Category: For dogs

Posted on by

What to look for when buying pet joint supplements

pet joint supplement

With so many pet joint supplements on the market, it’s difficult to know what to look for when buying one for dogs and cats.

We’ve created this simple reference guide to help you understand what to look for when buying pet joint supplements for your four-legged friend:

Compare admin price per day – not price per capsule

On the face of it many pet joint supplements can appear good value, however many are very low in strength. It’s important to compare the milligrams (mg) strength of a product and how many mg’s each capsule/tablet delivers for the required need, as often many more capsules/tablets are required for a true comparison. By comparing the mg strength of a product and how many mg’s each capsule/tablet delivers for the admin price/day the true value of a product will be determined.

Purity of the product

Ensure products contain 100% active ingredients without any added bulking agents or fillers. You need to know exactly what a product contains. Avoid land animal sourced ingredients as they are cheap alternatives to marine or plant sourced ingredients. Always ensure ingredients are ethically sourced. Also ensure a product is made in the UK to the latest EU regulations and manufactured to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards.

Guaranteed label claim

A respectable company will guarantee their label claim by stating the percentage purity (%) of their key active ingredients so you can be assured of consistent product quality and efficacy. There are only a handful of companies who will guarantee this.

Capsules over tablets

Tablets need to be bulked out with high fat binding agents thus reducing the purity of the product. Many overweight animals require pet joint supplements therefore it is counterproductive to feed them a high fat ‘treat’. Sprinkle capsules are low in fat and are more flexible for administration, look for sprinkle capsules that contain 100% active ingredient.

Independent trial data

Beware of company funded trial data where a biased outcome is always likely to be published. Always seek independent trial data which will provide an unbiased evaluation of ingredients and benefits.

Customer AND Veterinary Practice testimonials

Whilst you would expect a number of positive reviews from pet owners, a good measure of a joint supplement’s real value is whether Veterinary Professionals also believe in the product and are prepared to put their name to it.

Exclusivity to Veterinary Practices

Your vet understands your pet’s medical history better than anyone and is able to offer their best advice and provide the most appropriate one-to-one care for your pet. They are able to recommend the best possible products for your pet’s needs while also managing your pet’s health on a regular basis.

Find out more about Nutraquin and Nutraquin+ our high strength joint supplement for pets

Posted on by

Understanding pet joint health

pet joint health

Understanding pet joint health can help to ensure your dog or cat’s mobility is managed well and they can lead a happy and healthy life.

Pet joint health can be complicated as joints are amazing pieces of biological engineering. They allow varying degrees of movement between bones in the body.

In reality, the design of joints differ in different parts of the body from the spine to the stifle (knee) or from the cranium to the carpus (wrist). The important components of a joint are given in the diagram below:

All movement in the body requires energy to produce an impulse or signal to be sent along a nerve to cause a muscle to contract. For example, for the blink of an eye or the heart to beat.

For locomotor movement, skeletal muscles have firm attachments via their tendons beyond the joints that are required to move. The joint’s direction of movement is dictated by the shapes of the bone ends that fit together and the joint is stabilised by the attachment of ligaments. Lubrication and friction free movement of the joint is essential and this is facilitated by two very important components of the joint: the articular cartilage and the synovial fluid.

Because of the complexity of joints and how easily they can be affected by every day use, it’s important to maintain them with the necessary nutrients and care to maintain their flexibility, mobility and comfort.

Supplements for pet joint health

Nutraquin+ is recommended by thousands of vets throughout the UK and Ireland. It aids and soothes stiff joints whilst promoting mobility and flexibility. It is especially useful as not only does it support joint structure and help maintain optimum joint health but it is fast acting.

If you are worried about your pet’s joint health, speak to your vet who is best placed to offer advice and monitor their joints with regular visits to the vet practice.

Posted on by

Skin and coat concerns in pets

Skin and coat concerns in pets

Skin and coat concerns in pets are a common reason for pet owners to take a dog or cat to visit the vet.

Often pet owners want to help calm the pet’s sensitive, dry flaky skin and require a product that will soothe and reduce the itching to help make their pet more comfortable. In dogs it is particularly common for Terriers, Setters, Retrievers, Spaniels and Dalmatians to visit the vet with a need to aid it.

Recognising when to visit the vets

The underlying issue often relates to some cause of scratching, itching and redness of the skin. The causes and irritation can fall into several categories and to complicate matters some pets are affected by more than one cause. These can include things such as fleas, food allergies and an acute fatty balance.

How to manage a pet’s skin and coat

Your pet’s skin and coat can often benefit from a multimodal approach combining drug, nutraceutical, nutritional and environmental changes in a customised plan for your pet.

If fleas are a problem it is vital to speak to your vet about the best flea control products to treat both your pet and your home. It is estimated that 95% of flea eggs/larvae live in the home environment particularly in bedding and flooring, so these flea stages need controlling too.

Work with your vet on a plan to reduce allergy triggers for your pet. Household dust, plant pollen, lawn chemicals and diet can all cause allergies, or can build to a crescendo of allergies if the dog’s sensitivities cross a threshold. Frequent room vacuuming, air ionisers and baths in skin-soothing herbal or medicated shampoos can also help.

If you are worried about skin and coat concerns in pets, speak to you vet who is best placed to offer advice. Ask your vet about how Nutramega can help to maintain a healthy coat and skin for your pet.

Nutramega is recommended by thousands of vets throughout the UK and Ireland and contains high quality Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, which naturally calm sensitive skin, soothe dry, flaky skin and reduce itching and scratching.

 

Posted on by

Omega-3 for dogs and cats

Omega-3 for dogs and cats

Omega-3 for dogs and cats can provide pets with itchy skin relief.

If you have an itchy pet, natural supplements with Omega-3 for dogs and cats can calm sensitive skin and help to reduce the itching and scratching.

Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that the body needs but cannot produce naturally. Supplementing your pet’s diet with Omega-3 can not only support their skin and coat health, but also maintain healthy brain function and joint health.

Often cats and dogs unwittingly receive an unnatural diet, which is too high in Omega-6 fatty acids derived from high levels of cereals and vegetable proteins. Special Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) from refined fish oil are particularly important to counteract the Omega 6 imbalance.

Sources of animal Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA include, fish, fish oils, eggs from chickens fed EPA and DHA, squid oils and krill oil. Nutravet uses highly refined Omega-3 fish oil from ocean sardines. The fish oil is put through an exclusive 6-step manufacturing process to extract the beneficial Omega-3s EPA and DHA from the oil and refining to the highest quality strength. Refining the oil also removes heavy metals and other undesirable pollutants to ensure maximum purity.

Feeding additional Omega-6 fatty acids can worsen the condition of your pet’s skin, therefore, it’s important to consider the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3. Pets need both, but in the correct proportions.

Introducing your pet to Omega-3 supplements, such as Nutramega, which contains highly refined Omega-3 fish oil from ocean sardines, are particularly important to counteract the Omega-6 imbalance and do not include any added Omega-6 fatty acids.

Nutramega provides high strength nutritional support for itchy dogs and also includes d-biotin, which synthesises fatty acids and is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat and nails. If you are looking for Omega-3 for dogs and cats then Nutramega is recommended by vets throughout the UK as a high strength nutritional support for healthy skin and glossy coat.

Posted on by

Glucosamine for dogs and cats

Glucosamine for dogs

Glucosamine for dogs and cats is a key ingredient, which can help to naturally maintain optimum joint health.

Glucosamine is naturally found within the body of animals. It is needed to produce glycosaminoglycan (a molecule used in the formation and regeneration of cartilage and other body tissues). As animals get older the production of Glucosamine slows down thus supplementing with glucosamine for dogs and cats is important to help maintain the necessary levels needed to support healthy joint function, whilst promoting mobility, flexibility and aiding stiff joints.

Glucosamine is an essential building block of many parts of a dog’s joints, including ligaments, tendons, cartilage and synovial fluid. It helps cartilage to act as a shock absorber.

Glucosamine is an amino sugar made from shellfish or prepared in a lab. There are two forms: Glucosamine Sulphate and Glucosamine Hydrochloride (HCL). Glucosamine HCL is the highest quality, purest form of Glucosamine, it is more stable and occurs naturally in every living organism. Glucosamine HCL has more pure Glucosamine per gram for aiding cartilage formation.

Glucosamine for dogs and cats

Introducing a dog joint supplement that includes pure Glucosamine HCL, such as Nutraquin+ can help to maintain and build healthy joint tissue. Glucosamine when combined with Chondroitin Sulphate – a molecule naturally present in cartilage that gives cartilage elasticity and is believed to help maintain healthy cartilage and synovial fluid viscosity – can help to give extra joint protection and is also an important building block for cartilage, as well as supporting joint structure.

If you are looking for a glucosamine supplement for dogs then Nutraquin+ is an effective fast acting joint supplement for dogs and cats. Nutraquin+ is recommended by thousands of vets throughout the UK and Ireland.

Nutraquin+ includes a combination of glucosamine for dogs and chondroitin, as well as Boswellia Extract, which helps to maintain your pet’s quality of life by maintaining optimum joint health.

Posted on by

Boswellia for dogs, cats and horses

Boswellia for dogs and cats

Boswellia for dogs and cats plays an important role in maintaining healthy joint function, which can impact a pet’s everyday life.

Boswellia has been used for thousands of years and has over 400 independent clinical studies supporting its use. It has long been recognised for its fast acting support to the natural systems that control inflammation. Boswellia trees are native to North Africa and India, the particular species Boswellia serrata only grows in mountainous forests of western and central India.

The resin that is secreted naturally to protect the Boswellia tree is tapped and purified for use in powder form. This gum tree resin consists of essential oils, gum, and terpenoids. The terpenoid portion contains the boswellic acids that have been shown to be the active constituents within Boswellia.

According to early Ayurvedic texts, Boswellia was used in a number of areas such as: joint, respiratory and digestive support. More recent clinical studies have shown the efficacy of Boswellia for many more traditional uses.

The inclusion of Boswellia in nutraceutical joint support supplements for dogs and cats such as Nutraquin+ plays an important role in maintaining smooth and comfortable joint movement. Unlike some other alternative ingredients it does not cause damage to cartilage. Its use has yielded impressive research results.

This is because Boswellia:

  • Is not reported to have side effects even with long-term administration;
  • Does not cause glycosaminoglycan degradation, stomach irritation and joint degradation;
  • Is believed to maintain a healthy level of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) activity, supporting leukotriene biosynthesis and thus helping to preserve the structural integrity of joint cartilage and maintaining a healthy immune mediator cascade.

In addition, Boswellia is believed to play a role in maintaining healthy matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, which supports connective tissue structural composition. MMPs, are a large group of (zinc dependant) enzymes which cleave the constituents of the extracellular matrix and are thought to play a role in joint destruction.

Boswellia for dogs, cats and horses

Boswellia is a key ingredient in Nutraquin+ and Nutramed which are natural joint supplements for dogs, cats and horses, which contain the necessary high quality ingredients that help to maintain healthy joint function.

Benefits of Boswellia for joints:

  • Helps to maintain smooth and comfortable joint movement.
  • Will not cause damage to cartilage.
  • No reported side effects with long-term administration.
  • Does not cause glycosaminoglycan degradation, stomach irritation and joint degradation.
  • Helps to preserve the structural integrity of joint cartilage.

 

Posted on by

Milk Thistle for dogs and cats

Milk Thistle for dogs and cats

Milk Thistle for dogs and cats is a key natural ingredient to support elderly pets due to its multi-health benefits.

Recent studies have shown to moderate the pro-inflammatory cascade as well as having a beneficial effect on aiding healthy liver function.

The liver is an important organ for pets. It has a number of important jobs to do, which include digestion and producing protein that is important for blood clotting, as well as removing toxins from their system. If a dog’s liver is not working properly, it might mean that they could benefit from extra support.

Signs that your dog may need liver support include:

  • Poor appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Increased thirst
  • Excessive drooling
  • Changes in their behaviour
  • Vomiting or diarrhoea
  • Lack of energy or depression

If your dog is showing any of these signs, it’s important to consult your vet, who will be able to offer the best advice with regards to your pet’s health needs.

The benefits of Milk Thistle for dogs, cats and horses

Milk Thistle is a plant from the daisy family. It is a bristly and prickly plant with a “milky” sap that comes out of the plant. Its leaves, fruits and seeds have been used for over 2000 years to naturally support joints, soft tissue, liver function, kidneys, and the gall bladder.

Milk Thistle contains an active ingredient called “silymarin” which is a chemical extracted from its seeds. It is an antioxidant and also supports the natural systems that control inflammation making it a useful natural ingredient for joint and liver supplements for dogs and cats. Specifically, silymarin and other related compounds stimulate new cell production, which makes Milk Thistle for dogs and cats a great and very effective herb to support healthy liver function.

Milk Thistle is one of the most effective herbs at stimulating the production and flow of bile, which helps to break down excess fat and prevents it from accumulating in the liver. Bile is also essential for the elimination of toxins in the body.

Why Nutramed is the best supplement for older dogs

Due to it’s benefits, Milk Thistle is one of the key ingredients of Nutramed as part of a combined group of natural ingredients that benefit dogs, cats and horses in need of joint, soft tissue and liver function support. If you are looking for a Milk Thistle supplement for dogs then Nutramed has been specifically formulated by vets to support an animal’s natural systems that control inflammation and provide multi-modal support for joints, soft tissues and liver function.

Nutramed is a particularly useful supplement for older dogs who need multiple health support. Increasingly, nutraceuticals are playing a beneficial multimodal role in aiding recovery, naturally. If you are looking for a natural liver supplement for dogs or cats, then Nutramed is recommended by vets throughout the UK as a triple strength formula and a natural alternative for animal healthcare.

 

Posted on by

Pine Bark Extract for dogs and cats

Pine Bark Extract for dogs and cats

Pine Bark Extract for dogs and cats is important as it supports a pet’s natural systems that control inflammation.

Pine Bark Extract for dogs and cats is a key natural supplement for elderly pets. It is made from the bark of the maritime pine tree (Pinus pinaster), which contains naturally occurring chemicals called proanthocyanidins.

It is a powerful antioxidant which also supports an animal’s natural systems that control inflammation and it is useful in supporting cats and dogs with knocks and sprains.

Pine Bark Extract is a popular nutritional supplement for pets due to its numerous health benefits and is utilised as a key ingredient in Nutramed where it is combined with Boswellia Extract and Milk Thistle extract to create a specifically formulated supplement for dogs and cats that supports an animal’s natural systems which control inflammation and provides multi-modal support for joints, soft tissues and liver function as part of a customised plan for an animal.

Some senior pets need multimodal support due to a number of health issues. Like their owners, as pets age they can develop and endure health issues, such as reduced mobility or liver health problems.

Benefits of Pine Bark Extract natural supplements

  • Antioxidant properties
  • Supports the natural systems that control inflammation
  • Aids with knocks, sprains or post operative recovery

If you’re looking for Pine Bark Extract, then Nutramed is recommended by vets throughout the UK. Nutramed is a multimodal nutritional support for joints, soft tissues and liver function for dogs, cats and horses. Nutramed has been specifically formulated by vets to support an animal’s natural systems that control inflammation and provide multimodal support.

 

Posted on by

Behavioural issues in pets

Behavioural issues in pets

Stress and anxiety can lead to behavioural issues in pets, which they can demonstrate in a variety of ways.

As an owner, it’s never nice to see your dog or cat stressed but you may notice behaviour issues in pets in certain situations which cause stress for our four-legged friends. Pets can show signs of stress and anxiety in a number of ways.

For dogs this includes trembling, whining, destruction of property and sometimes aggression. Cats may spray urine, leave widespread vertical scratch marks on walls and furniture and in severe stress situations react aggressively towards people or other household pets.

If your dog is nervous or stressed easily this can be because of a number reasons, which can make certain situations stressful for pet owners. For example changes in their normal environment or routine can be the reason for a dog or cat to become nervous or stressed.

Both dogs and cats will choose to hide in enclosed safe places like under a bed or in a den. These symptoms can be caused by a number of stress factors such as loud noises, separation anxiety, travel and other stressful situations, such as: vet visits, fireworks, new pets or moving home.

If are worried about behavioural issues in pets then Nutracalm could help. Nutracalm is our fast acting natural calming supplement for dogs & cats. Nutracalm is recommended by thousands of vets throughout the UK and Ireland to naturally calm anxious pets, without any sedative effect.

Posted on by

GABA for dogs and cats

GABA for dogs and cats

GABA for dogs and cats is important as it is an important neurotransmitter in the brain and is responsible for relaxing the nervous system.

GABA – Gamma – Aminobutyric acid is a chemical made in the brain and is one of the most important neurotransmitters in your pet’s central nervous system. It sends messages through the brain and nervous system and is involved in regulating communication between brain cells. The role of GABA is to inhibit or reduce the activity of the neurons or nerve cells.

Too much activity within the central nervous system, such as that caused by stressful events can lead to anxious behaviours. GABA tells the brain to slow down and is responsible for relaxing the nervous system and a deficiency of it may lead to anxiety and phobias. Biochemically increased stress and anxiety is associated with deregulation of specific brain neurotransmitters, such as GABA, Serotonin and Dopamine.

Benefits of GABA for pets

  • Relaxes the nervous system
  • Reduces anxiety

Although due to misuse in the human market it is not allowed in human products however GABA is well recognised as a key, safe ingredient for calming supplements for pets, due to its significant benefits to reducing anxiety in dogs and cats. Oral supplementation with a natural calming product such as Nutracalm has independent scientific evidence of improved mood outcome by helping to normalise these complex biochemical receptors in the brain. 

In calming supplements for dogs and cats, GABA is commonly teamed with other natural ingredients, such as Passiflora Incarnata, L-Theanine and L-Trytophan.

If you’re looking for a GABA supplement for dogs and cats, then Nutracalm is highly recommended by vets throughout the UK for its fast-acting calming support for pets. Nutracalm has been specifically formulated by vets to naturally calm an anxious dog, cat or horse and to help reduce unwanted or unruly behaviour. Nutracalm helps to normalise neurotransmitter activity and reduce mood swings, without sedative effect.

Posted on by

L-Theanine for dogs and cats

L-Theanine for dogs and cats

L-Theanine for dogs and cats is a key ingredient to naturally calm anxious pets.

L-Theanine is an amino acid component of Green Tea and is involved in Dopamine neurotransmitter function. It has been shown to have a calming effect in dogs and cats.

An anxious dog or cat is a common reason for pet owners to visit their vet to get advice. Stress in pets can be a familiar occurrence for many owners with a number of reasons why it happens. If you have an anxious dog or cat, they may show common signs, which include: aggression, a decreased appetite, increased vocalisation, their ears may be pulled or pinned back, and they could be trembling or shaking.

L-Theanine is a key ingredient in Nutracalm, a fast acting calming supplement for cats and dogs. It has been specifically formulated by vets to naturally calm anxious pets and to help reduce unwanted or unruly behaviour.

In pet calming supplements, L-Theanine is often teamed up with other natural ingredients such as GABA, Passiflora incarnata and L-Tryptophan to naturally calm pets.

If you’re looking for a calming supplement for dogs and cats with L-Theanine, then Nutracalm is recommended by vets throughout the UK. Nutracalm is specifically formulated to naturally calm anxious pets and help to reduce unwanted and unruly behaviour. It helps to normalise neurotransmitter activity and reduce mood swings, without a sedative effect.

Posted on by

Passiflora Incarnata for dogs and cats

Passiflora Incarnata for dogs and cats

Passiflora Incarnata for dogs and cats is important to help reduce stress and anxiety and aid relaxation in pets.

Passiflora Incarnata is commonly known as passion flower. This extract has long been known for its ability to relax and reduce tension. Biochemical studies show that natural flavonoids are a key active ingredient and that Passiflora strengthens the effectiveness of GABA brain receptors which aids relaxation.

In pet calming supplements, Passiflora Incarnata is often teamed up with other natural ingredients such as GABA, and L-Tryptophan to naturally calm pets.

An anxious dog or cat is a common reason for pet owners to visit their vet to get advice. Stress in pets can be a familiar occurrence for many owners with a number of reasons why it happens.

If you have an anxious dog or cat, they may show common signs, which include: aggression, a decreased appetite, increased vocalisation, their ears may be pulled or pinned back, and they could be trembling or shaking.

Passiflora Incarnata is a key ingredient in Nutracalm, a fast acting calming supplement for cats and dogs. It has been specifically formulated by vets to naturally calm anxious pets and to help reduce unwanted or unruly behaviour.

If you’re looking for Passiflora Incarnata for dogs and cats, then Nutracalm is recommended by vets throughout the UK as a natural pet calming supplement.