Putting the Spring Back in Fido’s Step
Natural Supplementation Helps Ease Sore Joints

Like their human companions, many dogs experience decreased joint flexibility as they age, frequently resulting in painful inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and hip dysplasia. In fact, research shows that roughly 80 percent of older dogs suffer from some type of inflammation-related condition that may result in mild to severe joint pain.

In place of conventional treatment options such as Rimadyl (a prescription anti-inflammatory that has been linked to numerous cases of canine toxicity and death), many dog owners today are discovering a safer, healthier alternative in nutritional supplementation. Proven effective for dogs at every stage of life, natural daily supplements utilize the unique healing power of herbs and nutraceuticals to provide considerable relief from aching hips and joints.

Healthy Joints: 101
Healthy joints are surrounded by plenty of cartilage, a type of connective tissue that serves to cushion the bones during movement and prevent the discomfort of bone-on-bone contact. Over time, daily activity and the natural aging process can result in the deterioration of that cartilage, which can in turn lead to painful arthritic conditions and an overall loss of mobility.

Typically, it is easy to tell if your canine companion is experiencing joint soreness. Limping or difficulty walking is often one of the first signs that your dog is suffering from decreased joint flexibility, combined with general lethargy and difficulty getting up from a sitting or laying position. If the pain is severe, he or she may cringe noticeably when touched or even back away from contact to avoid further discomfort, and some dogs will lick or chew the affected area in an attempt to relieve tenderness.

Natural Supplementation Helps Ease Sore Joints Healthy Joints™ For Dogs  • Exclusive flower essence blend with healing herbs  • Includes glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin  • Supports and maintains overall joint and cartilage health  • For best results, use with: Veterinary Strength Omega-3™

A Safer, Smarter Alternative
Because of rising health care costs and a growing concern about the overall well being of our dogs—the recent pet food recall having brought to light the dangers of toxic ingredients in commercial pet products—a growing number of consumers are seeking the advice of veterinarians skilled in alternative or holistic veterinary medicine. Such doctors are more apt to consider the whole body and recommend natural healing solutions that have been clinically proven to provide a foundation of overall health.

Combined with well-known joint supplements such as naturally derived glucosamine and chondroitin (both building blocks for manufacturing healthy cartilage) certain nutritive ingredients have been shown to promote healthy cartilage and help prevent pain and inflammation. These include chicken hydrolysate, which contains collagen, a protein essential for tissue and joint health, as well as methylsulfonylmethane, a naturally occurring sulfur compound important for a healthy inflammatory response. Manganese (an essential trace element) and boron (an essential mineral) may also be added to support bone health and the development of healthy connective tissue, while vitamins C and E provide powerful antioxidant effects.

Whole herbs and herbal extracts are also beneficial. Juniper berries, frankincense, turmeric, licorice and yucca root, for example, have all been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and help relieve joint pain and stiffness. Ginger root, also, contains a natural constituent known as gingerol that helps relieve inflammation. Lesser-known herbs such as dragon’s blood, meadowsweet, white peony, sarsaparilla, isatis root and ashwagandha (an Ayurvedic herb) are equally beneficial and offer significant relief for pain and inflammation. Finally, meadowsweet contains salicylic acid, which is similar to the active component in modern aspirin and has been shown to help address joint tenderness.

Natural Solutions for Healthier, Happier Pets
As a dog owner, few things are more important than helping to preserve the health of your four-legged companion. You do your best to provide a healthy diet and make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise, but as the years pass and the natural aging process takes place, overall joint pain is one factor you simply can’t control. Fortunately, nature provides a safe, effective solution for helping your best friend get the most out of his adult years.

For more information, go to ReNewlife.com.