If you notice your Shiba Inu has been having a hard time getting up in the morning, is reluctant to use the stairs, or has been showing signs of limping, then you might be looking at joint issues. Your pooch might need joint supplements for dogs.
As your lovable Shiba Inu enters its senior years, the protective cartilage between its bones begins to weaken. This causes the bones to rub against each other, causing inflammation and joint pain. One way to prevent this is to get your Shiba checked and get a prescription for joint supplements.
Signs of Joint Pain in Dogs
Joint pain affects dogs of all ages and will affect the quality of their life. If left untreated, this will result in more serious conditions and injuries.
The challenge is how to tell if your dog is suffering from joint pain. Canines can be pretty good at hiding pain and discomfort, especially when they are young as they continue to play and be energetic, eventually worsening their condition.
It can be hard to tell unless you know what you are looking for. That being said, here are the common symptoms of joint pain to look out for:
- Lethargy
- Limping and stiffness
- Loss of Appetite
- Irritability
- Depression
- Frequently slipping
- Licking, chewing, or biting the affected area
If your Shiba Inu is showing any of these for no obvious reasons, it’s high time to get him checked and examined for any joint disease or underlying medical conditions.
The Best Joint Supplements for Dogs with Joint Issues
Aside from treatment, joint supplements can be helpful for dogs who are suffering from painful joint issues. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best joint supplements for dogs.
VetriScience GlycoFlex Stage III Soft Chews
The VetriScience GlycoFlex Stage III Soft Chews are ideal for dogs who have already developed hip dysplasia and other joint disorders. This product contains 1,000 mg of glucosamine and MSM per dose and green-lipped mussels, which are excellent sources of chondroitin. This product is chicken-flavored, which most dogs love.
VetIQ Maximum Strength Hip & Joint Soft Chews
For dog owners who are looking for the best value joint supplement for dogs, the VetIQ Maximum Strength Hip & Joint Soft Chews is one of the best in the market. It contains 600 mg of glucosamine and 210 mg of MSM. It is a savory chicken flavor and contains hyaluronic acid and omega 3 fatty acids. They are extremely budget-friendly but made in the US with high-quality ingredients like krill and fish oil.
Zesty Paws Core Elements Mobility Soft Chews
The Zesty Paws Core Elements Mobility Soft Chews are highly-digestible and duck-flavored chews that your dog will surely love. It contains 450 mg of glucosamine and 125 mg of chondroitin, which is a more premium form of MSM. These soft chews are free from grains, corn, and soy, and are made in the US. In addition, they also contain sustainably sourced palm oil.
Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Soft Chews
If you want a joint supplement for dogs that are highly recommendable, we suggest you try the Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Soft Chews. It contains 900 mg of glucosamine, 350 mg of chondroitin, and 800 mg of MSM. These soft chews contain appetizing ingredients like avocado fats and green tea extract. They are extremely soft and easy to eat, though take note that they come at a higher price.
PetHonesty Advanced Hip + Joint Soft Chews
The PetHonesty Advanced Hip + Joint Soft Chews are chicken-flavored soft chews that contain 625 mg of glucosamine, 210 mg of chondroitin, and 325 mg of MSM in the form of high-quality PurforMSM. This product is also a good source of biotin and nutrient-packed ingredients like carrots and sweet potatoes. It is also soft enough for dogs who are having difficulties chewing. These soft chews are made in the US and are more affordable than other joint supplements for dogs.
Joint MAX Triple Strength Hypo-Allergenic Granules
The Joint MAX Triple Strength Hypo-Allergenic Granules is an ideal joint supplement for dogs with food sensitivities since it is free of protein sources, soy, wheat, and corn. It contains 1,000 mg of glucosamine, 100 mg of chondroitin, and 600 mg of MSM. In addition, it also has omega fatty acids and antioxidants. It is easy to digest and can be sprinkled over your dog’s food. This product is also USA-made and is often recommended by veterinarians.
