We all want our dogs to feel good and have an excellent quality of life, regardless of age. Unfortunately, many dogs suffer from weakened or worn out joints.
Arthritis and Joint Health in Dogs
Arthritis is an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease.
All dogs suffer from arthritis as they age.
In fact, according to the Arthritis Foundation, approximately 20% of all adult dogs have arthritis.
In other words, 1 in 5 adult dogs suffers from arthritis.
However, if your dog is older than 7 years, there is a 65% chance he or she suffers from arthritis.
In short, more than half of all older dogs endure arthritis on a daily basis.
Arthritis is just a fact of life for dogs.
Some common culprits contributing to arthritic joint weakness and disease are:
- Degenerative joint disease
- Developmental disorders
- Fractures
- Hormone issues
- Ligament injuries
- Lyme disease
- Tendon injuries
Dogs can’t talk, but they can tell us their joints are bothering them by the way they act!
Signs your dog suffers from arthritis, joint pain, and stiffness include:
- Depression
- Irritable behavior
- Lethargy
- Licking of the sore area
- Limping
- Muscular atrophy
- Slipping when walking
- Varied appetite
There are several amazing supplements available to help dogs combat arthritis.
Glucosamine (Shellfish Source)
Glucosamine works similarly to NSAIDs for effectiveness in easing arthritis symptoms. However, being a gentle supplement rather than a pharmaceutical, it takes roughly twice as long to work.
But, it’s worth the wait because there’s no risk of side effects with glucosamine.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, glucosamine:
- Lubricates joints
- Helps cartilage retain water
- Prevents cartilage breakdown
Glucosamine comes in both oral and injectable forms.
Dr. Smith uses both with much success in his practice.
Calcium Ascorbate (Vitamin C)
Vitamin C is needed by every cell in your dog’s body. In addition, if your dog is stressed, sick, or in pain, he needs even more vitamin C to physically cope.
Modern research shows many people and pets are chronically mildly deficient in vitamin C.
In fact, a study by New Zealand scientists Anrita Carr and Cate McCall explains chronic deficiency and how it relates to pain.
According to Ms. Carr and Ms. Mcall, vitamin C:
- Acts as an analgesic
- Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties
- Decreases the requirement for opioid analgesics
You can read the entire article “The role of vitamin C in the treatment of pain: new insights” in US National Library of Medicine
National Institutes of Health.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could beat the opioid epidemic with vitamin C?!?
Green Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus)
Green-lipped mussels are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Mussels help by reducing the production of leukotrienes (inflammatory molecules) and prostaglandins. In doing so, mussels have anti-inflammatory effects similar to fish oil.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, a 2008 review of osteoarthritis trials found adding green-lipped mussels to conventional therapies beneficial.
NSAIDs pose the risk of harming your dog’s stomach.
Interestingly, the osteoarthritis trials found green-lipped mussel extract may help heal ulcers rather than damaging the stomach like NSAIDs.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Methylsulfonylmethane MSM is an organic sulfur compound.
But, why would you want to give your dog sulfur?
Sulfur is needed to form connective tissue.
MSM also acts as an analgesic by lessening the nerve impulses transmitting pain.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, a 2006 pilot study of 50 men and women with knee osteoarthritis showed that 6,000 mg of MSM improved symptoms of pain and physical function without major side effects.
MSM works the same for dogs as it does humans.
Sea Cucumber (Haishen)
Here’s a reality flash: Sea Cucumber is not a plant! It’s actually a sea creature similar to a slug. Haishen lives on the ocean floor and kind of looks like a cucumber. Hence, the nickname.
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), Haishen has warm and salty properties. It is associated with the Heart and Kidney meridians.
Haishen nourishes the yin and blood, and is a tonic herb for treating the kidneys.
Chinese scientific studies show sea cucumber as a good source of chondroitin.
As a result, many TCVM practitioners recommend sea cucumber to help treat arthritis, joint pain, and tendonitis.
Polygonum (He Shou Wu)
Polygonum, aka He Shou Wu, is a plant native to China. which is also grown in Japan and Taiwan.
The Chinese common name “He Shou Wu” comes from the man from the Tang dynasty whose infertility was supposedly cured after taking the herb. The name translates to “Mr. He’s hair is black.”
Chinese herbalists hail He Shou Wu as overall longevity and anti-aging herb.
Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui)
A 2014 study by Korean researchers showed Dang Gui extract prevented bone loss in rats. However, the herb’s ability to treat osteoarthritis is not yet fully understood by Western science.
Chinese herbalists use Dang Gui to:
- Move Blood
- Stop pain
- As an anti-inflammatory
- As an antioxidant
Rhemmania (Sheng Di Huang)
Rehmannia, aka Sheng Di Huang, is a perennial plant with large flowers. It’s a very pretty plant commonly found in gardens in America and Europe.
According to ScienceDirect, uncured Rehmannia produced therapeutic effects in uncontrolled trials involving patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Chinese herbalists use Sheng Di Huang to:
- Promote blood circulation
- Disperse Cold
- Relieve Pain
Alfalfa (Mu Xu)
Alfalfa is an amazing herbal remedy for joint pain, back pain relief, and inflammatory arthritis.
It contains many minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients that strengthen your dog’s bones and help maintain a healthy body.
Chinese herbalists use Mu Xu to:
- Clear stomach and spleen
- Expel dampness
- Expel heat
- Facilitate urination
- Reduce swelling
Manganese
Manganese is a trace mineral, meaning your dog’s body needs it in small amounts.
It’s required for the normal functioning of your dog’s:
- Brain
- Nervous system
- Enzyme systems
In addition, Manganese is essential for your dog’s bone health.
Likewise, evidence supports combining manganese with glucosamine and chondroitin helps reduce osteoarthritis pain.
In fact, several studies show manganese may contribute to decreasing inflammation and pain associated with inflammatory diseases.
PET | TAO’s Harmonize Joint Supplement
If you know Dr. Smith, you know he’s a co-founder of PET | TAO Holistic Pet Products.
Dr. Smith searched far and wide to find someone to make top-quality arthritis and joint supplement for his patients.
He ended up using Garmon, Corp. Garmon Corp., to create PET | TAO’s Harmonize Joint, which supplies all of the ingredients mentioned above.T
Garmon, Corp. is a fully compliant cGMP Standards facility, following the highest industry standards. They are an FDA-registered and audited facility, as well as third-party audited by U.L. Labs.
Garmon, Corp. is also an NASC Audited Member carrying the NASC Seal on our labels, providing a symbol of “quality assurance” for consumers.
Luckily, Harmonize Joint offers an easy way to soothe and replenish your dog’s joints.
Harmonize Joint combines time-tested TCVM medicinal herbs with top-quality Western supplements.
The unique combination creates a powerful tool for soothing and restoring joints.
Harmonize Joint provides the following active ingredients per 3 g tablet:
- Glucosamine Sulfate (Shellfish source) – 420 mg
- Calcium Ascorbate (Vitamin C) – 263 mg
- Green Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus) – 210 mg
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) – 210 mg
- Sea Cucumber (Haishen) – 105 mg
- Polygonum (Fo-Ti) – 53 mg
- Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui) – 26 mg
- Rehmannia (Sheng Di Huang) – 26 mg
- Alfalfa Powder (Mu Xu) – 26 mg
- Manganese Ascorbate – 11 mg
- Vitamin E (D-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate) – 53 IU
Harmonize Joint especially helps dogs suffering from:
- Arthritis
- Congenital abnormalities
- Cancer
- Cruciate ligament problems
- Degenerative joint disease
- Developmental problem
- Hip dysplasia
- Hyperparathyroidism
- ‘Injuries
- Lyme disease
- Metabolic disease
- Obesity
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Start soothing and replenishing your dog’s joints today!
We are always here to help–if you have any questions or if we can help you in any way, just let us know!
