Signs to look for
- reluctant to go for walks
- struggles with stairs or getting on the sofa
- slow to stand up
- (cats) stops jumping up to high places
Why it happens
Osteoarthrosis is a sterile synovitis that begins with wear and damage to the articular cartilage. Left to become chronic, osteophytes form and the joint structure deforms.
The engine of the vicious cycle is MMPs. Released at the damaged site, they go on to digest healthy cartilage too, and the condition keeps getting worse.
ω3 (EPA·DHA) has been shown to inhibit the arachidonic acid cascade and suppress MMP release, breaking that loop. Joint therapeutic diets lean on EPA for dogs and DHA for cats.
And do not cut back the exercise. Cartilage is fed by exchanging joint fluid through compression and recovery. Regular exercise within a pain-free range is the feeding mechanism.
Signs that mean go to the vet
Weight management has stronger evidence than any supplement. Dogs kept on lifelong dietary restriction had significantly less hip osteoarthritis
Related ingredients
General nutrition information. It does not replace a diagnosis or a prescription. If your animal has a medical condition or is on medication, talk to your veterinarian first.