German Shepherds are categorised under large breed dogs and are known for their active and energetic lifestyle. They are the second most popular dog breed all over the world. Despite the energy and active nature of German Shepherds, most of them face hip dysplasia and other such joint problems with ageing.
Being a dog owner, if you wish to keep up with the good health of your dog knowing about the best hip and joint supplement for German Shepherd is very important. It will help to boost your dog’s mobility and prevent any kind of joint issues in future.
Not only this, even those German Shepherds who are suffering from joint pain can consume good supplements to get rid of the pain and are also considered to be better options than expensive medicines.
What are the reasons for providing supplements to German Shepherd?
German Shepherds need to be physically active for maintaining a healthy life. Now, there might be various factors which can affect the efficiency of the hips and joints. This can be due to lifestyle, diet, weight, genetic disposition, age, etc. Because of these, German Shepherds and other large breed dogs often develop several types of diseases, some of which are mentioned below:
1. Osteoarthritis
It is a chronic disease which mostly affects dogs when the cartilage around the joints deteriorates. As a result, there is a loss of mobility in the legs and GSDs suffer from pain and joint inflammation.
2. Hip dysplasia
In some dogs, hip dysplasia starts developing in the puppy stage itself. This mostly happens because of improper development of hip bone and joint. An abnormal situation is when these bones start colliding with each other and eventually grind. The condition of the joint deteriorates because of this and this is followed by pain, limited mobility and crippling lameness.
3. Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
In this condition, the cartilage gets separated from the bone of the joint. This leads to pain, inflammation, limping, etc. If your dog develops this, in most cases, you will be able to detect the symptoms immediately. In severe cases, the disease can be solved with surgery.
The above-mentioned diseases make it very important to have supplements for the prevention of the same. Considering that there are so many supplements available in the marketing, knowing the best hip and joint supplement for German Shepherd can be tough and hence, we have listed some of those for your ease.
5 best hip and joint supplement for German Shepherd
1. Nutramax Dasuquin Chewable Tablets
These are chewable tablets as is evident from the name and can be consumed by dogs who weigh at least 60 pounds. These are really good supplements for strengthening the hip and joints. It contains 900 mg of Glucosamine, 800 mg of MSM and 350 mg of CS. Though this tablet is often not liked by dogs because of the unpleasant taste but mostly recommended by vets and is quite cost-effective.
2. VetriScience GlycoFlex Chicken Soft Chews
This is supplement is quite popular among German Shepherd owners not only because of its medicinal components but also for its good taste. Since it is a tasty supplement, picky German Shepherds also do not refrain from consuming this. Essential components of this supplement are MSM, Glucosamine, etc. These are perfect for large breed dogs who are suffering from mild joint pain. Another reason which makes it one of the best is its affordable price.
3. ElleVet Hemp CBD Chews
This product is a little expensive as compared to other supplements which are available on the market. Despite this, its efficiency and taste have made it the best hip and joint supplement for German Shepherd. It is peanut butter flavoured which is liked by almost all dog breeds. This supplement is effective for stress control, and provides relief to joint pain, shaking as well as cognitive problems.
4. Nutramax Laboratories Cosequin DS Plus MSM
This supplement is similar to the other supplements mentioned above. The only difference is that it is free of ASUs. Some of the main ingredients of this supplement are sodium chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride and MSM. It also contains manganese ascorbate which helps in better absorption of nutrients and keeps the bones healthy.
5. VetriSCIENCE Laboratories – Glycoflex Stage 3
This supplement is mostly suggested to senior German Shepherds who have severe joint issues. It contains green-lipped mussel, MSM, glucosamine hydrochloride, etc. There is another variant of this product, namely, Glycoflex Plus, which is recommended for the prevention of joint issues for senior German Shepherd dogs.
Additional Considerations for Joint Health
When considering the overall well-being of your German Shepherd, it’s crucial to not only focus on the joints themselves but also on supporting systems and conditions that indirectly impact joint health. For instance, elbow dysplasia is another condition that, while less frequently discussed than hip dysplasia, significantly affects German Shepherds. Early detection and intervention are key to managing this condition effectively.
Moreover, the health of your dog’s skin and coat plays a surprisingly significant role in their overall comfort and well-being. Skin support supplements, particularly those rich in fish oil, offer dual benefits. They not only contribute to a lustrous coat and healthy skin, which is especially beneficial during the blow-coat season, but also provide omega-3 fatty acids known for their anti-inflammatory properties, offering indirect support to joint health.
Lastly, the concept of cellular injury and its prevention should not be overlooked. Antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, found in quality dog foods or as part of a supplement regimen, can help mitigate the cellular damage associated with joint issues. This approach adds an extra layer of protection, slowing the progression of joint deterioration in German Shepherds.
Incorporating these additional considerations into your German Shepherd’s care routine can significantly enhance their quality of life, ensuring they remain active and healthy for years to come.
Conclusion
The above mentioned were some of the best hip and joint supplements for German Shepherd. Same as humans, German Shepherds also suffer from various bone issues when they grow old. Moreover, they are physically active their entire life which makes them prone to several types of diseases. Hence, you should start these supplements as soon as possible after consulting with your veterinarian.