PROTECTING YOUR DOG'S JOIINTS
Supplements & treatments to keep your large pooch active

Big dogs have it good. They’re leaders of the pack. No one will mess with them. They chase squirrels, swim and fetch. But unfortunately, large dogs are often more likely to run into joint problems than their smaller sidekicks. But with a little bit of awareness and the right supplements, you can ensure that your furry friend remains on the go throughout his life.

Prevention
Early detection is a critical part of treatment, says Susan Wynn, DVM, a holistic veterinarian based at Bells Ferry Veterinary Hospital in Acworth, Georgia, and author of Veterinary Herbal Medicine, Manual of Natural Veterinary Medicine, and Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine.  If you recognize your dog is struggling, you can start him on glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. "These supplements don't work as well in late disease because the cartilage has, by that time, become too damaged to be effectively supportive," Wynn says.  "The veterinarians who are best trained to find early disease are acupunturists, veterinary chiropractors and othropedic surgeons, and they may all find different aspects of disease, too."

Barbara Eves, DVM, senior manager of Scientific Communications for Nutramax Laboratories, Inc., says supplements can be used for prevention as well as treatment for dogs who already have joint issues.  "The use of joint protection in large dogs witj joint issues and for protection in healthy pets, especially working dogs (e.g., police, search and rescue, assistance), dogs involved in competition (e.g., agility flyball, flying disc) or any active dog," she says.

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