Now for the part you won't like hearing - weight management is perhaps the single most effective means to help improve and maintain joint health.
Sorry, it's true, no way around that. Weight loss in obese dogs with osteoarthritis was shown to reduce lameness using both subjective and objective measurements.
Before adding anything, think about what to take away - extra pounds!
I know you hear it all the time but that's because it's true. You want to do something really great for your dog? Keep them thin! This is science talking.
I was going to go on about the findings about the effects of the commonly used supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin, and antioxidants but you can read that for yourself. Further studies are needed and I am just happy that they're being done. Instead, I decided to leave you with just one point to take home.
Keep your dog thin!
I know it sounds like a cliche. However, it is the best thing you can do for your dog, for so many reasons.
I'll tell you how bad the situation with obesity is. The other day our vet got all excited, because he had three patients in a row who had an optimal body score. It made him all happy. He also used the words rare occurrence.
Improvements seen with weight loss are repeatable with objective measurements.
That's it. I'm done nagging. Now you can go on and read the rest about the studies.
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Source article: Focus on Nutrition: Nutritional Management of Osteoarthritis
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