Don’t let your cat or dog suffer from stiffness or joint pain this winter. Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d is a completely balanced food clinically proven to reduce the symptoms of arthritis in as little as 21 days.
Soothe the pain of arthritis in just 21 days
Hill's Prescription Diet j/d is the only pet food clinically proven to help reduce the signs of osteoarthritis and improve mobility in as little as 21 days in dogs1 and 28 days in cats2. It is a completely balanced diet that is safe to feed long term and to a whole family of pets over the age of a year.
What makes j/d so effective?
• High levels of EPA (a special omega-3 fatty acid) proven to reduce cartilage degradation
• High levels of total omega-3 fatty acids which help reduce inflammation and pain
• High levels of glucosamine and chondroitin – the building blocks of cartilage
Questions for your vet
Before you visit the vet, you might want to make a note of these questions to ask them: These will help you to better understand the condition and treatment options for your pet.
1. What are the treatment options for a pet with arthritis?
• Ask about the role nutrition may play and how Prescription Diet j/d works.
• Ask what the long-term side effects of using anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) or painkillers are.
• Ask whether it’s likely that you could reduce the NSAID usage if feeding Prescription Diet j/d.
• Because Prescription Diet j/d contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin (G&C), ask whether it is necessary to supplement with extra G&C supplements.
2. Ask what role excess weight plays on joint problems.
• Ask what exercise would be suitable for your pet without adversely affecting your pet’s joint health.
3. Ask how many days it will take before you’ll see a difference in your pet’s mobility.
• Ask for specific signs to look out for.
4. Ask about any specific nutritional concerns you may have.
• Ask whether Prescription Diet j/d can be mixed with other foods.
• Ask how you may transition successfully to the new food.
• Ask whether it’s safe to feed your other pets too.
The first clinically proven cat food for mobility issues
Hill's Prescription Diet j/d cat food is clinically proven to help cats be more active in 28 days2.
Feline j/d 156g can & 2kg – available in both dry and canned formulas which increases choice to encourage acceptance.
What makes j/d so effective?
• High levels of EPA (a special omega-3 fatty acid) proven to reduce cartilage degradation
• High levels of total omega-3 fatty acids which help reduce inflammation and pain
• High levels of glucosamine and chondroitin – the building blocks of cartilage
Hill's Prescription Diet j/d can
• Reduce pain, inflammation and discomfort
• Help your pet retain more healthy cartilage
• Slow the progression of joint deterioration
What is arthritis
Arthritis is a debilitating disease caused by cartilage loss. When this protective cushioning wears away, joints become stiff and painful, and mobility progressively decreases.
Arthritis is not curable, so early detection and management is vital to prevent further degradation.
Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d is clinically proven to reduce pain, inflammation and – more importantly – slow the progression of this disease.
It is important to say that any dog or cat, of any age or breed can suffer from arthritis.
Some of the contributing factors:
Age: As pets get older, joint cartilage will progressively wear away. Though mobility problems are much more common in senior dogs and cats, young pets can suffer from it too.
Breed: Certain breeds are more prone to developing mobility problems. ‘At risk’ dog breeds are usually the larger breeds that carry more weight, as well as highly active dogs. They may include Labradors, Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Collies. In cats, ‘at risk’ breeds include Himalayans, Persians and Siamese.
Excess weight: Extra kilos mean additional stress on the joints and cartilage and increase the risk of joint problems.
Genetics: Some pets may have congenital or hereditary conditions, such as elbow or hip dysplasia that make them more prone to developing mobility problems.
Accidents, trauma, stress: Trauma to a joint may lead to mobility problems later in life. Dogs that are highly active or involved in high impact performance sports when younger can wear out joint cushioning quickly.
Ways to manage arthritis
• Clinically proven foods designed to support joints
• Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain
• Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplements
• Environmental changes to the home
• Weight control
• Supportive exercise & therapies
• Possibly surgery
Know the signs of arthritis
Our cats and dogs can’t always tell us why they don’t want to play any more, or why they’re just not their usual selves. It helps to know the signs of osteoarthritis:
• Stiff, lame or limping
• Difficulty in rising from rest
• Struggles to negotiate stairs, steep gradients or jump on / off surfaces
• Lags behind on walks or tires easily
• Less enthusiastic and playful
• Prefers to lie down than sit or stand
• Has trouble squatting or lifting leg to eliminate
• Irritable attitude towards family and other pets, may even whimper, growl or snap when the affected area is touched
• Has difficulty grooming especially around the tail area
• Generally ‘slowed down’, sleeping more, becoming more reclusive
Ask your vet or call 0800 228 783 for more info on advice on how to help your pet with arthritis.
1 Roush,, J.K., et al., Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of Omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 2010. 236(1): p. 59-66. 2 Fritsch D, Allen TA, Dodd CE, et al. Dose-titration effects of fish oil Omega-3 fatty acids in osteoarthritic cats. Submitted for publication 2011. Inc.
Hill's Pet Nutrition editorial promotion - originally published in 2013 and republished in 2016 due to its beneficial content for pet owners with arthritic pets.