This site is a really useful source of info on canine arthritis. I used it to do some research on how I could help my 15 year old dog. I read through their info, followed the links to the research for the different types of treatments and supplements and put together a plan that has massively improved his quality of life. I also looked into research into human arthritis and which supplements/treatments that are also available for dogs have had peer reviewed studies done to support them.
He was already on the strongest Yumove plus Rimadyl and we had just spoken to the vet about adding in something else - they advised adding in paracetamol on his worst days. I started changing his regime in early June and we have recently been able to reduce his Rimadyl by half a tablet a day and still have him actively enjoying life and running around again. He is honestly doing so much better and is so much happier in himself.
I added Seraquin, Omega Oil and Healthspan Flexi Turmeric for dogs to his regime one at a time. Of the three, I would say the turmeric seemed to have the most obvious effect, but took a few weeks to kick in. He’s gone from being extremely stiff getting up and down, struggling up and down the back doorstep and not wanting to run, to having mad half-hours charging around the garden every evening and is back to obviously enjoying life again. With him apparently being more comfortable, we have been able to gradually increase the number and length of his walks as well, which has helped by strengthening his muscles. We also put him on a diet, as he’d gained some weight, partly from being less mobile/active. He’s a nice healthy weight again now, which I think has also helped.
Having done a bit more research, I am just changing things a little. We’re taking out the Yumove and Seraquin and putting him on Riaflex and Green Lipped Mussel. This is because the levels and quality of the ingredients is better in those products.
I am going to source and start taking turmeric myself, having seen the difference in him!
The only thing I would say is that you really do need to do your research, both on the supplements you want to try and where to buy them from. Some have very low levels of the elements you’re looking for and are mostly fillers. You also need to carefully check what’s in each product, to make sure you’re not doubling up on any ingredients. I spent a ridiculous amount of time online, reading ingredients and dosage advice and comparing the levels in various supplements before deciding which way to go, then did it all again before working out the move to Riaflex and green lipped mussel.
To be honest, I didn’t think it was going to make much difference, but I have been really pleased with how much better he’s doing and it was definitely worth putting the time and effort in to do all the research.