Understanding Pet Joint Health

A longer leap off the dock

A stronger spring onto the couch

A confident climb up the cat tree

Understanding how your pet’s joints work will help you understand the value of a quality, vet-recommended joint supplement like GlycoFlex®.

A joint is the cushion between bones that allows the body to move naturally and comfortably. Some are mobile, while others are fixed—but all play an important role in your pet’s body. Cartilage is the major connective tissue which caps the end of the bones around each joint, and which acts as the principal shock absorber between bones during everyday activities.

Cartilage is made up of four major components:

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• Collagen
• Proteoglycans
• Chondrocytes (cartilage cells)
• Water 

Healthy joint cartilage requires a steady supply of key nutrients, like glucosamine, chondroitin sulfates, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). These nutrients are transported to the joint via synovial fluid, a viscous liquid that surrounds the joint and is responsible for joint flexibility, cushioning, and resiliency.

The two major components of synovial fluid—chondroitin and hyaluronic acid—are both found in Perna canaliculus. More commonly known as green-lipped mussel, Perna is a major ingredient in our GlycoFlex® product line!

As our pets age, normal production of these important nutrients may decrease. Supplementing with a complete joint support product like GlycoFlex® may be the answer! GlycoFlex® contains many of the essential nutrients required for healthy joint function, and can keep your pet moving more comfortably for years to come.

Many people assume that joint problems only affect dogs and cats in their senior years. However, there are a number of factors that may affect your pet’s joints, including:  
Injury

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• Obesity
• Chronic stress
• Poor diet or nutrition
• Breed predisposition
• The aging process 

If your pet checks multiple boxes in the list above, they may be at risk of developing hip or joint problems long before they hit their senior stage of life. Most of these factors cause inflammation, and chronic inflammation can cause damage to all the parts of the joint—including cartilage, bones, tendons, and ligaments.

The inflammatory response can lead to loss of cartilage, which also means a loss of synovial fluid and a loss of those important nutrients, like glucosamine and MSM. After a period of chronic inflammation, the body is less efficient in producing the appropriate amount of nutrients to support the health of the joint. An unhealthy, weak joint can lead to reduced muscle strength, increased inflammation (a vicious cycle), pain and discomfort, and an overall poorer quality of life for the pet.

Supplementing with an effective, clinically proven, vet-recommended joint supplement can help your dog or cat stay limber, mobile, and comfortable for longer!