Health

BARK Hip & Joint Supplements 101

Written by: Dr. Katy Nelson

October 29, 2018

Senior dogs aren’t alone in their proneness to joint issues; hip and joint supplements are ideal for pups of any age, particularly if they’ve had a recent joint injury or surgery, or are a breed prone to joint health problems. But fear not, pup parents!

BARK’s veterinary-formulated hip and joint supplements contain glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid to return your pup’s joints to puppy-level perfection. Your dog’s body produces enough of each of these compounds to maintain normal joint health, but they’re unable to work properly in the face of injuries or inflammation. That’s where an extra boost of these all-natural substances works to improve dogs’ quality of life and long-term health and comfort.

Take a look at the essential benefits of each of the active ingredients:

Glucosamine


Instability inside a joint as the result of injury, arthritis, or genetic issues produces inflammation, which in turn causes stiffness and discomfort. Glucosamine helps reduce this inflammation to ease pain and swelling, and improve overall function.

Once joints can move freely without the bones rubbing against each other (this is what healthy cartilage and a lubricating pocket of synovial fluid prevents), pups can get up from a nap with ease, go for walks, and keep the muscles surrounding the joints strong and supportive.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)


MSM is a sulfur-containing compound that occurs naturally in animals, humans, and plants, and is a building block in cartilage. Supplemental MSM has been shown to prevent cartilage decomposition and reduce inflammation by improving joint tissue strength and elasticity.

Put simply, it means that chasing their favorite ball in the backyard is never out of the question.

Chondroitin


Like glucosamine, chondroitin helps improve elasticity in joints, reduce inflammation, and ease subsequent joint pain. An extra boost of chondroitin like that in our supplements aids mobility and keeps dogs on the go and not confined to the couch.

Hyaluronic Acid


A pocket of synovial fluid surrounds joint cartilage to keep everything moving smoothly, and hyaluronic acid is a key component. If the acid begins to break down within the fluid, joint stiffness and discomfort results. We include this active ingredient in our supplements to keep joints lubricated & moving properly.

Whether your dog is hesitating at the bottom of the stairs, moving slower than usual, or is just plain uncomfortable when touched, a visit to the vet may be in order. Additionally, starting your pup on hip and joint supplements before issues arise is a great preventative method to keep them fetching for days and begging for an extra walk around the blockn Shop BARK’s hip and joint supplement on Amazon!

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Written by: Dr. Katy Nelson

October 29, 2018

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A themed collection of BARK-designed toys, treats, and chews.

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A themed collection of BARK-designed toys, treats, and chews.