Tips to support bone and joint health

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition in pets. Some pets may develop OA due to an injury, a hereditary condition or as a result of the aging process. You can help your pet maintain good bone and joint health by following these tips.

1. Weight management. When your pet is less physically active, they can lose muscle mass and gain weight in the form of body fat. Added weight combined with a reduction in muscle tone can place additional pressure on already achy joints.
2. Exercise. Exercise is a key part of maintaining healthy joints, strong bones and keeping your pet at their ideal weight. Limit high-impact exercise so that your pet doesn’t experience additional pain. If your pet has been diagnosed with OA, low-impact exercises such as leash walks, swimming and light running are valuable—as long as you and your pet don’t overdo it. Cats can benefit from slower-paced play throughout your home. 
3. Diet. Research has shown that diet can play a role in the quality of life for pets with OA. Discuss with your veterinarian the diet options for your pet’s appropriate nutrient profile. Often the goal is to burn fat and preserve or build muscle. 
4. Joint supplements. Just as with people, joint supplements can help pets with OA. These products, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, act as mild anti-inflammatories. They are used by the joints to make cartilage components and also to inhibit the destruction of cartilage components. Essential fatty acids, like those found in fish oils, can also help prevent some inflammation in arthritic pets.
5. Rehabilitation therapy. Rehabilitation and physical therapy specialists work with pets that are arthritic or out of condition to improve limb function, rebuild muscle and assist in weight management.
6. Disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs). There are a few medications that can help slow down the progression of OA. One of the DMOADs commonly used for pets with OA is an injectable medication containing the active ingredient polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, or PSGAG.
   
   

Your veterinarian is the best source for evaluating the nutritional science and the various nutritional products labeled for joint support. They can also provide you with the information you need to exercise your pet without overdoing it. Although OA can't be cured, by working with your veterinarian, you can manage it.