Natural supplements help with feline joint pain
Diet and nutritional supplements can help manage many of the medical ailments your feline can suffer from.
Today, I would like to discuss feline joint health. The reality is arthritis will become a problem for most felines as they age. Joint and pain issues, if addressed early on, can be successfully managed with natural products instead of traditional, prescription pain medications.
Natural products are a good place to start a joint health regimen, since felines are unique in that there are no known nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) that are safe for them. Under veterinarian supervision, a feline may tolerate aspirin on a short-term basis, as not even Tylenol would be tolerated in the feline system.
Cosequin for cats is the most readily recommended for joint and pain issues. This natural product is so tolerated that it has even been used in kidney therapy for felines. With that said, just what is the composition of Cosequin?
Glucosamine and sodium chondroitin sulfate are the key components that will vary in milligrams product-by-product, depending on if you are looking at food, treats or supplements.
You will need to discuss with your veterinarian the standard dosage and the source of the supplement. These products are called natural because glucosamine hydrochloride is derived from shellfish and sodium chondroitin sulfate is derived from bovine cartilage.
If you are using capsules, the dosage is based on the weight of your feline. These can be given as a pill, if more convenient, or may be sprinkled on food. This may not be so easy, as felines need to find their food palatable.
They my detect a different smell or texture and refuse to eat what they deem to be tainted food. You might try mixing the supplement in wet food to try and fool your fussy feline. If none of this works, you might be better off purchasing food or treats that already have the supplement incorporated in the diet.
Read the labels to make sure the quantity of supplement is adequate to make a difference for your pet's joint health.
The sheer volume in which Cosequin for cats is marketed is overwhelming as a first time consumer. Cosequin is so common place, not only is it available from your veterinarian, but also from dozens of websites, 1-800-PETMEDS, Amazon and even Wal-Mart. Before you purchase, you need to determine the accurate dosage your feline needs.
When should you decide it is time to address your feline's joint and bone health? Signs of declining joint health can be obvious if you examine your feline's behavior and appetite.
It is up to the caregiver to notice subtle changes in their routine, as our felines are masters at hiding problems and illnesses from us. Perhaps your feline looks bored to you as he or she is just lying around. Inactivity can be a sign of join pain or loss of mobility.
Is your feline avoiding the high jumps they used to do, or perhaps avoiding jumping at all? Maybe you notice a less lively gait when they are moving about the house casually.
If you are detecting any of these signs a complete veterinary exam is needed, which will include X-rays to determent the seriousness of joint problems or even deterioration.
The reality is Cosequin is a regimen of maintenance and prevention, intended to promote good joint health. It is not a cure to avoid a serious joint surgery. If surgery is not an option because of other health issues, glucosamine may be the only treatment to attempt to strengthen the cartilage in the joints.
If your therapy is limited to natural supplements, you also need to ask yourself if your feline is weight appropriate. Perhaps a little less weight on the bothered joints may alleviate some of the pain. Here we may be discussing a diet specific for weight loss.
We need to do whatever it takes to keep our felines healthy and pain free for as long as they share their lives with us.
• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit 501(c) 3, all volunteer, no-kill animal shelter. For information, call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.