Most of us have dogs that are getting older and they age faster than humans by 7 years to our one year of time.

The joints in the legs and shoulders of our furry friends both dogs and cats get a good work out during their lifetime and sometimes get broken in the process.

My dog is approximately 7 1/2 years old now and although she acts like a crazy puppy she is still showing signs of getting older and slowing down some in her activity level.

How to Help your Dog’s Joints

By the time your dog is 8 or 9 years old for the larger breeds you may want to consider some supplements that will help them as they age in the joint areas.  Some dogs are born with weak bones and joints which makes mobility more difficult as they age.   Products that contain glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate compounds help to ease the soreness and pain and the best part of using these products is that studies show they repair the joint cartilage.

The protein molecule in chondroitin actually gives the cartilage more elasticity which gives your dog or cat more mobility, reduces the inflammation and sore joints.

Genesis Resources Joint Support Plus for Dogs

A diet rich with omega-3 fatty acids also is shown to prevent the deterioration of your dog’s joints and also does double duty by helping the heart as well another bonus. Reducing the toxins in the diet and providing your dog with an organic dog food is the best way to avoid needless surgeries and drugs to help with the side effects of growing old.

Holistic veterinarians have long advised pet owners to look towards the support regime which includes glucosamine for dogs around age 8 or older and cats can benefit as well at the same age even if no symptoms of limping or struggling with movement are present. Your dog relies on exercise to keep healthy and it is necessary for good health and a long pain free life for dogs and cats.  The benefits of supporting your dog or cat’s joints are endless and most pet owners would agree that having a dog that can walk and run is worth the effort.

Other Help for Older Dogs

When my dog wakes up the first thing she does is to do a long stretch on the floor she lowers her front and stretches her spine. I taught her to do this when doing my yoga on a floor mat. As I was doing my yoga exercises my dog saddled up beside me to join in the event on the living room floor.  So, I put the word “stretch” in and she followed my motions and started doing downward dog which is a yoga technique.

Massage Your Dog

I also do a light massage for my dog when she wakes up in the morning and this helps to get her moving.  Start at the neck and massage gently on both sides of the neck, back and legs.  This gets the blood circulating after a long sleep and helps the glands get rolling for the day.  I also do this at night before she goes to sleep and it seems to help her get rested and more comfortable.  These tips can be done in just a few minutes per day to give your buddy a good start and end to a long day.

TAGS:  Dog joint support, glucosamine for dogs, joints in older dogs, joint support for older cats, diet and joint support in pets, yoga for dogs, exercise with your dog, dog yoga exercises.

Watch the Video to Learn how to Do Stretching Exercises for Good Joint Support with your Dog

Joint Support for Dogs