As a result of modern veterinary medicine and science, our dogs generally live longer. Whilst this is a VERY good thing, more old dogs does also mean that “older dog problems” are more and more common. A very frequent problem for older dogs is joint stiffness and even osteoarthritis (sometimes shortened to OA and also called DJD or Degenerative Joint Disease). It is estimated that 1 in 5 dogs will develop osteoarthritis in their life.
However, vets and specialists have been researching this problem, and new supplements are now available to help prevent and treat joint damage. A gamechanger in this field is 4Cyte, with its revolutionary new ingredient EPIITALIS. The team at Dr Carl can tell you all about 4Cyte and Epiitalis, as well as other great dog joint supplements to help you and your dog!
What is osteoarthritis?
Healthy joints are cushioned by cartilage, so joints move smoothly, easily, and without pain. This cartilage can break down for a variety of reasons, including age, “wear & tear”, disease, injury or obesity - when this happens, the movement of the joint is inflamed, without the cushioning cartilage. This condition is called Canine Osteoarthritis.
The first signs of osteoarthritis in your dog may not always be noticed because dogs are better at hiding their pain. Osteoarthritis symptoms include:
- Inability to get up, stiffness, lameness, or limping
- A lack of energy or a lack of desire to run, jump, or play
- Weight gain
- Pain when petted or touched
- An increase in irritability or behavioral changes
- Difficulty posturing to urinate or defecate, or having accidents in the house
- Loss of muscle mass over the limbs and spine
Ask your veterinarian about any of these changes, and he or she will recommend the best treatment for your dog, including joint health supplements like 4Cyte that will prevent further damage.
How does 4Cyte joint health supplement help my dog?
Based on 15 years of clinical and research studies, 4Cyte is scientifically proven to reverse or repair the pathological process responsible for joint disease. This means that, for the first time, a product can help to repair the damaged joints affected by age, injury and arthritis.
This is a big step forward in joint health for animals - in the past, vets have been limited to a focus on pain relief and symptom management. 4Cyte has been scientifically developed targeting the root cause of the ailment and not just the symptoms. The research utilised the latest molecular and cellular biology techniques.
Uniquely, 4Cyte is a joint health supplement that
- Stimulates healthy cartilage production
- Repair damaged joints
- Suppress inflammatory chemicals responsible for poor joint function and pain
4cyte is currently the only joint supplement to contain Epiitalis which is a plant seed oil, patented for its ability to regenerate chondrocyte cells for cartilage regeneration and repair, as well as having pain relieving properties. It also includes green lipped mussel, abalone and shark cartilage, all well known for their ability to improve joint health.
How does 4Cyte work? The Epiitalis in 4Cyte is an oil extracted from the seed of Biota Orientalis plants, and this oil:
- proliferates chondrocyte cells, which actively ‘tips the balance’ back in favour of the production of healthy cartilage instead of degeneration; and
- suppresses the inflammatory chemicals responsible for poor joint function and inflammation.
Epiitalis has achieved international patents for cell proliferation (in an inflamed environment - disease modifying) and anti- inflammatory properties.
You can read more about how the different ingredients each work for your dog, and which products include these ingredients in our blog article “Do Dog Joint Supplements Really Work?”
When should my dog start using 4Cyte?
The best time to give your dog joint health supplements is before they develop noticeable joint problems - prevention is far easier than cure! Your dog shouldn't wait until he shows signs of pain before taking joint health supplements!
The ideal time to start your dog taking joint health supplements is when he or she stops growing - once a dog stops growing, the body starts producing less glucosamine naturally. The joints of dogs that are particularly prone to joint disease - bulldogs, German shepherds, shih tzus, and labradors, to name a few - should be protected as early as 12 months old. Other dogs that should take preventative treatment for joint diseases are very active dogs, such as working dogs, or large dog breeds.
The 4Cyte Granule Range comprises premium daily joint supplements used to protect damaged joints, and actively maintain joint health. 4Cyte is safe to take long-term, and improves and maintains healthy joints at any stage of life. 4Cyte Granules:
Addresses symptoms such as stiffness and lack of willingness to play, jump, run.
- Boosts the body’s ability to meet performance and recuperation demands in athletic, working and high performance animals.
- Acts as a prophylaxis in large breed dogs or breeds highly susceptible to joint-related problems and disease.
Complements prescription joint pain treatments. - Targets and addresses the cause of joint disease.
What else can I do to help protect my dog’s joint health?
Besides dog joint supplements, here are some other helpful tips to keep your dog's joints healthy:
- Your vet can prescribe medication to relieve your dog's pain and improve his or her quality of life if he or she has already developed osteoarthritis. If prescription medication is needed, our sister site Petscripts can fill your dog’s prescription for these medicines (dispensed by Australian pharmacists at discounted prices)
- Maintain a healthy weight for your dog - obesity puts extra strain on their joints! You're sure to find a weight control pet food that Fido will love, such as Eukanuba Weight Control food or Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight or Light ranges
- Maintain your dog's fitness by exercising him regularly. You should consider (and let your dog tell you!) how far to walk, what kind of surfaces your arthritic dog should be on, and what movements may be painful.
