What makes Healthy Hips different from other hip and joint supplements out there?

We took a unique approach when creating Bernie’s Healthy Hips. We started with a clean slate, without any preconceived notions of what should be in it based on the other products on the market. Instead, we spent over a year analyzing 150+ ingredients to identify the most effective active ingredients backed by scientific evidence to build Bernie’s custom formula.

In addition to researching new ingredients, we also dug into the science behind the most common ingredients in joint supplements to make sure that current research supports their inclusion in our recipe. There were many popular, recognizable ingredients that we chose to exclude if we could not verify that the amount, form, or sourcing was verifiably indicated to make a positive difference for dogs.

We studied numerous peer-reviewed scientific papers to understand the major factors that cause treatable hip and joint issues. One of the root causes is inflammation, which occurs naturally as dogs age and is the body’s defense against infections, disease, and structural damage. Addressing this chronic inflammation is key to improving all functions within the body, including the gut, immune system, heart, and brain.

Bernie’s Healthy Hips is specifically formulated to first address inflammation, which is the body’s natural barrier to healing. This sets our product apart from other hip and joint formulas that may not address inflammation as effectively or at all. Our unique approach to whole-body health and commitment to scientific evidence sets Bernie’s Healthy Hips apart from other canine joint supplements.

How do I give these to my dog?

Healthy Hips can be combined with meals or given as a treat anytime.

How many are okay to eat per day?

Dosage instructions vary by the weight of your dog. Here is a quick list of weights and the recommended number of chews per day:

• Up to 25 lbs: 1 chew
• 26-50 lbs: 2 chews
• 51-75 lbs: 3 chews
• 76+ lbs: 4 chews

At what age can dogs benefit from Healthy Hips?

Dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds can enjoy Bernie’s Healthy Hips. There’s no specific age threshold when it comes to introducing Bernie’s into your dog’s routine. Instead, it’s about recognizing that joint health is a lifelong journey, and Bernie’s Best is here to support your furry friend every step of the way. Whether your dog is a sprightly pup, a vibrant adult, or a wise elder, Healthy Hips offers a holistic approach to joint care that transcends age, size, and breed. So, regardless of where your canine companion is on their life’s journey, consider making Bernie’s Healthy Hips a part of their wellness regimen for years of active and joyful living.

We always recommend double-checking with your vet to determine whether any of our products is the right fit for your pup.

Nutrition

Ensuring good joint health in dogs requires proper nutrition, which serves as the cornerstone of their overall well-being.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in safeguarding the joint health of dogs comprehensively. A balanced diet, abundant in easily absorbable nutrients, helps maintain the integrity of their joints, reduces the risk of joint injuries, and can provide relief for dogs already experiencing joint issues. It’s a combination of preventive measures and treatment that promotes mobility and comfort for our furry companions.

We Suggest

• Integrate fresh food into your dog’s diet to provide them with the optimal nutritional foundation for digestion and vitality. Many commercial dog diets are dry and heavily processed, whereas whole foods offer natural nutrients that are essential for their health. These whole foods contain vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants that are often more bioavailable and effective in their natural form compared to processed diets. Various options, such as fresh, frozen, gently cooked, freeze-dried, or dehydrated diets, can be used as treats, meal toppers, or as the primary component of your dog’s diet.
• Opt for raw, freeze-dried, dehydrated, or other minimally processed treats. These options are highly digestible and contain fewer unnecessary additives.

Supplementation

Supplements play a role in joint health by bridging nutritional gaps and providing essential nutrients to support your dog’s joint health.

Healthy Hips, our comprehensive joint supplement, is specifically formulated with 16 active ingredients known for their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These ingredients work synergistically to support healthy joints and aid in the natural healing process.

While Healthy Hips is designed to provide comprehensive support, there are additional supplements that can complement its benefits:

• Boost Omega-3 Intake: Although Bernie’s is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, studies suggest that additional supplementation can further benefit joint health. Consider adding an extra Omega-3 supplement to your dog’s routine.
• Harness the Power of Bone Broth: Bone broth is a nutrient-rich liquid made by simmering bones that contains collagen, amino acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and minerals. These components contribute to the rebuilding and repair of joint cartilage. Incorporating bone broth into your dog’s diet can provide valuable joint-supporting nutrients.
• Promote Digestive Health with Perfect Poop: Optimal digestion is essential for the absorption of vital nutrients and reducing overall inflammation in the body, including the joints.

Supplemental Antioxidants

Oxidation and inflammation are interconnected processes that significantly impact joint health. Antioxidants, whether obtained through supplements or foods, play a crucial role in combating oxidative stress.

Oxidation occurs when unstable molecules called Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) damage cells, proteins, and DNA. This damage triggers an immune response, leading to inflammation. In the context of joint health, oxidative stress can affect joint tissues, including the cartilage.

As dogs age, their natural antioxidant defenses decline, resulting in increased oxidative stress and tissue damage. By incorporating a wide range of natural antioxidants into their diet, you can support your dog’s defense system against ROS and reduce oxidative stress.

The cycle of oxidation and inflammation can perpetuate joint deterioration, particularly in dogs with conditions like arthritis. Antioxidants, such as those found in Healthy Hips, neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and its subsequent inflammatory response.

Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural immune response to injury or infection. However, if not properly managed, it can cause more harm than good, leading to joint damage. If your dog is experiencing chronic inflammation, there are several steps you can take to provide relief.

• Incorporate Anti-inflammatory Supplements: Healthy Hips is formulated with ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory properties, aiding your dog’s fight against inflammation.
• Optimize Digestive Health: Perfect Poop contains ingredients that address gut inflammation, which can contribute to inflammation in other body systems.
• Evaluate Your Dog’s Diet: Consider reducing foods known to cause inflammation while introducing those that combat it.
• Observe Other Signs: Keep an eye out for symptoms such as poor dental health, as gum infections can increase pro-inflammatory molecules in the body.
• Monitor Skin and Ears: Watch for signs of rash, swelling, or infection, as they may indicate inflammation. Work with your dog’s healthcare team to address these issues proactively, as they could be linked to dietary inflammation or require individual treatment.

Remember, every effort counts in reducing inflammation. The body’s processes are interconnected, and small changes can make a big difference.

Understanding Inflammation

When a dog’s joint is damaged due to injury, arthritis, or wear and tear, the body triggers an inflammatory response.

Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism. When you’re injured, the affected area becomes red and swollen as beneficial white blood cells rush in to fight infection and promote healing. Similarly, other parts of the body respond to viruses or infections by triggering the same inflammatory process.

During inflammation, chemicals are released from the body’s white blood cells to protect against foreign substances. However, this response can result in joint swelling, redness, and pain, as increased blood flow and immune cell accumulation in the joint area lead to these symptoms.

Apart from joint injuries, dogs can experience inflammation from various sources, including dietary imbalances, obesity, pathogens, chronic diseases like arthritis, or ongoing dental infections. Environmental factors, such as allergen exposure, can also trigger inflammatory responses. While inflammation is a natural response to injury or illness, it can become problematic if it persists.

The Connection to Digestive Health

Your dog’s digestive health is an important indicator of inflammation they may be experiencing. Reducing inflammation through dietary adjustments significantly contributes to their overall well-being and mobility. Look for signs of good gut health, such as vitality, mood, well-formed stools, healthy skin, and a lustrous coat. These indicators suggest effective nutrient absorption, supporting joint health. A healthy gut ensures proper nutrient absorption, providing key elements to maintain healthy connective tissues and bones.

Conversely, an unhealthy gut struggling with inflammation can contribute to systemic inflammation throughout the body. Chronic gut inflammation can increase pro-inflammatory molecules, exacerbating joint inflammation. Therefore, it is crucial to minimize inflammation by avoiding foods that trigger such responses in your dog.

Exercise

Regular exercise is vital for maintaining the joint health of dogs. Without sufficient movement, the joints can become compromised. It is crucial to find ways to encourage your dog to stay active.

• Physical activity promotes the production and circulation of synovial fluid, which serves as a natural lubricant for the joints. This lubrication helps reduce friction and wear in the joint area, thus supporting joint health and mobility.
• Exercise facilitates the pumping of essential nutrients into the joint structures. Increased blood flow during physical activity ensures that nutrients and oxygen are effectively delivered to the joint tissues, nourishing and aiding in repair.
• From a mental perspective, dogs rely on appropriate exercise to stay happy and healthy. Engaging in play and exercise provides them with mental stimulation and contributes to their overall well-being.

Ideas for Exercise

• Keep your dog moving and encourage playtime! Regular strolls, interactive toys, and opportunities for socializing with other dogs are great outlets for exercise. Involving them in outdoor adventures whenever possible is great for both their body and their mind.
• Proactive strength conditioning is beneficial for dogs of all ages. Specific exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around the joints can improve mobility, enhance spatial awareness, and reduce the risk of injury. Utilizing balance discs and other fitness tools often specifically designed for dogs not only strengthens muscles but also enhances overall stability, safeguarding the joints.
• Swimming can be an excellent form of exercise for dogs that enjoy water, particularly those with existing joint issues. It is a low-impact activity that does not exert excessive stress on the joints, making it ideal for maintaining fitness without compromising joint health. This is particularly advantageous for older dogs or those in the process of recovering from an injury.

Exercise Considerations

• Tailor exercise to age and condition: While exercise is crucial for a dog’s well-being, it should be appropriate for their age, condition, and physical capabilities. Balancing the type and intensity of exercise with their individual needs is key to ensuring lifelong joint health.
• Gradual recovery from injury: When reintroducing exercise after an injury, it is essential to do so gradually and under the guidance of a veterinarian or physical therapist. Incorporating light conditioning and low-impact exercise during the recovery process can stimulate circulation and promote healing. This approach not only aids in the recovery of the affected area but also adds functional and stabilizing strength, helping to prevent future injuries.
• Caution with high-impact activities: Certain types of exercise should be approached with caution. Tailor exercises to suit the dog’s age and physical condition. Activities that involve intense fetching or high-impact movements with sudden starts, stops, and sharp turns can stress the joints unnecessarily. Unnatural or repetitive movements can lead to joint wear and tear or injuries.
• Growing puppies: For puppies with developing joints, exercise should be introduced gradually in short sessions. Overexertion can be harmful as their skeletal system is still forming. Balancing their need for physical activity with ensuring long-term joint success is vital.

Weight Management

Maintaining an optimal weight is vital for the well-being of your dog’s joints.

• Carrying excess pounds places extra strain on a dog’s joints, potentially exacerbating joint issues like osteoarthritis. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can ensure that the joints are not overloaded. When a dog is overweight, the additional pressure on their joints can result in discomfort, rigidity, and reduced mobility.
• A dog that maintains an ideal weight is more likely to remain active and agile, promoting better circulation and overall joint health.
• Obesity significantly contributes to pro-inflammatory processes in dogs, impairing their ability to combat chronic inflammation effectively.

Grooming (Nails & Coat)

Maintaining your dog’s nails is a crucial yet often disregarded aspect of promoting healthy joints. The toes serve as the foundation of their legs, absorbing the impact with each step they take.

Proper nail maintenance ensures optimal foot anatomy, balance, and impact distribution. Neglecting nail trimming can result in reduced traction, uneven weight distribution, and added strain on your dog’s joints, affecting their natural gait.

When a dog constantly walks on overgrown nails, it alters the alignment of their toe joints, potentially causing discomfort or pain in the carpal joints (similar to our wrists). Over time, this misalignment can extend to impact the elbow and shoulder joints due to the altered walking pattern.

By ensuring your dog’s comfort on their feet, you enhance their activity levels, which in turn promotes healthy joint function and muscle strength throughout their legs. Regularly checking and maintaining nail length is crucial to prevent discomfort and potential joint health issues.

Grooming for a Healthy Coat

The condition of your dog’s hair and coat also plays a role in their joint health. For breeds prone to matting, pay close attention to areas like their armpits, where hair can become compacted, limiting their movement. If your dog has a thick undercoat, proper grooming is essential to ensure comfort and unrestricted range of motion. It is vital to ensure that your dog’s hair condition does not hinder their joint mobility for optimal joint health and overall comfort.

Safe Environment

Assess and modify your dog’s surroundings to prevent joint injuries and enhance their overall comfort.

• Evaluate exercise surfaces to minimize the risk of slips and unnecessary strain on their joints. Keep an eye out for any potential hazards, such as uneven terrain, slippery leaves, or muddy patches while exercising outdoors.
• Improve traction on smooth floors within your home by strategically placing rugs or mats. This simple addition can significantly reduce the chances of accidents and joint injuries caused by slipping. For elevated surfaces like beds, couches, or cars, consider providing ramps or stairs to assist your dog in avoiding strenuous jumps that may negatively impact their joints, especially if they are older or have existing injuries.
• Offer a range of comfortable bedding options so that your dog can choose the surface that best supports their needs at a given time.

Rest & Rehabilitation

Rest plays a crucial role in maintaining the joint health of dogs, particularly after physical activity or when recuperating from an injury. Pet parents should keep an eye out for signs of fatigue, especially in high-energy breeds that may not naturally slow down when tired. Allowing ample recovery time between active sessions is essential in preventing strain on the joints.

Following veterinary or physical therapy guidance is vital during the rehabilitation of joint-related injuries. This often involves implementing crate rest and controlled leash walking. Crate rest restricts a dog’s movement, safeguarding injured joints, while leash walking facilitates gentle exercise to avoid overexertion. Striking the right balance is critical for healing and preserving muscle strength without adding unnecessary stress to the joints.

Sufficient rest forms a fundamental component in the maintenance and enhancement of dogs’ joint health. It prevents excessive exertion, aids in the recovery process following an injury, and ensures the overall well-being of the joints. Dog owners should remain mindful of their pets’ activity levels and ensure they receive adequate rest, especially during periods of recuperation.

Careful Use of Pain Medications

When it comes to managing joint pain in dogs, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to discuss pain medication options. While pharmaceuticals can provide relief from symptoms, it is important to understand that they do not address the underlying cause of joint pain. Taking a collaborative approach with your vet to identify and manage the root cause of your dog’s joint issues is crucial.

• While pain medications can enhance a dog’s comfort, it is essential to be aware that they can also mask pain, potentially leading to further injury if the dog remains overly active.
• Prolonged usage of medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can have associated side effects.

It is crucial to carefully weigh the benefits against the risks and acknowledge that each dog is unique. Some dogs may require pain medication to maintain a good quality of life, while for others, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits. Customizing the treatment plan to address your dog’s specific needs and closely monitoring their response to the medication on an ongoing basis are key factors in ensuring their overall well-being.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on a dog’s body. This ancient practice aims to stimulate and balance the flow of energy, promoting overall well-being.

One of the potential benefits of acupuncture is its anti-inflammatory effects. Acupuncture is thought to stimulate nerve endings, triggering the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers. This can provide relief from joint pain, making it a valuable treatment option for dogs with joint-related conditions.

Acupuncture is also believed to improve circulation, leading to better nutrient delivery to the tissues surrounding the joints. This enhanced blood flow can support the healing process and aid in reducing inflammation.

In addition to traditional needle acupuncture, some pet owners choose to have tiny gold beads implanted at key acupuncture points. These beads release gold ions that interact with the surrounding tissues, providing ongoing support. This alternative approach can be a relatively cost-effective and long-lasting alternative to ongoing needle sessions.

For those who prefer a completely non-invasive method, acupressure is an option. This technique involves applying manual pressure to stimulate the acupuncture points, offering similar benefits without the use of needles.

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Therapeutic ultrasound provides a non-invasive approach to relieving pain and promoting healing in dogs. This technique is particularly beneficial for managing joint health concerns, offering a drug-free alternative.

By utilizing an ultrasound device, therapeutic ultrasound emits high-frequency sound waves that deeply penetrate the affected tissues. This deep penetration induces a gentle warming effect, increasing blood flow to the targeted area. The improved circulation plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation and alleviating joint stiffness. Moreover, the enhanced blood flow stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, fostering the recovery and overall health of the joint tissues.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) + Stem Cell Therapy

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell therapy are cutting-edge forms of regenerative medicine employed in veterinary care. These two methods have distinct biological constituents and mechanisms, yet share a common goal of facilitating healing and reducing inflammation.

PRP therapy involves utilizing the dog’s own blood to expedite the healing process. The procedure begins by extracting a small quantity of the dog’s blood, which is then processed to concentrate the platelets. This concentrated platelet-rich plasma is subsequently injected directly into the affected area. PRP is a relatively non-invasive approach, as it only requires a blood draw and injection. Platelets are renowned for their abundance in growth factors and bioactive proteins, which are vital for the body’s natural healing process. The growth factors present in PRP can alleviate joint swelling and pain by targeting inflammation. Moreover, these growth factors can stimulate the repair and regeneration of impaired tissues, particularly beneficial in cases of cartilage damage or joint degeneration.

Conversely, stem cell therapy commonly employs mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which can be derived from the dog’s adipose tissue or bone marrow. These versatile stem cells possess the ability to differentiate into specific cell types necessary for tissue repair and regeneration. Additionally, they exhibit immunomodulatory properties, enabling them to regulate the immune response and mitigate inflammation. Similar to PRP, stem cell therapy is a minimally invasive alternative to surgical interventions, making it an appealing choice for addressing canine joint issues.

Both PRP and stem cell therapies present promising avenues for enhancing joint health in dogs, harnessing the body’s innate healing mechanisms through minimally invasive means.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a beneficial treatment for dogs that involves the use of a specialized water treadmill. This innovative approach aids in the rehabilitation process of dogs recovering from surgery, injury, or dealing with chronic conditions like arthritis. By taking advantage of the water’s buoyancy, hydrotherapy reduces stress on the dog’s joints, making it a safe and effective method to improve circulation, muscle strength, and range of motion in a low-impact exercise environment.

Chiropractic Care & Massage Therapy

Chiropractic care and massage therapy are effective and non-invasive methods for managing joint pain in dogs. Although they have different focuses and techniques, they both provide valuable benefits to joints.

Chiropractic care primarily targets the musculoskeletal system, with a special emphasis on the spine. Through manual manipulation, chiropractors align the body to enhance joint mobility and alleviate pain. This approach is particularly beneficial for conditions like arthritis and hip dysplasia.

On the other hand, massage therapy concentrates on the muscles and soft tissues. By employing techniques such as kneading and stroking, massage therapists promote relaxation and facilitate healing. This therapy improves circulation, relieves muscle tension, and enhances joint flexibility, resulting in reduced discomfort and inflammation.

While chiropractic care directly addresses joint and spinal alignment, massage therapy focuses on muscle health and blood flow. These two therapies complement each other in managing joint pain in dogs, and some practitioners offer both services together.