FlexPet with CM8 was just featured on Pet MD’s “Haute or Not” contest and the votes are already coming in! The pet health website is reviewing different pet products for their “New Year, New You” segment and asking people to vote for products they like. FlexPet was chosen for a premier posting and has received a favorable review for being a natural arthritis pain relief product that is safe and tasty. We encourage our FlexPet customers to vote for FlexPet on the Haute or Not website and share your comments on how the natural arthritis remedy is working on your fur baby.

Check out the article and cast your vote HERE. We thank you all in advance for helping us spread the word about Flexpet with CM8 by sharing your comments and casting your votes!

Many dogs suffer from the unfortunate condition of hip dysplasia. It’s a disease that is causing many pet owners to turn to FlexPet for help to ease their pet’s pain. Here are the key thoughts of a great article from our friends at The Big Paw Blog about the degenerative joint disease that affects so many of our canine friends.

They explain how the malformation of the hip joint causes arthritis, which becomes increasingly debilitating as dogs age. Large breed dogs are more at risk than smaller dogs and those that are overweight are at even a greater risk. Several factors may play a role in the development of the condition. Here are some of the breeds that may be genetically predisposed to abnormal development of the hip joint:

•    German Shepherds
•    Great Danes
•    Mastiffs
•    Rottweilers
•    St. Bernards
•    Labrador Retrievers
•    Bulldogs
•    Golden Retrievers

Abnormal wear and erosion of the joint can occur in one or both hips. Symptoms usually don’t become apparent until the dog reaches middle age or older.

Here are some symptoms of hip dysplasia:

•    Stiffness/Pain/Limping
•    Difficulty getting up from a resting position.
•    Problems going up and down stairs or getting in and out of a car.

Our friends at The Big Paw Blog suggest that dogs suffering from canine hip dysplasia should be kept indoors where it is warm during the winter months since cold can aggravate the condition making pain and stiffness worse. You can also help your pet at home by trying to eliminate any unnecessary need for climbing or jumping. If canine hip dysplasia is fairly advanced in your pet, you may want to consider a ramp so that he doesn’t need to try and climb stairs. Talk with your veterinarian since he or she will be able to make the best suggestions and answer any questions you may have about treatment options.

Read the entire article on the Big Paw Blog, a blog for Big Paw Designs which features information about different breeds of dog and cats, provides pet tips and nutrition facts, showcases pet photos and more.

FlexPet™ is an all-natural Joint Pain Supplement for dogs and cats. The primary component of FlexPet is CM8™, which relieves joint pain at its source, reduces inflammation and irritation of the joints and tissues. It has been helpful for many pets suffering from joint pain and stiffness caused by aging, canine arthritis or feline arthritis.

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Hydrotherapy or water therapy is great way to provide a low impact exercise for your dog, with or without joint pain. For dogs with joint pain and arthritis, regular exercise like running or walking can be painful due to the amount of weight that your dog’s joints must support. Exercise in a pool, a lake or the ocean can be a great alternative since the buoyancy of the water takes much of the strain off the joints that is normally caused by their body weight. Swimming can help your pet with range of motion, strengthening, endurance and general health.

Exercise has been proven to help pets by reducing joint pain and stiffness while increasing flexibility, muscle strength, cardiac fitness and endurance. It can also help with weight reduction which can be a cause of some joint pain.

Talk to your veterinarian if you think your pet may benefit from this type of exercise. Hydro therapy may not be an option for dogs that have a fear of water. It is also not recommended for dogs with certain fractures and open wounds.

Humans aren’t the only ones who have to deal with Arthritis. Dogs and cats are both susceptible to it as they age. Arthritis is sometimes caused by infection of the joint, but most likely it’s just due to wear and tear throughout the years. Unfortunately, pets can’t explain their symptoms, which can make it hard to diagnose in the beginning. You may notice some changes in your pet’s behavior but be unsure of the cause. Always seek the advice of your Veterinarian in case these symptoms are being caused by a different disease or infection that requires immediate treatment.

So here’s some signs to watch for and how to manage your cat’s or dog’s Arthritis pain.

Warning Signs that your Pet could have Arthritis:

• Slowed movement
• Joints are swollen or red
• Stiffness and trouble getting up from a sitting/lying position
• Pain (Flinching from petting or handling)
• Some limping
• Inability to climb stairs
• Hard time getting in and out of the litter-box

How to Treat & Manage:

• Watch your pet’s weight - Extra weight produces strain on joints, just like it does in humans. By managing your pet’s diet and lower its weight you can help the amount of stress on the joints. It can also help with combating other diseases like heart disease or diabetes.
• Massage - Massage helps increase blood flow in the muscles and that can be good for sore joints.
• Warmth and Comfort - Cold temperatures and dampness can intensify arthritis pain. Make sure your cat or dog has a warm, soft bed and stays inside while it rains or snows.
• Medicine - See your vet in case the joint pain is due to infection, in that case they may prescribe steroids or antibiotics. Caution aspirin and acetimetaphin can be dangerous for cats and some dogs with stomach problems, so don’t self-prescribe. 
• Supplements - Natural supplements are a good option for cats or dogs with sensitive stomachs or who don’t react well to harsh medications.
• Exercise - You may assume that exercise will further strain the joints but it can actually help build muscles and strengthen the areas around the joint, therefore lessening the pain. It can be very challenging to get a cat exercise if they are in pain. Try a walk on a leash, even for a cat, introduce a new toy and play with your dog or cat.

Again, always seek the advice of your Veterinarian in case these symptoms are being caused by a different disease or infection that requires immediate treatment.

To fulfill my duties as FlexPet mascot, my Mom thought I should attend the Global Pet Expo Trade Show in Orlando. Now my Dad and president of Flexcin, wasn’t too sure that this was a great idea. After some nudging from Mom and couch cuddling time from me, he gave in.

So I hit the trade show circuit in February. Here’s me on my way to the show. Look at the focus and determination!

So we got there and I was quite amazed how busy it was. Although, I’ve never spent much time contemplating what a trade show would be like. Tons of humans were there and I knew I was going to get some serious attention today. No one can ignore my good looks.

Here’s me with my favorite blanket on my new stage. Of course I made sure fresh water and Kibels n’ Bits were included in my contract before taking this gig.

Many people said they thought I was a stuffed animal. Can you believe the nerve? Here I am a super well behaved dog and they call me a stuffed animal.

I’ll show them. Can their dog’s generate sales leads? I think not.

Check me out making a sale!

And here it is my “first” moment of stardom as the FlexPet mascot. Yes, I was on TV. Can you believe it? Eleven years old, with canine arthritis and just beginning my career as a star. Watch out Hollywood!

Hi There! I’m Tiny, an 11-year old Pomeranian who lives in Southwest Florida. My owner, Tamer, is the President and Founder this company called Flexcin. Flexcin creates a great supplement to help people with joint pain. When my owner found out that I was diagnosed with Doggie Arthritis he decided to create a formula called FlexPet for pets, like me.

I started taking FlexPet about 4 years ago and have any problems with joint pain since. I’m loving it!

Since I’m doing so well on FlexPet and since I am so well behaved I have assumed the duties of company mascot. My brother, Tuxedo, is not as well behaved and was not offered the position of co-mascot, which I am happy for. He would just get in the way with all his yapping and detract from my time in the spotlight. I gladly accept these duties with honor and will do my best as a company mascot.

My new blog with photos are brought to you by my owner and our Flexcin team, because I can’t type. Duh, this is obvious since I don’t have thumbs and couldn’t hit the space bar on the keyboard. I hope you enjoy!