If Your Dog is Older Than Five, Read This

My dog, Rocky, has always been a mama’s boy, from the moment I got him from the shelter.

He’s a big cuddly goofball, who seems to think the sun rises and sets around me. He was already an adult when I got him, but he’ll always be my little baby (a little baby that weighs 62 pounds!)

I’ve had Rocky for about 4 years now, so he’s about 5 years old. Since the moment I got him, and pretty much every moment for the past 4 years, he’s been what I like to call a 'velcro dog.' He’d follow me from room to room, wanting to supervise what I’m doing, whether that’s putting on makeup or cooking dinner (let’s be honest–especially when I cook dinner because he’s looking for some scraps!)

But recently, my ‘velcro dog’ has become more like a ‘sticky note dog’ . He still sticks to me, but not so tightly. Instead, he lays on the couch (yes, I’m one of those people who lets my dog on the couch) and he gives me the side-eye while I move from room to room.

Okay, fine I thought, Rocky is just relaxing. (Even though maybe my feelings were hurt a little bit haha.)

But then, I noticed things progressing. When I called him in from outside, he stopped sprinting over like he used to, instead he’d do a lazy walk.

At the dog park, he stopped running up to dogs. He still let them run up to him, and he’d play a little, but he seemed to get tired faster.

The worst part was taking him on hikes. He used to love going on hikes more than anything. I know a spot where there are very few people and dogs (and he’s got great recall anyway) so I’d let him go off leash so he could sniff everything. He’d run from tree to tree, barking his fool head off when he thought he got a whiff of a squirrel. “COME DOWN FROM THERE!”He seems to bark. “NO CLIMBING TREES ALLOWED!”

Anyway, he STILL goes crazy on hikes. But by the end of the hikes, he’d be limping. And then he’d seem tired and sore for days afterwards. It used to be that he was a endless ball of energy with no limits. Seeing him slowing down while still not understanding his own limitations or WHY he was slowing down was breaking my heart.

I ended up bringing him to the vet, who told me something startling!

“Rocky is lucky. Many dogs are already slowing dog by the time they’re 1 year old. Rocky made it to 5 without any issues, which is better than many dogs.”

My vet went to to explain some statistics which I confirmed for myself when I got home. It turns out that according to the vererinarypractice.com¹ 20% of dogs over the age of 1 are already showing signs of osteo-arthritis.

And 80% of dogs over the age of 8 show signs of osteo-arthritis!

Rocky was 5 years old, so I could see that he wasn’t part of the lucky percentage of dogs not suffering. But that didn’t mean I was going to just give up! There was no way I was going to let my baby suffer for the rest of his life!

I tried giving him supplements, switching him to a raw diet, giving him more exercise. I even brought my Rocky to a dog masseuse. (Yes, dog massage is a real thing!)

Some things I tried seemed to help him a little bit (like the raw diet) but mostly, there was little to no improvement and then whatever improvement he got, went away after a while.

Rocky only seemed to get worse. Less energy at the dog park, less ‘zoomies’ where he’d run around for no reason. And he seemed to take longer and longer to recover after chasing squirrels.

But his eyes still had that spark. He wanted to be active, he just couldn't as much.

Where Rocky used to jump into my car himself, now I’d lift Rocky up into my car and out of the car when we went to the dog park.

I was sitting on a bench, trying to focus on the book I was reading, but it was hard to focus when Rocky was laying on the dirt, panting like a dried-out snail...

That’s when an acquaintance I knew from the dog park came and sat next to me. (To be honest, I forgot her name, so I’ll just call her Kristen.)

“Rocky looks really tired,” Kristen said.  “He must have played really hard to be so tired!” she laughed.

I shook my head sadly, “No, I’m afraid Rocky’s just been losing his energy lately. Sore joints I guess. My vet said it is just what happens to senior dogs. I’m starting to wonder if I’m being a bad dog-mom by taking him to the dog park when he clearly isn’t enjoying himself anymore.”

Kristen frowned at me, “No, my dog, Taxi, is 14 years old and he still loves the dog park and walks!” Kristen pointed at her medium-sized mixed breed, who was busy carrying a stick around that was longer than his whole body. It made me smile at the sight, but it also made me sad that Rocky wasn’t happy like Taxi.

“I wish Rocky could have Taxi’s energy,” I said. “The worst part is he doesn’t know what it means to grow older. He just knows he can’t play like he used to. His joints are stiff and I think he’s even getting anxiety from his age.” I bit back my tears.

Kristen looked at me with her eyebrows raised into her hairline, “Don’t be silly!” she said. “Have you even tried Relievet yet? I felt the same way about Taxi as you’re feeling about Rocky last year. He was hobbling all over the place and was in so much pain that he didn’t even want to be pet. My vet told me about Relievet though, and Relievet has gotten Taxi back on his feet and back to causing mayhem!” She chuckled, “He’s so mischievous.”

“What’s Relievet?” I asked, trying to get the conversation back on track.

“Relievet is a company that sells organic treats, chews, and oils for dogs with scientifically backed ingredients. My vet told me that apparently a lot of supplements for dogs sold online don’t have what they say they have in them so it is really important to get it from a trusted source like Relievet because they publish all of their lab results online and even have a pharmacist to make sure all the dosing is scientifically accurate to get results.”

I sucked at my teeth, skeptical. “I don’t know, I’ve already tried so many things, I’m nervous about spending more money on this when I don’t think anything will help.”

Kristen shrugged, “They have a money-back guarantee.  But I don’t think that will be an issue for you. You just have to be consistent with it though, when I forget to give Taxi his treats in the morning he is stiffer by the evening.”

I thanked Kristen for her recommendation but decided to do my own research when I got home. Could Relievet really be worth all the hype?

The first thing I looked at were the reviews. There were hundreds of great ones.

Here are a few of them I read on Google:

I was shocked to see that they have a 5 out of 5 stars on Google reviews! They also have a 5 out of 5 on the BBB, a 5 out of 5 on Facebook and a 4.8 on their website with over 350 reviews.

It was hard to believe because I’d never seen a business so well-reviewed, but I’d also seen plenty of the reviews mentioning the personal touch of the owner, Chris, so I guessed it made sense. The reviews talked about his how he often speaks to customers personally about their dogs and even sends handwritten notes to thank people for purchasing.

You just don’t hear about businesses caring that much about their customers nowadays. Or caring that much in general! On his website, you can even see a picture of him making the products himself.

Reading about it, I wanted to know more about the science behind why Relievet works and what the Bites could do for my Rocky…

No Fillers

What struck me immediately about the Bites is that there were no fillers in them and only 7 ingredients.

Compared to other dog supplements I’ve bought, I got to say I was impressed. Every single ingredient is the Bites could be good for Rocky, which is especially important to me because I try so hard to make sure his diet is all healthy too. I sure didn’t want to be adding random inflammatory ingredients to his diet that might make his joints worse!

My research taught me that you can think of fillers in dog treats as the equivalent of those not-so-great-for-you snacks we humans sometimes indulge in. They're often used to bulk up products cheaply, but they don't really offer any nutritional benefits. Now, when you remove these fillers from the equation, as is the case with Relievet Superfood Mobility Bites, you're left with a treat that's all about quality and health.

I could see that this approach means every ingredient in Relievet Superfood Mobility Bites is there for a good reason. For starters, there's more room for key health-boosting ingredients like Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and Broad-Spectrum Hemp. These components are superstars when it comes to supporting joint health, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall well-being.

But here's where I understood that these Bites were something special, unlike any other treats or supplements I’ve looked at before. Instead of using empty ingredients like tapioca powder, the Superfood Mobility Bites use beef liver and bacon as the “carrier” for the healthy supplements.

The inclusion of freeze-dried beef liver and bacon isn't just for show – these ingredients are nutritional powerhouses. Beef liver is a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals. It's rich in vitamin A, which is great for vision, skin, and coat health, and it's also loaded with iron, essential for keeping energy levels up.

Bacon, on the other hand, is not just irresistibly tasty (which, let's be honest, is a big plus for any dog), but it also adds a nice protein kick to the mix. When you combine these with the absence of fillers, you're looking at a treat that's not only scrumptious but also packed with nutrients that contribute to your dog's health.

The thing about doing it this way is that you can give your dog less Bites, fewer calories, and expect good results. I also liked this “concentrated nutrition” because it means less packaging and less waste for the landfill (and in my trash can!)

So, with Relievet Bites, it's like you're giving your dog a healthy, nutrient-rich “treat.” No empty calories, just wholesome goodness.

Ingredients that Matter

Because there were only 7 ingredients, it was easy to do my research on every single one of the ingredients. Which is difficult with most treats and dog foods! (This is part of why I switched Rocky to a raw diet.)

2 of those 7 ingredients are Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Let me explain those because I didn’t know what they were myself before learning about them.

So picture this: We have Glucosamine, the master builder, tirelessly working to construct and repair the cartilage in our canine companions' joints. It's like having a tiny construction crew inside every bite, laying down the foundation for strong, resilient joints.

Then, there's Chondroitin, the great water wizard, holding onto water within the joints like a magical sponge. This wizard's trick ensures that the joints remain elastic and flexible, allowing a dog  to move with the grace of a young pup. Think of Chondroitin as the guardian of joint hydration, always making sure they're well-lubricated and ready for action.

Together, Glucosamine and Chondroitin are like the dynamic duo of joint health. They work in tandem to keep our joints (and our pet’s joints!) strong and supple, fighting off the stiffness and discomfort that often come with age. It's as if they're on a noble quest, armed with the powers of construction and hydration, to bring relief and mobility back to our beloved dogs.

Omega 3s and MSM: The Inflammation Firefighters

I take fish oil myself, so I was interested to see Omega 3s as part of the Superfood Mobility Bites. The science behind it is more interesting than I expect.

Incorporating Omega-3 fatty acids into Relievet's Superfood Mobility Bites can be likened to deploying a team of highly skilled firefighters to combat the flames of inflammation in a dog's body, much like in Rocky's case. Inflammation in the joints is like a small, persistent fire, slowly causing damage and pain. Omega-3 fatty acids, renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties, swoop in like a specialized fire brigade. They work at the molecular level to douse the inflammatory responses, reducing the heat of joint pain and discomfort.

I’d never heard of MSM, but what I read about it made me think a lot of thought was put into these bites. More thought than I put into my own supplement routine!

The easiest way I can think to explain it is MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) - is like a skilled physiotherapist for your dog's joints. MSM is believed to enhance the flexibility and permeability of cell walls. This allows for more efficient flushing out of harmful substances and the influx of nutrients. It's like opening the windows on a stuffy day; fresh air comes in (nutrients), and the musty, stale air goes out (toxins). This process helps in reducing joint pain and improving the overall health of the joints.

Together, Omega-3 fatty acids and MSM in Relievet's Superfood Mobility Bites work like a highly coordinated team - one that extinguishes the destructive fires of inflammation and keeps the joint environment clean, healthy, and functioning optimally. This combination could be especially beneficial for dogs like Rocky, turning their twilight years into a time of comfort and mobility.

Hemp: The Body’s Superhero

The ingredient that stood out to me most was the Hemp. I’d heard of hemp as being good for dogs before but I have always been VERY skeptical of it. It seemed like a dumb gimmick to be honest. But the more I researched, the more I started to get convinced.

A significant compound in Broad-Spectrum Hemp has been the subject of various studies examining its potential benefits for dogs. One such study, published in the "Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association" in 2018, explored the effects of broad spectrum hemp on dogs with osteoarthritis. The study found that over 80% of the dogs in the study showed significant improvement in pain relief and mobility, as assessed by both their veterinarians and their owners. This suggests hemp’s potential in managing pain and improving the quality of life in dogs with joint-related issues.

Broad-Spectrum Hemp contains other non-psychoactive cannibinoids, as well as terpenes and flavonoids. These compounds are believed to contribute to the overall health benefits of hemp. While the concept of the 'entourage effect' — the idea that these compounds work better together than in isolation — has been a topic of debate, the individual and combined effects of these compounds in Broad-Spectrum Hemp still offer potential therapeutic benefits.

Apparently, every mammal on the planet, including dogs, has what is called an endocannibinoid system, which ECS system regulates or influences many automatic bodily processes and functions, including the nervous system, appetite, memory, mood, and sleep.

I was skeptical, but the more I read, the more impressed I was. There was even a study on worms that showed that worms that that took hemp at certain doses lived 18% longer!

Relievet’s ingredients, such as broad spectrum hemp, helps to regulate that system by attaching to endocannibinoid receptors in the body, bringing back a natural balance, that helps alleviate suffering in the body’s automatic bodily processes, promoting well being.

Taken together with all those other ingredients, I could see that the Superfood Mobility Bites were the real deal.

But Would They Work for Rocky?

Seeing all those great ingredients,, all those reviews, and the money-back guarantee, I knew I had to give Relievet Bites a try for Rocky. This was our last chance.

To tell the truth, deep down, I still didn’t think they would work. Afterall, I had already tried so many things and Rocky was suffering so much I didn’t think anything could really help him.

I went through the checkout and decided to buy a couple of bags because if they worked, I’d be needing more! (Plus they offer a deal if you buy more.)

They Relievet Bites arrived two days later.

It also came with a cute little fridge magnet, a flier explaining exactly how to use them, and a note from their CEO thanking me for choosing them! I was impressed to see it truly was a small business, giving each customer personal attention.

Just holding the treat bag in my hands, I knew that I was holding a special product. When I opened it though, my mind was even more blown. They looked different than any other dog treat or supplement I’d ever seen. And they smelled great!

I know a lot of people don’t like to eat liver, but I grew up eating liver and bacon and these smelled just like that tasty nostalgic meal of my childhood so I was tempted to eat one myself! I could see why Relievet decided to combine the two ingredients, something about bacon makes liver delicious.

Rocky, for his part gobbled up the treat I gave him and started drooling, begging for more.

“Sorry Rocky,” I shook my head at him. “These may be tasty, but these aren’t regular treats, you can only have one a day!”

Of course, the real test was how Rocky would respond. I didn’t really care how much he enjoyed eating the treats–I cared how much he enjoyed life.

Next, I sat and waited. And waited. I watched him for the next twenty minutes and nothing happened, but what did I expect? Him to start doing gymnastics?

About an hour later, though, I was watching TV when Rocky placed his favorite toy in my lap. He looked up at me expectantly, expecting me to throw it. My heart thumped in my chest–Rocky hadn’t asked me to play for months. I tossed the toy and then Rocky went to it, picked it up, and brought it back to his bed to sleep. He was done playing already–so I thought maybe it was a fluke. Maybe the Relievet wasn’t working afterall.

The next few days, on schedule, morning and night, I gave Rocky the Relievet Bites.

At first the changes in Rocky were subtle, and I thought I was imagining them or they were a coincidence. He stopped panting at night. He seemed calmer during the day.

Then he started playing at the dog park, he played tug-a-war, he did his dance when I asked him about going on a walk.

And best of all, no more limping after chasing his enemy: the squirrels!

The real kicker that proved to me that Relievet works is when I went out of town for a week and left Rocky at a dog boarder. I forgot to bring the Relievet Bites with me for the boarder to give to him, so he didn’t get any for a week.

When I picked him up, he was back to being that rickety, sad dog he had been before I started giving his Relievet Bites.

Now I hope to have a good few more years with Rocky, and it’s all thanks to Relievet.

I put the Bites on subscription so that I wouldn’t have to worry about ordering them every month, and because by subscribing I could save a little money. There was no risk to the subscription because you can cancel at any time.

I emailed their CEO to thank them for making such a good product and to tell him I was going to write an article about him for my blog. To thank me for this write-up, he gave me an additional discount I can share with my readers until the end of the month.

Clicking or tapping the buttons below will bring you to Relievet, and you can choose the deal you feel happiest with.

(Don’t forget, even those Relievet is a 6 year old company,  these are a new product that Relievet started making so they might run out of stock if you don’t make sure you order soon and if they work for your dog make sure to put them on subscription because you get a discount that way and won’t have to worry about them running out of stock because your package will be reserved for you.)

As soon as you place an order Relievet's small team will fulfill it as soon as possible and send it via USPS. You'll receive it in just a few days, and can start using it immediately. Just follow the recommendation from the dosage for your pet.

It only takes about an hour for your pet to start experiencing the benefits, but it can take a few weeks for all the ingredients to really do their magic, just like it did for my Rocky!

I’m truly so grateful to have my Rocky back. I hope to have a many more happy years with him thanks to Relievet.

Thanks for reading, and wishing the best to you and your pets.