Bird Dogs - Health Matters

Joint Relief Made Easy

- Dr. Hank Clemmons

Recently a hunting buddy wrote with a question whose answer you might find helpful.

“Hi Hank,

“What is a good thing to give an older dog after a hunt to ease fatigue, pain, etc.? A single baby aspirin? Meadow is 12 now and still hunts hard, but I would like to be able to give her some sort of med aid after the hunt. Recommendations appreciated.”

This is a great question because it can be answered simply by saying, “Yes, a single baby aspirin is fine,” or it can involve a complex, multi-faceted answer.

As far as older hunting dogs go, there are several things you can combine to help them from getting stiff and achy after a hard day in the field. Giving them a daily dose of a chondroprotective agent containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate always helps, even when not hunting. High-quality, brand name products such as GLC 1000 or Cosequin provide the building blocks for thicker joint fluid, thus increasing its lubricating quality. In my opinion, the amounts of the agents that manufacturers add to dog foods aren’t enough to have any real effect. The cheaper products are typically worth what you pay for them – not much.