Last spring my golden retriever Lux started having kidney problems. At first, the diagnosis was a kidney infection likely caused by Lyme disease. A second opinion proved that false, but it didn't make the situation any better because it turned out she was experiencing renal dysplasia.

Throughout the initial diagnosis and treatment, I conducted a lot of research on tick-borne diseases and their prevention. What I found out is there are products that can help greatly when dealing with the tiny, disease-carrying bloodsuckers. Better yet, the canine health industry is working hard to create more effective products to protect all dogs, especially sporting breeds that are at the highest risk of tick exposure.

Lux's initial treatment involved a low protein diet that was available through prescription. Again I set out on a mission to learn as much as I could about canine nutrition. Although I lost my dog in a heartbreaking regression that occurred much faster than I could have imagined, I also learned a lot about what to do with future pups concerning proper nutrition and preventative and recovery-based medications. Companies throughout the industry are making strides every day to ensure we have the best products for our dogs' health and in-the-field performance.

To take the best care of your four-legged hunting partners, check out the best dog health and nutrition products for 2013.

Activyl Spot-On

Many sporting dog owners wage a war against ticks each season. If you're interested in tipping the odds in your favor, consider the new Activyl Tick Plus Spot-On. Designed to protect against fleas and ticks for a full month, Activyl uses indoxacarb for flea control and permethrin to kill and repel the four major tick species that dogs are most likely to run into. Applied once a month, Activyl is fragrance free and remains effective even after your dog takes a dip in the local pond. If you're concerned with Lyme disease, leptospirosis, or anaplasmosis sidelining your pup, this formula is a great option.

Price: $79

Doc's Canine Orthopedic Solution

If a daily supplement could keep your dog healthier, pain-free and more active you would gladly use it, right? COS (Canine Orthopedic Solution) Pellets contain amino acids, minerals, vitamins, micro-sized isolates, and a plethora of other active ingredients all designed to combat the deleterious effects of hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, OCD, HOD, degenerative joint disease, arthritis, and osteoporosis. For less than 50 cents a day, you can greatly increase your dog's quality of life and keep him in the field longer.

Price: $29

Eukanuba Premium Performance 30/20

Recommended for dogs at least 1-year old, Eukanuba's Premium Performance 30/20 Adult is the perfect food for hard-charging sporting dogs, especially when you consider that it contains zero fillers, which leaves 100 percent of the formula devoted to nutrition. The ideal ratio of 30 percent high-quality animal-based proteins and 20 percent fat contributes to overall health promotion in sporting breeds. Additionally, immune system boosting antioxidants, calcium for bone health, and fiber derived from natural beet pulp and prebiotic FOS are all also part of the Premium Performance package. OmegaCoat, which consists of optimal levels of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, keeps your dog's coat healthy.

Price: $53

Happy Jack DuraSpot

Happy Jack has been producing quality dog health products for well over six decades, and DuraSpot is guaranteed to foster more longevity for the company. DuraSpot, which is available in two different options depending on the size (weight) of your pooch, is a flea and tick control product available over-the-counter. It contains Nylar and is effective at killing and repelling fleas and ticks for up to four weeks, and prevents re-infestation of fleas up to five weeks. DuraSpot also kills and repels lice, mites and mosquitoes for up to four weeks.

Price: $35

Iams Prostora

If your pup comes down with a nasty case of Montezuma's Revenge, ask your vet to prescribe Iams Prostora Max, which nutritionally manages dogs with diarrhea. Made with Bifidalis and clinically proven, this formula promotes the health of many vital body functions, including digestion. Available in easy-to-chew tablets your dog will love.

Price: $35

Loyall Professional Formula 31/20

A gassed Lab is about as good to you as a jammed auto-loader. Keep your pup going strong with Loyall 31/20. The higher levels of protein and fat increase endurance and help recovery after a long day in the blind. Glucosamine keeps joints healthy, and the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids support a balanced immune system. Forty-pound bag.

Price: $35

Purina Pro Plan Sport 30/20

Pro Plan's Performance 30/20 Formula is a sporting dog-specific food containing 30 percent protein and 20 percent fat, a perfect ratio for maintaining lean muscle and fueling the metabolism. To increase endurance during long days afield, Pro Plan Sport's concentrated nutrition optimizes oxygen metabolism. Omega-3 and glucosamine promote joint health and mobility, and amino acids aid in quick muscle recovery.

Price: $13 to $44

SportDOG C9

Years of chasing down cripples in rain-soaked cornfields will take its toll on a retriever. Revitalize him with Canine Athlete supplements. Just add SportDOG C9 Hydration, Performance Vitamins, Senior Aches, Hip/Joint or Digestive Enzymes to your dog's food, and the two of you will have more time together in the field. SportDOG also makes a quick-fuel energy bar that's easy to digest, contains critical nutrients and will help maintain endurance during tough training sessions or on the hunt.

Price: $25 to $45

ZoomDog Hunt Dog Hunt

'Free radicals ' may sound like a hippie sect, but they are actually uncharged, highly-reactive molecules that are not paired up with an electron. Free radicals are created by intense aerobic exercise and can be very damaging to a canine's body and hunting performance. Hunt Dog Hunt Performance Supplements consist of tablets that are loaded with a natural plant extract called oligomeric proanthocyandin (OPC). OPC is a very effective antioxidant, and in conjunction with Hunt Dog Hunt's cysteine, manganese, and Vitamin C works to combat the negative and oftentimes painful effects of free radicals.

Price: $28