Managing Joint Conditions With Diet

Axl eats Hill's J/D to ensure that he can continue running with Dr Suné for many years to come.

When a pet is suffering from joint disease, it is best to take a holistic approach in managing the condition.

This means that it is best not to rely solely on medication, but also to incorporate nutrition, exercise, rehabilitation and/or supplementation.

By taking a holistic approach, we can reduce, delay or even eliminate the need for medication, especially in mild or early cases of joint disease.

There are a few excellent joint-specific diets on the market, including Royal Canin Mobility C2P. There are also several variations of Hill's J/D, including versions that are suitable for weight loss and concurrent kidney disease.

I have personally seen the positive effect that joint-specific diets can have on pets. My own German Shepherd was on Hill's J/D for years. Even dad noticed when we stopped feeding it for whatever reason, so noticeable was the change in our dog's mobility.

Each pet's needs are unique. It is important to talk to your veterinarian about which therapeutic options are suitable for your pet. Some joint supplements, for instance, are contra-indicated for pets with intervertebral disc disease, some forms of exercise can be risky for dogs with joint disease, and some dogs have concurrent diseases that should take preference when making dietary choices.

Examples of therapeutic joint diets.