avoiding stairs, having difficulty rising from a prone position. Some dogs will develop a strange gait or put more weight on their front legs than their back legs in an effort to ease the pain.

Your veterinarian can determine the cause of the symptoms you’re noticing in your pet and recommend a course of action. Some dog owners will take preventative steps early in the dog’s life by including a supplement to their diet, a supplement that includes glucosamine and chondroitin, both of which are proven to stave off arthritis.


Once arthritis or other joint pain causing ailments set in, most veterinarians will recommend canine joint supplement with Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which is considered a proper ingredient in intermediate-level joint issues. But once the joint pain and condition become advanced, veterinarians recommend a canine joint supplement with hyaluronic acid as one of the ingredients. This type of acid makes the remaining cartilage more resilient and also helps to bolster tissues in the joint.

Supplements are proven to address joint pain in dogs, but there are other steps you can take to keep your dog’s joints in the best condition possible. Despite their reluctance to stay active, owners are advised to keep up the daily walks. Not all dogs with joint issues are able to or should be made to run, but moderate exercise keeps bones strong and also helps build muscle around the joints, which takes some of the pressure off.

Overweight dogs are also at a much higher risk for developing joint pain. Keeping your dog on the proper foods as it ages will help to deter weight gain, particularly sudden weight gain, which is a major contributor to joint pain.

ProLabs created a supplement that addresses the swelling, cartilage health and joint lubrication needs of canines. ProLab’s FLEX Rx is designed to affect specific metabolites in your dog, which will slow down joint deterioration. The product isn’t like other over-the-counter supplements and is actually around twice as effective as most other popular choices.

Caring for German Shepherd Hip Problems

In some areas of the world it’s known as the Alsatian Wolf Dog or the Alsatian. To Americans, we simply call it the German Shepherd.

It didn’t take long for this breed to develop an intense popularity after it was established around 1900. It’s an intelligent breed, dominant, protective and one of the most efficient working dogs in its class. But it also has some health problems that are common to German Shephers.

German Shepherd hip problems are notorious and unfortunate. But those who love the breed know that it’s just one of the unfortunate characteristics that piggyback on the great attributes of the breed. Hip dysplasia is far too often a problem in this breed.

While most working dogs have a fairly normal posture, the German Shepherds you see in dog shows have a lower profile in the hind legs that has led some to call the breed half frog. These show dogs are prone to German Shepherd hip problems more so than those with a more normal build. The practice of breeding them for this lower hip profile has become quite controversial.

Work dog or show dog, German Shepherd hip problems are the most consistent hereditary health issue with this breed. Dogs as young as 24 months will begin to show problems, generally those associated with pain in the hips. Some dogs will experience the same issues in their elbows. Responsible breeders are keeping their dogs with hip problems out of the breeding program in an effort to reduce the stigma associated with German Shepherd hip problems.

If you own a German Shepherd, you might try adding supplements to your dog’s diet. Omega 3 supplements, which are derived from fish oils, aid in better hip health. Flax seed and olive oils are also proving effective.

Just as important as supplements is exercise. Owners are cautioned to keep high-impact exercises out of the routine, but regular walks are definitely encouraged to help keep muscle tone at an optimum level. Conditioned muscles help take pressure off the failing joints, which reduces pain.

German Shepherd hip problems are not unique to that breed alone. Golden Retrievers and other purebred dogs are prone to hip dysplasia. Dogs that weigh more than 60 pounds are also at greater risk. Otterhounds, Neapolitan Mastiffs, St. Bernards, Bloodhounds, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Old English Sheepdogs and Newfoundlands are also breeds that see hip dysplasia issues.

Regardless of the breed or the size of the dog, ProLabs created a formula that ups the level of wellness in dogs by reducing the amount of pain they feel in their joints. FLEX Rx has performed well in clinical tests and is twice as effective as a leading competitor’s formula in relieving pain.