As a dog ages (and people too!) cartilage can become dryer, thinner, & less effective at cushioning the bones at the joint and contributing to arthritis. Joint issues happen when wear and tear on joints are happening faster than a dog's body can replenish joint nutrition. Think of it like the joint is hungry but can't feed itself enough to keep it fueled & build healthy cartilage.

Joint health and mobility are all about healthy cartilage. Cartilage is a spongy, watery cushiony pad where the shoulder, hip, knee, elbow, wrist & other bones come together. It forms a pillow of thick liquid between the bones that absorbs the force of vibrations & impact during movement. It's like a shock absorber that prevents things from rattling! 

When cartilage becomes thin or weak, bone rubs against bone, inflaming surrounding nerves and the bone itself, resulting in pain & reduced mobility. Inflammation releases enzymes that further break down cartilage and the gooey fluid that lubricates joints. It's a vicious cycle and can make a dog vulnerable to injury. 

Cartilage and joint tissue do not have their own blood supply - joint movement pumps in nutrients, in liquid form, to nourish joint tissue. When a dog’s mobility decreases with age, arthritis, or injury, the joints receive less of the nourishing building blocks of joint tissue. This creates a negative feedback loop that leads to further joint degradation.

Cartilage is dynamic and is constantly renewing itself. That's why good nourishment and supplementation for cartilage tissue is important at all ages, not just once your dog shows symptoms of joint pain, inflammation, and arthritis.

 

WagWorthy Advanced Formula Hip + Joint Ingredients:

 

WagWorthy Naturals Hip + Joint formula   is packed with chondroprotectives and antioxidants that nourish, support, and build healthy joint tissue and reduce inflammation.  Chondroprotectives (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and Hyaluronic Acid) work to make joints healthier rather than just mask symptoms. They do this by promoting the formation of healthy cartilage and joint fluid and inhibiting cartilage degrading enzymes (found when there is inflammation). Antioxidants (Vitamin C, Tart Cherry, Vitamin E) inhibit free radical damage to cartilage by inhibiting degradative enzymes.

Glucosamine: 

• -Building block of the cartilage matrix. Stimulates growth of cartilage cells.     
• -Adding a glucosamine supplement can repair damaged cartilage and tissues. 

Chondroitin: 

• -Inhibits cartilage-destroying white blood cells (found when there is inflammation).
• -Helps the body absorb nutrients into the cartilage and stimulates cartilage synthesis.
• -Building block of the cartilage matrix.

MSM:

• -Improves immune function
• -Lowers joint inflammation
• -Helps restores collagen
• -A natural and effective anti-inflammatory.

Hyaluronic acid:

• -Naturally occurring in joint fluid. Provides lubrication and shock absorption for joints. 
• -Aging, arthritis, and degenerative joint disease decrease the natural concentrations of Hyaluronic acid, contributing to pain and decreased mobility.

Vitamin C:

Dogs naturally produce vitamin C but as they age, are sick or stressed, they can rapidly deplete vitamin C levels. Dogs supplemented with vitamin C show greater resistance to disease and a better ability to recover from injuries or illness. Vitamin C improves immune function by enhancing white blood cell function and activity. It also increases the blood levels of interferon (the body’s natural antiviral and anticancer compound) and antibodies (proteins that bind to and destroy foreign material such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins). It’s a powerful antioxidant.

Vitamin C inhibits tissue and collagen degeneration by working in conjunction with the other vitamins and minerals that protect the body and its systems. Due to its important role in maintaining the health of collagen, it is especially helpful for slowing (and some say, reversing) degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia, and spinal disorders. It stimulates chondrocytes, the cells that produce and maintain the cartilage matrix.

As dogs get older they become less proficient at producing their own supply of vitamin C, and more in need of antioxidants. Administering vitamin C to even very old and feeble dogs can reinvigorate and strengthen them.

Tart Cherry:

Fights inflammation, oxidative stress, and arthritis pain. It’s high in anthocyanins. These are plant pigments that have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Anthocyanins (found in red and purple fruits) help the body recover more quickly from muscle pain and stiffness after exercise or injury and reduce joint tenderness, inflammation, and benefit heart health. They strengthen the integrity of cell membranes and help promote the integrity of healthy cartilage cells. Evidence suggests they may help protect against cancer and heart disease.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps repair damaged cells.

Unfortunately once a dog starts showing signs of joint disease some inherent damage has already happened. Once cartilage becomes damaged it becomes drier, thinner, and less effective at cushioning the bones in the joint.

Fortunately the unique ingredients in WagWorthy Naturals Advanced formula Hip + Joint revitalize, repair, and strengthen joint tissue and can help your dog stay healthy and mobile as they age.​