Advanced Joint Support LA-UY7E-5Z1K Product Information Email: Twitter: Facebook: Website: ask@thepetcarefactory.com @petcarefactory www.facebook.com/thepetcarefactory www.thepetcarefactory.com
Thank you for purchasing our product. Our sincere hope is that your dog benefits from this specially formulated supplement. We are available to help if you have any concerns or questions and we will reply to any queries as soon as possible. Any feedback about your experience with our product or service is always welcomed and appreciated. This product information document was created in order to give you more information about the supplement and joint pain in general. Introduction to Joint Pain Joint pain in dogs can be usually categorised into two main types of condition, which are either developmental or degenerative in nature. Other factors can cause problems with the joint but these tend to be less common. Developmental issues includes conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, which is where there is a failure of the joints to develop normally (known as malformation). This can gradually deteriorate over time and in severe cases, can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the affected areas. Degenerative problems commonly occur as a result of wear and tear on an otherwise normal joint and usually becomes more prevalent as the dog ages. It often begins with damage to the cartilage, which is often limited to a small area. This is followed by thickening of the bone and deterioration of the joint surface which leads to pain and inflammation. In severe cases the cartilage can become completely worn away which means the bone rubs directly on the opposing bone of the synovial joint. Symptoms and signs associated with joint pain tend to be fairly easy to identify but can differ on a case by case basis and according to the severity and the location of the pain. Dogs will often limp on one or more legs and may find it hard to get up after long periods of inactivity. Joints may appear stiff and there may be a reluctance to do prolonged exercise. Areas around the joints may be tender when touched and in some cases there may be some signs of swelling. Your pet may also become reluctant to do things that were previously easy for them to accomplish. For instance, your dog may find it difficult to get into and out of the car or may have difficulty going up and down stairs that were previously easily manageable. Your pet may tire more easily which means they may be reluctant to go on walks and play, and they may spend more time sleeping or resting. As with all conditions, affecting your dog s health, advice should initially be sought from your vet to determine the cause of the pain and obtain an accurate diagnosis. This will identify the nature of the problem, for instance if it is a developmental or a degenerative issue and will also rule out other potential factors such as an injury to the joint or septic arthritis which can be caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. The main aim of any treatment involving developmental or degenerative joint pain is to reduce any inflammation and help control the pain. When you visit the vets they will often resort to conventional dog pain medications which include the use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and Corticosteroids. These are usually fine as a short term solution, however, prolonged use can result in a number of adverse side effects. These can range from weight gain and muscle loss through to liver damage in extreme cases. Many dog owners, therefore, prefer a safer approach to control the pain caused by joint issues, which are generally in the form of a supplement. These tend to be naturally occurring products which can usually be taken indefinitely without complications to the health of the dog. We always recommend that you consult your vet before changing any treatments. Advanced Joint Support - LA-UY7E-5Z1K Page 2
The latest research has shown that there are major benefits when introducing joint care supplements at an early stage in the dog s life, when they are at their most energetic. The supplement helps to repair impact damage and promotes the growth of new joint tissue, which means that when the dog does reach old age the condition of the joints is usually vastly superior to that of a dog which has never taken supplements. Advanced Joint Support Supplement for Dogs Our support supplement has been designed from the ground up to address the issues of preventing or alleviating joint pain. Using knowledge of ingredients which are known to alleviate symptoms as well as the latest understanding of joint care, this product is crammed full of active ingredients. Below we have outlined the main ones used in the product together with the advantages which they deliver. Glucosamine helps keep the cartilage in joints healthy. As dogs age the level of natural Glucosamine drops which can lead to a gradual deterioration of the joint. Taking a supplement which contains Glucosamine helps to counteract this effect. It also acts as a mild anti-inflammatory agent reducing swelling and pain. Chondroitin helps protect the cartilage and plays an important role in neutralising enzymes that break down the collagen in joints. Green Lipped Mussel contains high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, together with further Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate which has anti-inflammatory properties as well as promoting the lubrication of the joints. Green Lipped Mussel is additionally a good source of Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Vitamin E, Vitamin C Vitamin B12 and Calcium. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Sulphur, which is a major component of MSM, plays an important role in the production of Collagen and Glucosamine, both of which are vital for healthy bones and joints. Curcumin has been found to be equivalent to some popular allopathic pain killers and has the ability to reduce pain by supporting the body's ability to respond to swelling and inflammation. Hyaluronic Acid increases the viscosity of Synovial fluid, found in joints, which increases lubrication and protects against low level impact. Manganese is an important co-factor in joints, supporting stronger tendons and ligaments which helps them to move correctly. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the cartilage from harmful free radicals created through exercise. It is also required for the production of Collagen and generally increases the absorption of the supplement. Advanced Joint Support - LA-UY7E-5Z1K Page 3
Recommended Dosage The supplement is suitable for all sizes and breeds of dog and is calculated based on their weight. The table below shows the recommended daily dose. Dog s Weight Up to 15kg 16-30kg 31-45kg Over 45kg Quantity Required 1 Tablet 2 Tablets 3 Tablets 4 Tablets The tablets are designed to be eaten whole but can be easily broken up or crushed into a powder if necessary and mixed with your dog s food. If multiple tablets need to be taken then these can be split throughout the day. Natural Human Grade Quality Ingredients Only the highest quality, human grade, ingredients, are used in the manufacture of the supplement. All manufacturing processes are to GMP code of practice and ISO 9001:2008 certification. Where relevant the ingredients are sourced from sustainable colonies so as well as being good for your dog the supplement is also good for the environment. The ingredients are processed immediately after harvesting to guarantee freshness and maximum nutrient retention. Caution If your dog is suffering from any other condition, it is recommended that you seek advice from your vet before taking any supplements. If your dog is pregnant or lactating (nursing), supplementation is not thought to be harmful according to the results of small scale studies, however, because sufficient research has not been carried out we highly recommend that owners do not to give this supplement during these periods of time. Allergy Advice The supplement contains Green Lipped Mussel and Glucosamine, which is derived from shellfish. It is therefore advisable not to feed the product to dogs which are allergic to these food types. There are some plant-derived glucosamine supplements available, although they are less common. General Supplement Use The use of any supplement in the treatment of joint pain is not an instant or guaranteed cure for your dog. It can take several weeks before the full benefits of the supplement can start to be seen, but this is dependent on a number of factors including the ingredients used, the size of the dog, and the degree of damage to the effected joints; each dog is different. Advanced Joint Support - LA-UY7E-5Z1K Page 4
Additional Recommendations As well as the more traditional approaches to combat the effects of arthritis or joint pain in dogs there are many other things which can be done, many around the home, in order to make your dog s life easier and more comfortable. The following information is based on an article we originally published on our website. We often run features such as this to provide information related to all aspects of canine healthcare. Slip-Free Flooring Hardwood, laminate or tiled floors are often difficult to walk on especially when you dog is already unsteady on their feet from effects of arthritis. Covering these surfaces with carpet or rugs will make them much easier to walk on preventing slipping and potential injury. Soft Bedding Soft bedding for you dog to sit on can help to support sore joints and bones. The padding also acts as additional insulation between the animal and the floor which means that joints are not in contact with potentially cold surfaces. There are a large range of orthopedic dog beds on the market today which are specially designed for dogs with arthritis. Weight Control Arthritis is more of a problem in dogs which are carrying extra weight. A loss of weight can be beneficial by helping to reduce the workload on the bones and joints as they move around. Raised Food/Water Bowls Elevated feeders are much more comfortable for older pets who are suffering from arthritis as bending over to eat is difficult. If eating or drinking is painful or uncomfortable then they are less likely to do this, which means they do not always get the nutrition they need and can also become dehydrated. Raising the food and water bowls/station to a more comfortable level by using one of the many products available encourages them to eat and drink more. Heat Therapy Heat therapy is good for getting rid of pain in a specific area. Heat helps keep the synovial fluid circulating, so that your dog can feel more limber, and reduces the build-up of inflammatory chemicals within the joint, which causes the dog s joint to stiffen. There are a number of different ways to apply heat to an effected joint. One is to use a heated sleeping pad which can additionally provide extra cushioning. These can be either self-warming or powered, so will supply heat for prolonged periods of time. Hot water bottles or wheat bags can also be used, however, these tend to get extremely hot. They generally need to be wrapped inside a towel so that they are not in direct contact with the dog s skin. A blanket can also be used to cover your pet, especially on cold nights, and this should help to keep the joints from stiffening up. Older dog s or ones which are of slender build or have short coats have an even more difficult time trying to maintain their body temperature. Moderate Exercise It is important to continue to exercise your dog as this will help to build up muscle tissue which will strengthen joints, keep ligaments flexible and improve circulation to the affected joints. Although exercise is important it should be moderated, as too much activity can cause further damage to the joints. Monitor their exercise closely and if there are any signs of discomfort stop the activity straight away and let them rest. Regular exercise will also help to stop their weight increasing. Advanced Joint Support - LA-UY7E-5Z1K Page 5
Gates, Ramps & Stairs Ramps and stairs are a great way to provide a stable platform for a pet to use, to reach difficult places such as a favorite piece of furniture, a different level of the house or for getting in and out of the car. Jumping directly from elevated positions can place unnecessary stress on the joints. If the dog is already suffering from arthritis then this can cause substantial pain and lead to additional damage. Pets will try to reach places which they are accustomed to, often ignoring any possible pain. If they are not physically agile enough, however, then there is the possibility of them falling and injuring themselves. As well as using ramps and stairs, gates can also be used to block access to certain areas. Massage One technique which can be employed to ease arthritic pain is massage. Massage helps to loosen tight muscles and increases flexibility, circulation, and degree of movement. Massage, as in people, is also known to promote the release of endorphins which help to reduce pain and stress. It is usually advisable to get some guidance before doing this, as it may cause unnecessary pain and discomfort if not performed correctly. There are, however, a number of books available which teach this, as well as videos online which demonstrate the techniques involved. Hydrotherapy Studies have shown that hydrotherapy can be beneficial to animals with arthritis. The buoyancy of water supports and reduces the amount of stress on the joints and therefore encourages a full range of motion, without the pain experienced with normal exercise. The level of water can be adjusted to either increase or decrease the amount of support offered by the water as higher levels of water result in greater buoyancy. The additional resistance of moving in the water also encourages greater muscular strength and because the warm water increases the body temperature this dilates the blood vessels increasing circulation. Grooming Dogs with arthritis may find it difficult to groom themselves properly. In order to make them feel more comfortable you may need to assist them with this, especially if their fur is long. Their coat can be cleaned and freshened up with pet wipes and they should be brushed on a regular basis with a soft brush in order to stop their coat becoming tangled and keep if free of knots. Advanced Joint Support - LA-UY7E-5Z1K Page 6