Educate Yourself When it Comes to Finding a Joint Pain Remedy For Your Pet

It’s an unfortunate fact that one in five dog owners are forced to face – at some point you’ll be researching ways to treat joint pain. From hip dysplasia to arthritis, dogs are prone to a number of issues that will affect their health.

Joint issues are bred into small breeds, but larger breeds with more weight dispersed into their joints are prone to developing osteoarthritis. Regardless of the sizes, the pain is probably not much different and it’s up to you to find a joint pain remedy that will bring more health and happiness to your canine.

Some dog lovers have noticed what they believe is an increase in the number of dogs experiencing joint pain, but in reality, veterinarians are become more adept at diagnosing these problems. But sometimes, breeders are looking for certain characteristics in the dogs they are breeding that may bring with it undesirable qualities such as hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis.

One of the first courses of action in finding a pain relief remedy is to determine whether or not your dog is in fact experiencing joint issues. Is your dog walking with a strange gait or have a limp? Does it have a hard time negotiating stairs or have trouble standing from a laying position? Does it put more weight on its front legs than its back legs? These are all signs that your dog is experiencing joint issues, whether ligament induced, hip related or from arthritis.

Joint pain remedies run the gamut, from laser surgery to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Some forward-thinking owners have even experimented with acupuncture. Stem cell therapy is on the rise as are supplements that include omega-3 fatty acids.

Finding the proper remedy might be as simple as helping your dog lose weight by better regulating its diet. Ask your veterinarian what the proper amount of food intake is for your dog on a daily basis. Being overweight is a problem for dogs with joint problems and is often caused by their obese condition, especially if the weight gain is rapid.

ProLabs Pets is a company with a focus on helping dog and cat owners achieve the best health possible for their pets, and they have a formula that is built to provide better joint health in dogs. Clinical studies of FLEX Rx supplement have shown that it is more effective than the traditional glucosamine hydrochloride method for joint health problems. In fact, FLEX Rx has been shown to be twice as effective than the popular Cosequin DS1. Currently, a $10 discount is being offered by ProLabs Pets to try this vet-quality product.

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.