Dog vitamins cause some debate in the animal health world as many veterinarians contend that a healthy diet fulfills all nutrient requirements. Since it is possible to over-supplement, vitamins are a little controversial. However, if your dog has joint problems, vitamins can be very useful if the correct ones are purchased.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin are the most common supplements used for treating joint problems and can thus be found in a variety of vitamins, or just by themselves. If you are concerned about over-supplementing, simple glucosamine tablets can be purchased at grocery stores, health food stores or online.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are such popular supplements because they are naturally found in healthy joint fluid and cartilage. Research has shown that adding these supplements back into your dog's diet can not only soothe joint pain but even restore fluid and cartilage being destroyed by age or disease.
Cosequin
One of the most popular joint vitamins is Cosequin, which combines glucosamine, chondroitin and manganese to reduce joint pain in your dog. Manganese helps reduce inflammation while the other two ingredients restore joint health.
Cosequin is available in many forms, including powder that can be sprinkled in your dog's food, pills and chewable tablets flavored to taste like your dog's favorite treats.
Nupro Joint Support
Another well-known joint supplement product is Nupro Joint Support, which combines glucosamine with MSM and special ingredient ester-C. MSM is another anti-inflammatory commonly used in joint vitamins along with glucosamine and chondroitin.
Ester-C is less commonly used. However, makers of Nupro claim that it increases the body's ability to absorb glucosamine and MSM, thus promoting collagen formation.
Cetyl-M
Though more pricey that other options, cetyl myristoleate, a fatty acid derived from myristoleic acid which was discovered to be the cause of good joint health in mice, is another commonly used joint supplement. These tablets, which can be purchased online and at pet stores, also contain glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health.
Cetyl-M has been effective in helping many pets recover from severe hip dysplasia and arthritis and may be used when joint disease has progressed to the point where your dog is struggling to walk.
Types of Vitamins
There are many types of vitamins that may focus on joint health without advertising it specifically. Those will have the same ingredients as the groups listed above, but they may contain other supplements that improve your dog's overall health.
Big dog vitamins will often include products that reduce joint inflammation since big dogs are more likely to suffer from joint problems. Performance dog vitamins will also often include joint products since performance dogs are more likely to suffer from joint injuries, even if the breed isn't naturally prone to it.
Senior vitamins will also focus on joint health since the majority of dogs suffering from joint pain are senior dogs. These vitamins will also have vitamins and omega-3s to improve your dog's immunity and overall health. Additional vitamins, such as vitamins E and C, are commonly used since they are well-known anti-inflammatories.
Whichever vitamin you choose, consult your veterinarian to ensure that the vitamins won't interfere with any medication or be harmful to your dog in any way.