Choosing The Best Joint Supplement for a St Bernard – 6 Things You Must Know

#1: For Maximum Efficacy, Choose a Supplement for Your St Bernard with Multiple Active Ingredients

When most people think of a joint supplement for their st bernard, glucosamine comes to mind. And while glucosamine is the most popular active ingredient, other powerful nutraceuticals include MSM, chondroitin, and turmeric (curcumin). If your supplement contains only one or two of these, you may be missing potential benefits. Different dogs respond to different treatments, so when in doubt, offer a broad spectrum of nutrients.

#2: Always Check The Amount of Active Ingredients

If the quantity of active ingredients (in milligrams) is not made available, the product likely contains low levels that are unlikely to have a therapeutic effect on your st bernard’s joints. As a rule of thumb, your dog should receive 20 mg of glucosamine daily for each pound they weigh. Budget oriented joint supplements (often in the $15-20 a bottle range) often contain levels too low to make any serious impact on your dog’s joint health. In addition, dry dog food manufacturers have begun including trivial amounts of glucosamine in their products in an attempt to woo consumers. Make sure your dog receives enough to matter!

#3: Always Buy Made In USA

While you’d expect that most pet stores would have transitioned to only carrying consumable products that are made in the USA, this is simply not the case. Many budget oriented pet stores, online retailers, and grocery stores still carry inferior supplements made in factories outside the USA with far lower production standards.

#4: Decide If You Want An Arthritis Supplement with or Without Hemp for Your St Bernard

The last few years has brought about exciting advancements in the use of Hemp for dogs. Several clinical trials have shown Hemp can improve the mobility of arthritic dogs. Some brands have begun to offer their Hip & Joint supplements with Hemp or without Hemp.

#5: Results Will Vary Based on Your St Bernard’s Age and Condition

Ideally, a joint supplement regimen should begin before signs of pain are present in your st bernard. (ideally around 5 years of age, although large breeds may need earlier) In reality, however, we often don’t consider the need until signs of pain are apparent. If your dog is already showing signs of distress, a joint supplement can still offer substantial relief. However, it may take 1-2 months to show signs of improvement.

#6: Taste and Format Matters

The best joint supplement in the world is worthless if your dog refuses to eat it. The most popular formats of delivery for joint supplements are liquid, tablet chews, and soft chews, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. When it comes to palatability, soft chews and liquids tend to please the most canine palates. Because a soft chew can contain a wider variety of nutraceuticals (see item #1) it’s our preferred method.

Where Our Research Led Us (Our Preferred Joint & Joint Supplement for St Bernards)

Our research in hip & joint supplements for dogs led us to develop & recommend the Happy, Healthy line of canine joint care supplements. An added bonus of this brand is that each purchase goes towards helping provide food for animal shelters in need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Joint Supplements for St Bernards

1. What makes St Bernards more prone to joint issues?
   St Bernards are a giant breed, often weighing over 150 pounds. Their large size puts added stress on joints and connective tissues, making them more susceptible to conditions like hip dysplasia, arthritis, and osteochondrosis. Early preventive care with the right joint supplement can help reduce long-term mobility issues.

2. At what age should I start giving my St Bernard a joint supplement?
   It’s ideal to start joint supplements as early as 12 months old, especially for larger breeds like St Bernards. Starting young can help support proper cartilage development and delay the onset of degenerative joint diseases.

3. What ingredients should I look for in a joint supplement for a St Bernard?
   Look for glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), hyaluronic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids. These ingredients help support joint lubrication, reduce inflammation, and protect cartilage from wear and tear.

4. Are natural or vet-prescribed joint supplements better?
   Natural supplements with clinically backed ingredients can be very effective and are often more affordable and accessible. However, if your St Bernard already shows signs of severe joint issues, a vet-prescribed formula may offer stronger or faster relief.

5. How long does it take to see results from a joint supplement?
   Most owners report noticeable improvements in their dog’s mobility and comfort within 4 to 6 weeks of consistent use. However, results can vary based on the severity of the joint condition and the supplement’s formulation.

6. Can I give my St Bernard a human joint supplement?
   No, you should not give your St Bernard a supplement designed for humans unless explicitly approved by your veterinarian. Dogs require specific dosages and formulations, and some human ingredients may be harmful to pets.

7. Do joint supplements have any side effects for St Bernards?
   Joint supplements are generally safe, but side effects can include mild digestive upset such as gas or diarrhea, especially during the first few days. Always introduce any supplement gradually and consult your vet if side effects persist.