Is your dog getting older?

Rosie is my family's blue heeler and she was getting older and definitely showing some signs of age. We first brought her into the Vet because she was limping on one of her back legs. When she was at the clinic the Veterinarian also let us know that her muscles in her back legs had atrophied and weren’t as strong. Rosie would sit on one hip which an owner might think is no big deal, although there is usually a reason for dogs sitting like this. 

Rosie’s front end was still very strong and that helped her get around. We started Rosie on a joint supplement called green lipped mussel. These fishy smelling capsules can reduce swelling, inflammation and pain by limiting further cartilage degeneration and support damaged joints. It is a cost effective option with no side effects that did, in fact, help Rosie. With supplements, there is always a trial period that is usually 6-8 weeks before owners can really tell if it is helping. 

There are exercises that can be done to help strengthen the muscles in the back legs or all muscles throughout the body. Let us know if you want our take home exercises emailed to you. 

As her aging progressed, we tried a different joint supplement called 4Cyte. It does the same thing as green lipped mussel but in granules. Rosie didn't really enjoy taking the green lipped mussel capsules, but that is just her.  There are other dogs on the capsules and they eat them right out of their owners hand like a treat.   But she loved the 4cyte!

Rosie would be by the sliding glass door in the morning waiting for her 16 little granules of fishy goodness!  We noticed that Rosie was benefiting from the joint supplements because she acted more playful and would still help out around the farm. 

If your pet has stiff joints or limping after walks, has difficulty getting up from their bed in the morning, or difficulty going up and down stairs or getting in the car, joint supplements are able to help your pet.