Author: Dr. Jeremy, Veterinarian and Co-Founder of Jope
As a veterinarian deeply dedicated to enhancing the lives of our canine companions, I share a common vision with Big Barker. We both aim to provide science-based solutions that improve the daily experiences of our four-legged friends, with a particular focus on joint health.
Dog beds and supplements are vital components of multimodal arthritis management. In this article, we explore the ever-evolving landscape of joint health for dogs, introducing a remarkable revolution in the field.
Why It's Vital to Prioritize Joint Health?
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of prioritizing joint health for our beloved canine companions. A recent study conducted under the vigilant watch of dedicated veterinarians uncovered a concerning truth: an astonishing 70% of dogs above the age of eight grapple with the burden of arthritis. Furthermore, a substantial 38% of all dogs above the age of one either have joint issues or are destined to encounter them in their lifetime.
It's worth noting that certain breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, Labradors, French Bulldogs, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, and Corgis, are particularly susceptible to joint problems.
We must recognize the profound pain and discomfort that arthritis and other joint issues bring into the lives of our dogs. These conditions can strip away the joy of running, playing, or even walking properly. It's not simply a matter of "because they're old." It's a matter of being in constant pain.
To maintain joint health, a multimodal approach involving various solutions is vital. One such tool, known for its low occurrence of adverse events, is using supplements.
The Most Widely Used Ingredients for Supplements Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Historically, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements have been the go-to supplements to address joint issues in dogs. This preference originated from its successful use in human applications during the 1990s.
However, recent studies, including a comprehensive review of research conducted in 2017 and another in 2022, have shed new light on these conventional supplements. One study concluded, "Although glucosamine and chondroitin have benign adverse effect profiles, the clinical benefit of using these agents remains questionable" (Bathal, 2017). Furthermore, another study stated,
"Our analyses showed a very marked non-effect of chondroitin-glucosamine nutraceuticals, which leads us to recommend that the latter products should no longer be recommended for pain management in canine and feline osteoarthritis" (Troncy, 2022).
It's important to recognize that there's inconsistency in the quality of glucosamine, largely because standardized quality guidelines do not exist. Moreover, the type of glucosamine used for dogs (glucosamine hydrochloride) differs from that intended for human consumption (Glucosamine Sulfate).
Jope with UC-II®: A True Revolution?
In 2022, Dr. Christine and I co-founded Jope, an innovative dog supplement company. Our decision was driven by insights from over 85 studies, two decades of literature, and professional experiences.
Our decision to explore alternative solutions stemmed from the realization that glucosamine often fell short and frequently proved ineffective in addressing joint issues in dogs. Dr. Christine's personal experience with her dog, Pepsi, who suffered from arthritis, marked a turning point. This led us to discover UC-II® collagen, along with complementary ingredients like curcumin and fish oils, which significantly improved Pepsi’s condition.
The selection of UC-II® collagen as the primary ingredient for Jope was not only based on our personal experience, but also rooted in its remarkable effectiveness, supported by multiple studies (Gencoglu, 2020), including some demonstrating its superior efficacy compared to glucosamine in arthritic dogs.
UC-II® has received significant support from numerous studies. In fact, new research conducted in 2022, reinforced its benefits for arthritic dogs, and it even for healthy dogs under an exercise regimen (Varney, 2022) —a groundbreaking development in the pet supplement world.
Additionally, omega-3 compounds have proven to be a key element in supporting mobility in dogs, with a 2022 review concluding that EPA and DHA (specific omega-3 components) are the most proven ingredients for joint health (Troncy, 2022).
How UC-II® Differs?
Let me demystify the magic behind UC-II®. This ingredient operates on the principle of oral tolerance, a concept unique to UC-II® in the world of supplements, and distinguishes it from glucosamine. This mode of action helps support the immune system by downregulating inflammation in the joint, limiting cartilage degradation, and promoting better joint health.
UC-II® is a patented collagen and manufactured using a cold-processed method, preserving the 3D structure identical to collagen II found in the cartilage of a dog's body, further enhancing oral tolerance. What sets it apart is its possible complementary mode of action alongside omega-3 and curcumin. Together, they create a synergy that transcends the traditional approach to joint health.
In conclusion, both Big Barker and Jope share the same vision—to provide science-backed products that genuinely improve the lives of our beloved dogs.
Like Big Barker did with the University of Pennsylvania, we are proud to announce that our first pilot study, conducted on eight dogs in a physical rehabilitation center, has already shown promising results. Moreover, we are embarking on a larger study involving 60 dogs to further validate our commitment to canine well-being.
The well-being of your furry companion's joints is worth every effort. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of our four-legged friends.
For more information on Jope, please visit here!
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