Extend Joint Care for Dogs Review : We Asked A Vet

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extend joint care for dogs

Did you know that 80% of dogs over the age of eight have arthritis? As a vet, I feel it’s my responsibility to address this with owners of senior pets. But it’s often difficult to make them understand that their healthy golden oldie might have something wrong with them.

As a result, I am usually met with resistance at the suggestion of medications but some openness towards starting supplements. There are so many supplements on the market, and I usually like to lay out the facts and let the owners decide on one, but today we are going to specifically look at Extend Joint Care for Dogs, and how it might help your dog.

Table Of Contents

Our Rating:

4.6/5

Price Range: $$

Extend Joint Care for Dogs is a product produced by a company called Extend™ Pet Health. Initially established in 2012 by a group of pet owners, they have now developed into a trustworthy company, producing natural, quality pet nutritional products.

Extend Joint Care for Dogs was first formulated in 2014, with an extremely positive response from customers. It is now their main product that they sell.

Extend Joint Care for Dogs has been formulated to relieve joint pain and boost mobility for every age, size or breed of dog. ExtendTM Pet Health promises it will help your dog live a longer, happier life.

Extend Joint Care Natural Glucosamine with MSM for Dogs

What We Like About It

What We Don't Like

Extend Joint Care for Dogs is a joint supplement formula containing glucosamine, MSM and ascorbic acid. It comes as a powder which you sprinkle over your dog’s food, for ease of administration. You can also mix it with some water to form a gravy.

The main ingredient is beef liver powder, which ensures it tastes delicious to its consumers. All the ingredients are 100% natural and safe for your dog, and the product is manufactured in a GMP, NPA and NSF certified, so you can ensure you are getting good quality.

Extend markets this joint supplement to support health joint function and connective tissue, as well as help with joint pain after diagnosis from a veterinarian.

So, what are the key features about Extend Joint Care for Dogs that sets it out from other joint supplements on the market? Here we will breakdown how the ingredients, benefits, and added extras set this product apart from the rest.

Glucosamine Hydrochloride:

Glucosamine provides a precursor for components which make up cartilage itself. Therefore, it can aid towards building up cartilage itself, thereby improving the gliding motion and shock absorbing ability of the joint. This then leads to improved mobility, range of motion and comfort of the joint.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane):

MSM lacks many scientific studies proving its use, but the few which have been published have been extremely positive indeed. MSM can decrease inflammation, improve energy levels, boost immunity and combat stress.

It is naturally found in green vegetables. The active component of MSM is the sulfur, which not only contributes to the previously listed benefits, but also helps to boost collagen production; a vital component of joint cartilage. Sulfur has also been shown to help reduce fluid build-up, which can be present when there are areas of swelling.

Type II Chicken Collagen:

This particular type of collagen is a natural product with many benefits. It is a natural source of chondroitin and hyaluronic acid, which promotes cartilage regeneration, and a thick, lubricating joint fluid. It helps improve the cartilage by retaining fluid in the connective tissue. Other than these benefits for joints, Type II Chicken Collagen can support the digestive system and boost the immune system.

Ascorbic Acid:

This is an ingredient which many joint supplements do not contain. It helps to increase the production of glycosaminoglycans; the building blocks of cartilage, which in turn helps improve the cartilage and gliding action of the joint.

What's the best way to give it to my dog?

Extend Joint Care for Dogs is a powder which comes in sachets. It can be sprinkled over your dog’s food once daily, or mixed with water to create a meaty gravy. It is one sachet per dog per day, however if you have a teacup sized dog, then they may only need half a sachet, or if you have a giant dog, they may need more than one sachet.
The good news is that the product is extremely safe. Whilst there have been no reported side effects for Extend Joint Care for Dogs itself, there have been some reports of side effects for glucosamine alone. These include stomach upsets or increased frequency of urination. In addition, since glucosamine partly contains a sugar, some veterinarians are hesitant to give it to diabetic animals, however there is very little proof that this will affect their ability to regulate their blood sugar levels, especially if it is given at a meal time.
Not sold? Well fear not. There are also other products on the market which you can consider too. Here are three other alternatives:

Zesty Paws Multivitamin for Dogs

Our Rating:

4.7/5

Price Range: $$

Zesty Paws are chewable bites for dogs in chicken or peanut butter flavor. They are packed full of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to help the skin, coat, joints, digestive system and heart.

The ingredients include Cod Liver Fish Oil, vitamin E/C/A, OptiMSM, glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, digestive enzymes and CoQ10. As a result, it is a comprehensive health supplement for dogs.

Extend Joint Care Vs. Zesty Paws

K9 Care Labs Glucosamine for Dogs

Our Rating:

4.7/5

Price Range: $$

K9 Care is a product specific for joint issues, which is new and improved. It comes in the form of a palatable bacon flavored tablet; which dogs eat like treats. It is made in the USA in an FDA approved facility.

The main ingredients are glucosamine, chondroitin and vitamin C to improve both joint health and boost the immune system.

Extend Joint Care Vs. K9 Care Labs

TerraMax Pro Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs

Our Rating:

4.4/5

Price Range: $$

Terramax is a veterinarian recommended joint supplement, which comes as a liquid that can be poured over your dog’s food. It contains glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate and OptiMSM for increased mobility.

The manufacturers are so positive about this product that they offer a money back guarantee if you are not 100% satisfied. It is manufactured in the USE with pure and safe ingredients.

Extend Joint Care VS. TerraMax Pro

Why would you buy a joint supplement?

Joint supplements are wonderful additives into your dog’s diet for many different reasons. As the name suggests, these joint supplements help care for your dog’s joints. But why would your dog need added extra help to keep their joints healthy? In the next section, we will look at when dogs require joint supplements, and these are usually cases when the joints are either being put through increased stress or the joint cartilage has become damaged.

The joint is made up of several components; the most important of which are the joint capsule, which contains the blood vessels which provide nutrients to the joint, the articular cartilage, the subchondral bone underneath the cartilage, and the synovial joint fluid. When a joint is sore or inflamed, the joint capsule doesn’t deliver as many nutrients to the joint, the joint fluid becomes thin and no longer acts as a good lubricant, and the cartilage and subchondral bone lose their ability to deal with concussive forces.

Therefore, if your dog either has joint problems, or is at a higher risk for joint problems, then a joint supplement will help maintain healthy joints through providing precursors for cartilage production, decreasing inflammation and improving the viscosity of the joint fluid.

When Do Dogs Require Joint Supplements?

There are many different scenarios where a dog will benefit from joint supplements, some of which are listed below:

Arthritis

Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis, is a whole joint disease. It is when the joint begins to degenerate, and becomes extremely sore. The cartilage breaks down, and no longer provides a smooth gliding surface, and the joint fluid becomes thin and low in volume. As a result, the joint grates as it moves, causing considerable pain.

Arthritis does not simply happen in a healthy joint. The joint must either be unhealthy due to a poor conformation, dysplasia or trauma, or it must be subjected to repeat abnormal forces, for example sporting dogs. Therefore, there are lots of opportunities to act early to improve the health of the joint, if you know that your dog is at an increased risk of arthritis.

Once your dog has arthritis, joint supplements will help rebuild some of the damaged cartilage, and stop it degrading further, as well as improve the quality of the joint fluid. That way, the joint will glide more smoothly, which reduces pain and improves function.

Joint dysplasia

Hip and elbows are most commonly affected by joint dysplasia. When a dog has hip dysplasia, the head of the femur does not match the shape of the socket of the pelvis. As a result, the joint can become unstable and be subjected to abnormal forces. As earlier mentioned, this can then lead to arthritis.

Elbow dysplasia is a little different. When a dog has elbow dysplasia, it is usually because there is part of the joint which is meant to be stable has not fused properly. This means it moves around in the joint, and causes considerable pain and also leads to early onset arthritis if not surgically stabilized.

In both cases, joint supplements can slow down the progression of arthritis which otherwise will start early in life.

Large breed dog

Large breed dogs are susceptible to joint problems for two reasons. Firstly, large breed dogs are generally congenitally more prone to develop joint dysplasia. But even if they are lucky enough to have perfect joints, the increased gravitational weight on the joints over time will cause them to have to have excess strain on them over a lifetime.

Certain pure breed dogs

Some pure breed dogs are more likely to develop hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, a luxating patella or osteoarthritis. All of these eventually lead to joint degradation. As we’ve already mentioned, large breed dogs are more prone to joint dysplasia. In particular, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Great Danes and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are most prone to joint dysplasia and subsequent osteoarthritis.

On the other hand, small terrier breeds, such as Jack Russells, Yorkshire Terriers and Miniature Schnauzers are more likely to develop luxating patellae, which can lead to osteoarthritis of the stifle.

Injuries

When a joint is injured, the inflammation can set of a degrading cycle, causing the joint to have altered blood flow to it. As a result, the cartilage and the joint fluid suffer. In addition, weight is often shifted off of where it hurts, over to the other side, resulting in the contralateral joints to bear more weight and strain.

Certain medical conditions

Some medical conditions can cause insults to the joints. For examples Lyme Disease, joint infections, Leishmaniasis and Rheumatoid arthritis, all cause inflammation of the joints.
There are so many joint supplements out on the market, it may seem overwhelming to choose one. But here are some things to look out for to help you choose the best.
So, you’ve now searched around, and chosen a few joint supplements which you think you might want to try out on your dog, but you still aren’t completely sure how to make your final decision. Here are five tips to know before buying:

Conclusion

Now that you have learnt all about using joint supplements for joint issues, and specifically Extend Joint Care for Dogs, I’m sure you’re starting to contemplate starting your furry friend on something. Well, if he’s suffering from arthritis, joint dysplasia, an injury, or is simply a large or active dog, you have nothing to lose by trying out this supplement.

Extend Joint Care for Dogs is a great fit to solve your dog’s joint problems because it is highly regarded, has excellent quality ingredients, and according to thousands of consumers, it works!

The Woof On The Street
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Share your experience with the products mentioned throughout this review in the comments below or Feel free to share your own product recommendations as well.
Photo of author
Jo is a graduate of the Royal Veterinary College, London. She has a Masters degree in Tropical Animal Health and has spent most of her career working in mixed veterinary practice. Recently, she has become involved in one of the UK’s fastest-growing veterinary telemedicine services for dogs and cats. She is a published author of several books and enjoys working as a freelance veterinary writer around her clinical work. Some of her most well-known work includes books, ‘Tales from a Young Vet’, ‘Tales from a Wild Vet’, and ‘The Complete Guide to…’ dog breed series. She has a strong interest in canine pain management and rehabilitation, as well as global veterinary medicine and welfare. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her horse and her family. She has two dogs, a slightly nutty Springer Spaniel and a loving little Yorkshire Terrier.

6 thoughts on “Extend Joint Care for Dogs Review : We Asked A Vet”

  1. Would this supplement help with reoccurring iliopsoas strain? Also an old biceps tendon injury. She is hard on her body!

    Reply
  2. Hello I just received my Extend today and I was wondering if its safe for a dog with wheat allergy. My vet is on holidays for a month it contains Silica and Maltpdextron which is a corn wheat starch and she has a wheat allergy.
    She’s also on ZD dog food for her skin and allergies. Thank you
    My email is

    Reply
    • Hi Darlene,

      Maltodextrin is produced from a range of products including corn, rice and wheat. The parent grain/vegetable undergoes extensive processing to produce this carbohydrate and in the case of wheat the gluten is removed.

      The FDA has approved the use of maltodextrin in dog food and supplements.

      Maltodextrin is classified as a GRAS (generally regarded as safe) product. Your vet is best placed to advise about your pet’s specific allergy and this response shouldn’t be construed as directly specific veterinary advice.

      Reply
  3. Good Morning Thank you so much for getting back to me. I really appreciate it also it contains .flavor like in energy drinks a sugar (maltodextrix) I dont like that is this a natural sugar. And what about Silica is a sweetner.
    But I do thank you for replying.

    Reply

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