In his final years, Bakku walked more slowly through the village. But he walked. Everyone knew him. He knew everyone.
He was my parents' dog — during the week, the bravest guard you could imagine. A barking expert. A guardian of order. He knew everyone who belonged to the village. And those who didn't — they noticed immediately. So did the parcel delivery people, unfortunately. That wasn't always smooth sailing.
On weekends, when visitors from Vienna came, he transformed into a different dog. No school today. He chased sticks, romped, played — forgetting everything he had ever learned.
But in his last years, getting up took longer. He would stretch first, stand briefly — and then he would truly get up. More slowly. He still covered every meter. He was still himself. Just different.
We thought: it's just old age. That's true. But age alone doesn't explain everything. Often, it's osteoarthritis. And osteoarthritis is not fate — it can be managed.
What exactly is osteoarthritis?
Imagine each joint is like a perfectly constructed hinge. The bones are covered with cartilage (a smooth, elastic tissue that acts like a shock absorber between the bones, cushioning impacts). There's also synovial fluid (a viscous substance that lubricates the joint and nourishes the cartilage) — and everything glides smoothly.
With osteoarthritis — also known as chronic degenerative joint disease due to cartilage wear and tear — this cartilage becomes thinner, more cracked, more porous. Eventually, bone rubs on bone. This causes pain, inflammation, and limited mobility. Because the body tries to stabilize the joint, it forms osteophytes (bony outgrowths at the joint margins) — which further restrict movement.
Osteoarthritis is not curable. But it is very manageable.
How common is osteoarthritis in dogs?
More common than most people think. 2 out of 10 dogs develop osteoarthritis during their lifetime. For dogs over 8 years old, it's up to 80%. Large breeds are particularly affected — Labrador Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, German Shepherds — but small dogs can also get osteoarthritis, especially after patella problems or cruciate ligament tears.
How do I recognize osteoarthritis?
That's the difficult question. Because dogs show very little pain. They don't complain. They sometimes limp — but often only when the osteoarthritis is already far advanced.
The early signs are more subtle. The dog gets up slowly after lying down — stiffly, hesitantly, stretching first. But then he "walks it off" — this is called the warm-up phase and is a classic sign of osteoarthritis. He hesitates when climbing stairs. He no longer jumps into the car. He plays less. He more often seeks soft, warm places. He seems somehow... heavier. Less himself.
Bakku was like that. Slower — but still there. Still himself.
Always first: to the vet
Osteoarthritis is diagnosed by X-ray. Only the vet can tell if and how severely the joints are affected — and what treatment is appropriate. Painkillers, anti-inflammatories, sometimes physical therapy (targeted exercises, massages, underwater treadmill) — the vet decides all of this.
Please never give painkillers from your medicine cabinet on your own initiative. What works for humans can be life-threatening for dogs. Ibuprofen and paracetamol, for example, can cause stomach ulcers or even stomach perforations in dogs.
What really helps — what does science say?
The market is full of joint products. We stick to science — because it guides us, as an anchor, not as dogma. And sometimes we feel something it cannot yet explain. Both have their place. But here's what research says first.
Omega-3 fatty acids — the strongest evidence
A systematic meta-analysis from 2022 that evaluated 57 studies and 72 clinical trials came to a clear conclusion: Omega-3 fatty acids — from fish oil or algae oil — show the strongest and clearest effect on osteoarthritis in dogs. They have anti-inflammatory effects (inhibiting inflammatory processes in the body) and actually help the dog to walk better, putting more weight on the affected limbs.
Salmon oil daily in the food — this is one of the best-proven measures you can take for your dog with osteoarthritis.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin — the sober answer
Glucosamine (an amino sugar that serves as a building block for joint cartilage) and chondroitin (a natural component of joint cartilage that binds water and gives elasticity to the cartilage) — these two substances are found in almost every joint product. And science is divided.
The 2022 meta-analysis showed a very clear lack of effect of this combination and no longer recommended it for pain management in osteoarthritis. An older clinical study with 35 dogs, on the other hand, showed significant improvements in pain and weight-bearing after 70 days. The scientific statement: it helps some dogs, not others — and the effect takes time, at least 6 to 8 weeks.
We tell you this — because you deserve to know. If you give it: try it for at least 2 months, then honestly observe if anything changes.
Green-lipped mussel — natural and interesting
The green-lipped mussel (a blue mussel from New Zealand that contains natural glycosaminoglycans — building blocks for cartilage tissue — and omega-3 fatty acids) is more natural than industrially produced glucosamine. Studies show moderate positive effects. A useful supplement — especially as non-defatted powder.
Weight control — underestimated and highly effective
Every extra kilo puts additional strain on the joints. Weight reduction in overweight dogs is one of the most effective measures of all. No product in the world can replace that.
Physiotherapy and exercise — gentle but daily
Many short walks instead of a few long ones. Swimming is ideal — it relieves stress on the joints and strengthens muscles. Strong muscles around the joint protect it and slow down wear and tear. No abrupt stops, no high jumping, no long runs on asphalt.
And zeolite — why does it make sense?
Zeolite is not an osteoarthritis remedy. That is important to say — and we say it.
But zeolite is a useful companion. Osteoarthritis progresses in flare-ups. During these flare-ups, the joint becomes inflamed — it gets warm, swells, and hurts more. These inflammations are fueled, among other things, by pollutants, metabolic products, and toxins in the body. A body burdened with heavy metals, mycotoxins (toxic metabolic products of mold fungi), and ammonia (a breakdown product of protein metabolism that promotes inflammation in excessive amounts) has more silent, chronic inflammations — including in the joints.
Zeolite binds exactly these substances already in the intestine. Fewer pollutants — less systemic inflammation (a silent, persistent inflammation that spreads throughout the body and fuels many diseases) — which also relieves the joints.
In addition, zeolite supplies natural silicon (a mineral essential for connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, and bones) to the body through ion exchange (a natural process in which the mineral absorbs pollutants and releases useful minerals).
And in old age — when the liver and kidneys work more slowly and break down pollutants less efficiently — this relief is particularly valuable.
Bakku got zeolite in his food regularly in his last years. According to Mom, he was more vital afterwards. Jumped around like a youngster. For a day. Then he was Bakku again — slowly getting up, stretching, and then getting into a different gear. But he got there. 🐾
Dixi — and what science cannot yet explain
We adhere to science. And sometimes we feel something it cannot yet explain.
Dixi was my brother's dog — or rather: Dixi was the dog my brother, as a little boy, organized himself. He bought a breeder's magazine, called breeders, persuaded our dad to drive 300 km to the breeder. Mom didn't want a dog. Then Dixi was there.
Once, my brother was skiing with school for a week. One morning Dixi limped — all day long. In the afternoon, the call came: my brother had broken his leg. Dixi limped on the same side as the fracture.
Natural science says: coincidence. Perhaps. But perhaps this phenomenon simply doesn't belong to natural science yet. Not yet.
We believe in the healing power of loving thoughts. In the energy we can send to our animals. And that they let us feel that it arrives. This is not a contradiction to science. It is a different way of looking. And of experiencing life.
What you can specifically do
• Daily salmon oil or algae oil in the food — the best-proven natural measure for osteoarthritis
• Control weight — every kilo less is real joint protection
• Gentle regular exercise — many short walks instead of a few long ones. Swimming if possible
• Soft, warm resting places — near the heater or oven. Wash cushions regularly and spray with AM+PLUS microorganisms
• DOGKRAFT Zeolite daily in the food — as a companion that reduces silent inflammation and provides silicon for connective tissue and cartilage
• For pain and flare-ups: warmth helps — red light lamp, heating pad. For acute inflammation, it's better to cool
• Never give human medication on your own initiative — Ibuprofen and Paracetamol can be life-threatening for dogs
• Always: vet. He makes the diagnosis and decides the treatment
What our customers have experienced
"Our old male dog was sluggish, listless, just not himself anymore. We thought it was just old age. Since we started giving him zeolite, he is much livelier and seems generally more relieved. I wish we had tried this sooner."
— Maria and Helmut S. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Every day our dog gets his ration of Steinkraft zeolite in his food — and has from the beginning, for more than 5 years. The vet is thrilled with his physique and his teeth at every check-up."
— A.J. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
References
This article does not replace veterinary advice. Its purpose is to inform and accompany — not to replace. Always for good measure. I think our customers already understand this.
|
No. |
Author/Year |
Topic |
Source |
|
1 |
Barbeau-Grégoire et al. (2022) |
Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis: Nutraceuticals for Osteoarthritis in Dogs/Cats - Omega-3 effective, Glucosamine-Chondroitin not |
PubMed / PMC 9499673 |
|
2 |
McCarthy et al. (2007) |
Randomized double-blind study: Glucosamine/Chondroitin for canine osteoarthritis - significant improvement after 70 days |
PubMed 16647870 |
|
3 |
Pye et al. (2024) |
Current evidence for non-pharmaceutical treatments of canine osteoarthritis |
Journal of Small Animal Practice, Wiley |
|
4 |
Bhathal et al. (2017) |
Glucosamine and chondroitin for canine osteoarthritis - Review |
Open Veterinary Journal / PMC 5356289 |
|
5 |
Vandeweerd et al. (2015) |
Review of dietary supplements for management of osteoarthritis in dogs |
PubMed 26205697 |
|
6 |
Januškevičius et al. (2013) |
Clinoptilolite zeolite as a feed additive for dogs - stool quality, blood parameters |
Veterinarija ir Zootechnika 64(86) |
In conclusion
Arthritis is not a sentence. Not a failure. Not being good enough anymore.
It's different. The body changes - becoming slower, stiffer, needing more time. But different isn't less. Different is just different.
Bakku walked slower through the village in his last years. But he walked. Everyone knew him. He knew everyone. He still knew who belonged and who didn't - including the delivery drivers, unfortunately. He was still himself. Just different.
What a dog with arthritis needs is not pity. He needs care. Attention. A person who looks - not with worry, but with love. Who adjusts the pace. Who sees the slower walk not as a loss but as a gift of slowness.
Diversity is part of life. Also the diversity of bodies, of speeds, of ways of being. A dog that gets up slower is no less a dog. He is a dog - with history, with dignity, with everything he was and still is.
Accompanying is enough. Sometimes it's everything. 🐾
Read more:
🔗 When is a dog old — and how can you truly support your senior during this stage of life?
🔗 Elevated liver values in dogs - how natural detoxification can support your dog's liver
Further reading:
🔗 🐕 Effect, application, experience - Overview & Guide to Zeolite for Dogs
🔗 🐕 Dosage and application of Steinkraft Zeolite for dogs. A guide for dog lovers.
🔗 Questions about Zeolite and their answers on our FAQ page
🔗 What is Zeolite? – Formation, effects & why quality is crucial
🔗 About us - This is Steinkraft Zeolite
|
About the author Michaela Schirmbrand-Pfeiffer Co-founder of STEINKRAFT Nature Rocks. She believes that healthy animals, healthy soils, and healthy people belong together - and that nature needs no shortcuts. Ezra, her Labrador Retriever, is her daily practical test. He loves streams, hates watering cans, and takes a break after three balls. We really love our planet. 🐾 |
