Understanding Dog Joint Pain

We understand what dog joint pain is. But our dogs don’t.  Yesterday, I had a conversation with a friend, who is also a narcotics police officer. We were talking about his K9 partner in crime, Mox. He adopted this beautiful German Shepherd, trained him, and served alongside him for years…until recently. Mike, the officer, told me how a neurological spinal disease and severe dog joint pain has forced sweet Mox into retirement. Mike now has a younger K9 partner living with him and Mox.

Mike told me how Mox seems confused when Mike goes to work with the new German Shepherd. Mox still tries to do things he used to do, but is frustrated when he can’t. Of course, hearing that from Mike just broke my heart. Mike is devoted police officer and he’s also devoted to his K9 best friend.

Mike started giving Mox liquid glucosamine for dogs. But by that time, the neurological spinal disease that plagued Mox took over. Mox now is in a doggy wheelchair forced into retirement. Mike says that Mox is young at heart. When you look into his eyes, you see a puppy. You look at his hind legs, and you see an 8 year old, aging dog. My Peaches, a beagle, will be 8 this year. That to me is still young.

Dogs, like Mox, suffering from dog joint pain and other ailments, don’t understand why they can’t run and play, or in this case—work. They don’t understand what it means to be sick or disabled. You can explain pain to humans, and we understand it. But dogs just can’t.

It’s really up to pet parents to think ahead and try and prevent these illnesses. We think dog joint pain is just part of dogs getting older, but it’s also preventable and treatable. Mike has started his new K9 officer on liquid glucosamine for dogs.  He gives Synflex for Pets in beef flavor to both pooches. It helps alleviate dog joint pain by rebuilding the cartilage between joints.

I give my two aging beagles dog joint supplements too. I noticed that sad, confused look when they attempted to jump on the couch, but couldn’t. I saw how afraid they were of stairs. Seeing our pets in pain is horrible. So I opted for supplements and treats with glucosamine, chondroitin, and other “good stuff.”

When you get a new dog (or cat), talk to your vet about supplements to prevent common conditions like hip dysplasia or joint pain. When you are ready to buy supplements, don’t just opt for the cheapest option. Look for quality. Liquids are absorbed faster than pills.  You also want to look for pharmaceutical grade ingredients as well.