Just like human joints, dog’s joints can wear away with age. It can be difficult for any pet owner to see their furry friend in pain, sometimes unable to move and very aggressive because it hurts so much. This is why a joint supplement can be a great addition to your dog’s diet, at any age. In younger dog’s it can help to keep joints supple and keep pain at bay, and with older dogs it can help to ease any existing pain. While dog joint supplements might not be a cure for any pain your canine friend may be feeling, they can help to provide a healthier and happier life.
However, there are so many different joint supplements on the market these days that it can be difficult to know which one is going to be right for your pet and help to relieve their pain. Below we have compiled a buying guide of everything you need to know about joint supplements so you can be sure your doggo is living a happy life.
Best Dog Joint Supplements – Comparison Table
Product Image | Product name | Features | Star Rating |
---|---|---|---|
1) Doggie Dailies Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs | Powerful Blend of Ingredients Made Using Strict Quality & Safety Standards Made by using cold-press extrusion | 4.5 out of 5 | |
2) Petlab Co. Joint Care Chews for Dogs | Glucosamine Support Turmeric & Omega 3 Promotes Cartilage Development & Joint Health | 4.3 out of 5 | |
3) Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement | No.1 veterinarian recommended Formulated to meet a variety of needs High quality, dog joint supplement | 4.7 out of 5 | |
4) YuMOVE Dog Joint Supplements | Natural, Proven Ingredients Helping 1 Million Dogs Fast Acting Relief For Dog Mobility | 4.4 out of 5 | |
5) Cosequin Soft Chews with MSM and Omega-3 | Formulated to meet a variety of needs Excellent for long-term use and maintenance High quality, dog joint supplement | 4.7 out of 5 | |
6) Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Chewable Dog Joint Supplements | Unique Patented Formula #1 Joint Health Brand Antioxidant Rich | 4.7 out of 5 | |
7) VETRISCIENCE Glycoflex 3 Hip & Joint Support for Dogs | Trusted and recommended by veterinarians Recommended for working dog breeds Clinically Proven | 4.7 out of 5 | |
8) PetHonesty Hemp Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs | Eases Joint Stiffness Quality Natural Ingredients More Actives Per Chew | 4.6 out of 5 | |
9) VetPro Complete Glucosamine for Dogs | Veterinarian Formulated 5x More Glucosamine Relief From Inflammation – | 4.5 out of 5 | |
10) Extend Joint Care Natural Glucosamine with MSM for Dogs | Soothe the effects of joint damage Delicious Beef Flavor Get It With Confidence | 4.5 out of 5 | |
11) StrellaLab Hemp Treats for Dogs | Natural premium ingredients Perfect for pets of all ages 120 soft chews per jar | 4.5 out of 5 | |
12) GOODGROWLIES Hemp Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs | Support Your Dog’s Hip And Joint Health A Health Treat Dogs Actually Love Made In The Usa. Healthy, Safe, Effective | 4.5 out of 5 | |
13) VETIQ Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs | Reduces joint pain and improves your adult dog’s mobility Combined with Omega 3 100% natural product made only from whole Antarctic krill | 4.6 out of 5 | |
14) Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Soft Chews Dog Joint Supplements | Maximum joint health with msm Veterinary formula Easy to administer soft chew | 4.8 out of 5 | |
15) TerraMax Pro Best Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs | Veterinarian Recommended 100% Pure, Safe And All Natural Maximum Hip & Joint Support | 4.3 out of 5 | |
16) Paws & Pals Glucosamine Supplement for Dogs | Joint Support Powerful Benefits Maintains Cartilage | 4.6 out of 5 | |
17) PetNC Natural Care Hip and Joint Soft Chews for Dogs | Human-grade ingredients Laboratory tested Veterinarian formulated Made in the USA | 4.5 out of 5 | |
18) Genuine Naturals™ Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs | Healthy Treat Advanced Formula Packed With Premium Natural Ingredients | 4.4 out of 5 | |
20) TopDog Health Advanced Joint Supplement for Dogs | Improved Joint Comfort And Mobility Trusted Formula With 10 Years Of Clinical Use Top Dogs 100% Guarantee | 4.4 out of 5 |
Does My Dog Need To Take Joint Supplements?
If your dog is suffering from joint pain, it is not too dissimilar from you suffering from pain such as arthritis or joint swelling. It can be very difficult to move and even worse in the winter in the colder weather. If you think your dog may be dealing with joint pain and needs to take supplements, you can look out for these following symptoms.
Your dog could be highly irritable when made to move from a certain spot and they could have difficultly lying down from a sitting position or getting up from a standing position. They may purposely move their joints slower or lick at the joints that are painful, as well as whining and crying. Your dog may be reluctant to walk or run or even stop trying entirely, and prefer to stay in their dog bed and not move. They could also struggle to climb the stairs and stop trying completely, and they may not eat their food or drink water unless their bowls are brought closer to them. Another symptom may be that your dog is limping without any reason.
If you notice any of the symptoms above or any behavior that is vastly different from your canine’s previous behavior, you should take your dog to the vet to get them checked over. Your vet will be able to determine the exact cause of the pain and whether it is joint related or not. They may give your dog medicine, or recommend one of the joint supplements we have listed below.
The Best Dog Joint Supplements
1) Doggie Dailies Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs
Doggie Dailies joint supplements are designed to help your doggo with their joint health, help to improve their mobility and ease any discomfort they may be feeling. These supplements are formed with glucosamine HCL, chondroitin, MSM, CoQ10 and hyaluronic acid as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and vitamins C and E. Salmon oil and cod liver oil are also included for great skin and coat health.
These supplements come in the form of soft chews, making them easy to give to your dog, and the chicken flavor ensures that they will want to eat them, almost like a treat. They are designed for dogs of all sizes and ages and may help reduce inflammation, lubricate joints and repair cartilage. There are 225 chews in each pack, meaning they will last you a long time. These supplements also come in a peanut butter flavour.
Key Features:
- Powerful Blend of Ingredients
- Made Using Strict Quality & Safety Standards
- Made by using cold-press extrusion
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
2) Petlab Co. Joint Care Chews for Dogs
These Petlab Co. Joint Care Chews effectively lubricates, cushions and repairs worn joints to alleviate discomfort and provide effective pain relief for your doggo. The chews aim to tackle all aspects of hip, joint and cartilage support, so your dog can live a healthy and active lifestyle no matter how old they are. The key ingredients include glucosamine, green lipped mussel, salmon oil, turmeric curcumin and calcium fructoborate.
These ingredients help to increase blood flow and regenerate healthy connective tissue, ligaments and blood proteins for improved mobility and range of motion in your dog, as well as reduce and prevent inflammation, helping to relieve pain. These supplements also help to support the immune system. They come in a pork flavor, making them easy to feed to your dog, and are suitable for all ages, breeds and sizes.
Key Features:
- Glucosamine Support
- Turmeric & Omega 3
- Promotes Cartilage Development & Joint Health
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
3) Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement
Cosequin’s Maximum Strength joint supplement is designed for those dogs who have trouble running, going for walks, climbing the stairs or jumping into the car. Formulated with glucosamine hydrochloride, sodium chondroitin sulfate and MSM, these ingredients help to maintain your dog’s cartilage and connective tissue so they can continue to be active. Cosequin is a very safe and effective brand that is often recommend by vets.
These joint supplements are perfect for all dogs and breeds and come in the form of chewable tablets, so they are easy for your dog to eat. Even better, they come in a tasty chicken flavor so they are more like a treat for your doggo. They come in packets of 60, 132 and 250 treats.
Key Features:
- No.1 veterinarian recommended
- Formulated to meet a variety of needs
- High quality, dog joint supplement
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
4) YuMOVE Dog Joint Supplements
If you have a dog suffering from joint problems, reach for this canister of supplements. Arthritis and other conditions can affect your dog’s health and make it hard for your pup to climb the stairs or do some of its other favorite activities. This container comes with 300 supplements that you can give to your dog daily. The supplements feature natural and healthy ingredients designed to improve your dog’s mobility. Many pet parents noticed big results in just six weeks of starting their pups on the supplements. The company behind this product added 11 times more omega-3 fatty acids than similar formulas have.
Key Features:
- Natural, Proven Ingredients
- Helping 1 Million Dogs
- Fast Acting Relief For Dog Mobility
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
5) Cosequin Soft Chews with MSM and Omega-3
As we mentioned above, Cosequin is a brand often recommended by vets for those dogs with joint issues. These particular supplements come in the form of soft chews and are not only tasty and easy to feed to your dog, but also formulated with MSM and omega-3. MSM helps to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, while the omega-3 fatty acids help your dog maintain healthy joints and a healthy skin and coat. The combination of these two ingredients together also helps to maintain your dog’s cartilage and connective tissue.
Cosequin supplements are shown to be safe and effective and they are manufactured in the United States with globally sourced ingredients. These chews are perfect for those dogs who are struggling to move due to pain from their joints.
Key Features:
- Formulated to meet a variety of needs
- Excellent for long-term use and maintenance
- High quality, dog joint supplement
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
6) Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Chewable Dog Joint Supplements
These chewable joint supplements from Nutramax are specifically designed for large dogs over 60 pounds. The Dasuquin chews combine glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate which work synergistically to support cartilage production and help block enzymes in joints that break down cartilage. This then relieves any pain your dog may be feeling and allows them to move without difficulty. MSM is also present in these joint supplements which is a source of sulfur and a compound used by cartilage, so therefore also helps to rebuild cartilage.
These chews come in bottles of either 150 or 84 count, and it is recommended that you give two a day to your dog while they are in pain, and then one a day after the pain has subsided to maintain healthy joints.
Key Features:
- Unique Patented Formula
- #1 Joint Health Brand
- Antioxidant Rich
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
7) VETRISCIENCE Glycoflex 3 Hip & Joint Support for Dogs
Glycoflex 3 joint supplements are VETRISCIENCE’s 3rd stage of joint support, recommended for working dog breeds, very active dogs and senior dogs showing signs of joint health problems. For dogs of all weight ranges, these chicken liver chews are often vet recommended for dogs that need maximum joint support. These supplements are made with glucosamine, MSM and vitamin E and vitamin C, helping to keep joints cushioned, lubricated and working their best.
There is also manganese and glutathione included for better absorption and immune support. GlycoFlex has been clinically proven to increase hind leg strength in dogs by up to 41% in 4 weeks. There are three other strength levels of these chews too — basic, moderate and maximum — so if your dog needs more or less joint support than these specific chews offer, you can find the right one for them.
Key Features:
- Trusted and recommended by veterinarians
- Recommended for working dog breeds
- Clinically Proven
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
8) PetHonesty Hemp Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs
In these PetHonesty joint supplements a powerful combination of ingredients like glucosamine HCL, MSM, turmeric, green lipped mussel and organic hemp oil work together to reduce joint pain and inflammation and improve your dog’s mobility. Made with no wheat, GMOs, corn, soy, sugar or preservatives, these joint supplements rely on organic ingredients such as the turmeric and the hemp oil to act as natural anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. Your dog’s joints will also have enhanced flexibility due to the supplements coating them with collagen, and they also help to build strong bones and new cartilage.
With a very high active ingredient count in each of the 90 chews in the pack, these supplements will last you a long time and ensure you get the most of your money. They also have a duck flavoring that make feeding these chews to your dog very easy. They also come in a bacon flavor.
Key Features:
- Eases Joint Stiffness
- Quality Natural Ingredients
- More Actives Per Chew
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
9) VetPro Complete Glucosamine for Dogs
Dr Joseph’s VetPro Complete joint supplements for dogs are maximum strength and support joint health, healthy cartilage, inflammation and cardiovascular health as well as your dog’s overall general wellness. In each chew the dosage is 1000mg of glucosamine HCI and 200mg of chondroitin keeping joints flexible, lubricated and assisting with the rebuilding of damaged tissue. Natural turmeric root powder is present and reduces inflammation, therefore helping to relieve pain and allowing your dog to move with ease.
Turmeric also promotes digestive health and a healthy heart and liver. Omega-3 fatty acids are also used to promote a healthy heart and improve your pet’s skin and coat. These chews are chicken flavored, making them extra palatable for your doggo, and come in packs of 120 or 60.
Key Features:
- Veterinarian Formulated
- 5x More Glucosamine
- Relief From Inflammation
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
10) Extend Joint Care Natural Glucosamine with MSM for Dogs
This Extend Joint Care joint supplement contain a blend of glucosamine, MSM, type II chicken collagen and absorbic acid to support healthy joint function and connective tissue within your pup. The glucosamine helps to support mobility, while MSM supports connective tissue function and the type II chicken collagen helps to maintain healthy articular cartilage. Absorbic acid increases the production of collagen, allow your dog some of their youthful flexibility so they can move with ease.
With a great beef flavor that will add a tasty treat to your dog’s dinner, this joint supplement comes in the form of a powder which you can sprinkle over your dog’s food to ensure they eat it. You can also mix it with water and pour it over their food like a gravy. The supplement comes in packs of two and is 100% safe and natural.
Key Features:
- Soothe the effects of joint damage
- Delicious Beef Flavor
- Get It With Confidence
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
11) StrellaLab Hemp Treats for Dogs
These hemp joint supplements from StrellaLab come in the form of tasty treats for your dog, making them easy to give to them. These supplements contain glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric, MSM and hempseed oil and powder among active ingredients to support healthy joint function and to improve your dog’s energy and mobility. Perfect for pets of all ages, these treats relieve your dog of pain they may be feeling and also reduces inflammation and increases flexibility.
They are also great treats for post-surgery recovery and they have no side-effects. Administered as part of your pet’s diet, there are 120 chews in a jar and will therefore provide a 1 to 4 month supply depending on your dog’s size. There is no soy, corn, dairy, artificial flavors, sugars or hormones in these supplements.
Key Features:
- Natural premium ingredients
- Perfect for pets of all ages
- 120 soft chews per jar
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
12) GOODGROWLIES Hemp Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs
Similar to the treats above, these joint supplements from GOODGROWLIES include a combination of ingredients including glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, turmeric and hemp oil. A perfect chewy treat for your doggo with flavors of natural duck and chicken, these supplements aim to reduce joint pain and inflammation and increase your dog’s mobility. The hemp oil also contains nutrients, fatty acids and protein that help to boost skin and coat health. The supplements help to increase your dog’s mood and energy as well as reduce inflammation and lubricate joints to keep any pain at bay.
There are 120 chews in the packet and, depending on how large your dog is, this could last you a long time. There is no sugar, dairy, corn or soy-derived products in these supplements and all the ingredients are produced in the USA in FDA-registered facilities.
Key Features:
- Support Your Dog’s Hip And Joint Health
- A Health Treat Dogs Actually Love
- Made In The Usa. Healthy, Safe, Effective
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
13) VETIQ Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs
Let your aging dog know that you love and care about them with these supplements designed to help their hips and joints. These supplements have a delicious flavor that dogs love and take the place of your ordinary treats. Made from real chicken, the supplements release a strong scent that might make your dog come running as soon as you open the bag. Omega 3 and UC-II are two other ingredients found in the formula.
Those two ingredients both improve the mobility of your dog and reduce your pet’s pain. You may find that your pet has a little more energy and can resume some of its favorite activities. The chews also use ingredients that lubricate your dog’s joints. Though you should only give these supplement chews to adult dogs, one serving is a single chew and the bag comes with 60 servings.
Key Features:
- Reduces joint pain and improves your adult dog’s mobility
- Combined with Omega 3
- 100% natural product made only from whole Antarctic krill
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
14) Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Soft Chews Dog Joint Supplements
The same chews from Nutramax that we mentioned above, these Dasuquin come in a smaller quantity and are perfect for those dogs that are showing less severe signs of pain and may not need to take the treats for a long time, especially as you should give two a day while they are in pain and then one a day to keep the pain at bay. These supplements promote maximum joint health with MSM and are often recommended by veterinarians. Also present is glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate to help support cartilage production.
Designed for large dogs over 60 lbs, they are very easy to administer in the form of a soft chew. As mentioned above, these treats also come in a pack of 150 if your dog needs to take the supplements for a longer period of time, and they also come designed for small and medium dogs too.
Key Features:
- Maximum joint health with msm
- Veterinary formula
- Easy to administer soft chew
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
15) TerraMax Pro Best Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs
This joint supplement from TerraMax comes in the form of a liquid and claims to absorb more quickly and efficiently than chews or tablets and offers a better and faster result. Formulated with glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM, this joint supplement helps to maintain the health and resiliency of joints and connective tissues, while also promoting general good health. With a higher potency than a lot of the other brands out there, this supplement tackles even the most painful of joints and guarantees to get your dog mobile again.
Made with only human-grade ingredients, you can be sure that this supplement is safe for your dog. It can also help with skin problems, stomach ailments, inflammation, wound healing and incontinence problems. This formula comes in 32 oz bottles, but you can save money when you buy two or more bottles with discount codes at checkout.
Key Features:
- Veterinarian Recommended
- 100% Pure, Safe And All Natural
- Maximum Hip & Joint Support
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
16) Paws & Pals Glucosamine Supplement for Dogs
In these Paws & Pals joint supplements, a blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, plants and nutrients help to support the structural integrity of joints and connective tissues while maintaining flexibility and help to relieve aches and pains caused by daily exercise, arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other physical ailments in your doggo. The glucosamine and MSM in these chewy treats act as an anti-inflammatory and are great at reducing pain and improving joint flexibility, while the chondroitin helps relocate fluid into the joint’s connective tissue, promoting healthy shock absorption and lubricating the joint to lessen pain.
These chews also have shown to go beyond joint health by helping other problems, such as combating dandruff and relieving headaches. There are 240 chews in the jar, lasting a long time, and, even better, they are wheat free and made in the USA in an FDA regulated facility.
Key Features:
- Joint Support
- Powerful Benefits
- Maintains Cartilage
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
17) PetNC Natural Care Hip and Joint Soft Chews for Dogs
These soft chews from PetNC contain glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM to help maintain healthy canine joint function and connective tissue. Perfect for dogs of all ages and sizes, these joint supplements support mobility and protect existing cartilage so you can get your dog back on their feet and running in the park quickly. Also included in these supplements is hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and manganese, copper and zinc which work together to form cartilage and help with joint fluidity.
There are 90 chews in this pack and the amount you give a day is based on your dog’s size and needs. With a high-potency these are very efficient and the liver flavor makes them palatable for even the pickiest of eaters. Made with human-grade ingredients, they are also vet recommended.
Key Features:
- Human-grade ingredients Laboratory tested
- Veterinarian formulated
- Made in the USA
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
18) Genuine Naturals™ Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs
These Genuine Naturals™ joint supplements come in the form of sugar-cube sized treats, helping to ease your dog’s aches and pains and restore energy and mobility back in to them. Formulated with organic turmeric, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and dried yucca, alongside other natural ingredients, these supplements reduce joint swelling and tenderness as well as restoring flexibility and helping relieve pain from arthritis and hip dysplasia. Safe for dogs of all ages and sizes, these chews are made with natural ingredients without ever using harmful chemicals.
They are manufactured in the USA in a USDA facility and come with no serious side effects like other pain medication. With 120 chews in each jar, these supplements will last you one month for larger dogs, two months for a medium breed and four months for a small breed.
Key Features:
- Healthy Treat
- Advanced Formula
- Packed With Premium Natural Ingredients
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
19) The Missing Link Supplement Powder
This powdered supplement from The Missing Link is designed for both cats and dogs, perfect if you have a multi-pet household, and is designed to protect their overall health. Formulated with balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, dietary fiber and probiotics, this supplement supports skin and coat health, digestive and immune systems, helps with inflammation and also promotes overall health. While this may not be the product for you if your dog is suffering from serious joint pain, this powder will help to keep your pet generally healthy and help keep those aches and pains at bay.
It also helps to keep your dog’s energy levels high and supports soft-tissue, muscle, tendon and ligament health. A vegetarian blend, this is a great product for those dogs allergic to meat products and it is made without any artificial colors, flavors, preservatives too. All you need to do is sprinkle some of this on your dog’s food every day, the amount differing based on the size of your dog.
Key Features:
- Balanced Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Meat free for fur kids
- NO artificial colors or flavors
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
20) TopDog Health Advanced Joint Supplement for Dogs
The TopDog Health Advanced joint supplement is designed for dogs of all sizes and ages and contains all the essential natural ingredients to support your dog’s joints. Made with glucosamine HCL and chondroitin sulfate and 25mg of hyaluronic acid in every chew, this effective concentration of ingredients help to lubricate and maintain healthy connective tissues and joints, therefore relieving any pain your dog may be feeling and helping them to move with ease again.
These supplements are perfect if your dog has recently gone undergone major orthopedic surgery or is in need of advanced joint support and they are made with quality, natural ingredients that will not harm your dog and do not have any nasty side effects. For best results, TopDog Health recommend that you use this product for a minimum of thirty days, with the amount of treats you give your dog based on their size.
Key Features:
- Improved Joint Comfort And Mobility
- Trusted Formula With 10 Years Of Clinical Use
- Top Dogs 100% Guarantee
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Why Should My Dog Take Joint Supplements?
If your dog is in pain from their joint problems, there are a number of reasons why they can benefit from taking joint supplements. First of all, joint supplements are a great way to alleviate any pain and suffering your dog may be dealing with. Just like us when we are in pain, dogs can become irritable and frustrated when they’re in pain, and a joint supplement can help calm the aches. Many dog supplements have anti-inflammatory medication included, helping target the source of the pain.
Once the pain has been alleviated, your dog is free to enjoy life again. Without the pain they can run and play, exercising and helping to dispense their energy healthily. This massively improves their quality of life and can have a big impact on their mental health too. When they are pain free, they can do all the things they are used to doing, rather than having to sit in their bed or crate all day which can lead to them feeling lonely or depressed. Giving them joint supplements can also be a great way to show them that you love them and that you want to help them get rid of their pain, strengthening your relationship with your dog.
Another great benefit of joint supplements is that they can help to improve overall mobility for your dog, at any stage of their life. Dogs love to be active and they will want to stay exercising for as many years as possible. By taking joint supplements you can help to ward off any joint pain that may arise when they get older before it happens, helping them to live a happy and active lifestyle.
Types Of Dog Joint Supplements
There are four main types of joint supplements that your dog can take and the one that fits your dog will depend on their lifestyle.
The most preferred type of joint supplement is a liquid supplement, as every active ingredient in the supplement is absorbed into your dog’s intestinal tract. Some manufacturers suggest you mix a liquid supplement with their food, while others may have to be given through a dropper or through a syringe.
Tablet supplements are also common, although they are not always favored by dog owners because it can be difficult to get your dog to swallow a tablet. Experts recommend pushing the tablet right to the back of your pet’s mouth to avoid their gag reflex, but it can be difficult to watch your pup in pain. Tablets also contain binders to compress active ingredients and prevent them from loosening, often affecting the amount of absorbable ingredient.
A powder supplement can be a great choice for those who don’t like to work with tablets or liquids. They can be mixed with food or dissolved in your pet’s drink.
The last type of joint supplement is a dog chew. Some manufacturers create their joint supplements to look like dog chews and treats to entice your dog to eat them and this can be a great way to make sure they take the supplement, especially if they are very picky.
Popular Dog Joint Supplement Ingredients
There are a variety of ingredients that have been known to increase your dog’s joint mobility and help to alleviate any pain. Below are the ten most popular dog joint supplement ingredients and their benefits.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a beneficial ingredient in the continuing formation and development of healthy cartilage, and can also help to reduce the severity and the extent of arthritis. It can also help to alleviate pain. Glucosamine is often combined with chondroitin and can help to speed up wound repair, which is especially good if your dog also suffers from skin problems.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is a very important structural element in cartilage, providing resistance against compression so the underlying bone structure doesn’t get damaged. It also helps to reduce the rate of breakdown of cartilage as your dog ages and gives their body the time to heal and repair. As we said above, chondroitin is often combined with glucosamine to help with arthritis, reducing both pain and swelling.
MSM
Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, is a great at reducing the signs and symptoms of inflammation, which is often a big problem with joint pain. It can also help to neutralize free radicals that may aggravate any inflamed areas. MSM is known for repairing cartilaginous tissues, leading to the production of collagen that is an important factor of many tissues within the body.
Hyaluronic Acid
Joints are composed of two opposing surfaces of bones and if these are not properly lubricated, then there can be friction and further damage within the joints. Hyaluronic acid is a major component of the lubricant needed to keep the joints working properly. If your dog’s joint supplement has hyaluronic acid their pains may be less sore to move due to less friction.
CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 is a fat-soluble substance that resembles vitamins. It is an antioxidant and can help reduce any inflammation in your dog’s joints. This can make your dog’s joints more flexible and help to reduce pain when they move. CoQ10 is often used in conjunction with vitamins C and E as it has been shown to increase the antioxidant and inflammatory properties of these two ingredients.
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the best medicinal herbs because of it’s active ingredient curcumin. It works as both an anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic medicine and it’s more potent property is that of an anti-inflammatory. With reduced inflammation, your dog is able to move more and will be in less pain.
Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids
Omega-3 essential fatty acids are known for their antioxidant properties, alongside their counterpart of polyunsaturated fats, omega-6 fatty acids. The Omega-3 fatty acids can help to neutralize free radicals and also help to reduce swelling and pain, as well as helping to improve mobility with your pup.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps improve your dog’s body’s ability to produce collagen, which can further strengthen our dog’s bones, joints and tendons. Also, Vitamin C helps to reduce free radicals and therefore helps to reduce inflammation. It can also help to repair tissues and prevent cellular damage.
Vitamin E
Just like vitamin C, vitamin E can also help to reduce inflammation within your dog’s joints. It can also help reduce the rate of cartilage destruction and help promotes it’s repair too. As we mentioned above, it is often used in conjunction with vitamin C and CoQ10.
Selenium
Although not as popular as certain other micronutrients such as calcium and magnesium, selenium can be great for the regeneration of damaged cartilage. This helps your dog regain their healthy joints and gives them great mobility.
Best Dog Joint Supplements FAQ’s
Are some breeds of dogs more likely to develop joint pain?
While any dog can suffer from joint and hip problems, some breeds of dogs, and senior dogs, are much more likely to develop joint pain than others. Joint problems are most likely to develop in larger breeds of dogs. These can include Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler, Newfoundland, Bernese Mountain Dog, German Shepherd, Saint Bernard, Great Dane, Pitbull and Boxer.
Why has my dog developed joint pain?
There are many reasons your dog could have developed joint pain. Some dogs suffer from more than one problem at the same time. The most common causes of joint pain are osteoarthritis, which is the break down of cartilage over time (often seen in older dogs), rheumatoid arthritis, where your dog’s immune system begins attacking the tissue in their joints, hip dysplasia, which occurs in dogs with improperly formed hip joints, and damaged tendons and ligaments. Dogs can suffer from damaged tendons and ligaments at any age and these can range from mild to severe.
What can I do to prevent my dog from developing joint pain?
It can be impossible to prevent some diseases that cause your dog to suffer from joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, there are some things you can do to help prevent your dog from developing joint pain through other conditions. These can include ensuring your dog gets enough exercise to strengthen their muscles, staying away from activities that can lead to joint injuries, such as running frequently on uneven terrain, keeping your dog at a healthy body weight so no added pressure is put on their joints and, finally, visiting your vet often and having your dog checked over.
Conclusion
It’s never nice to see your pet in pain, so if you think your dog might be suffering from joint problems then a joint supplement could be the thing to get them back to their regular selves. If your dog is dealing with pain in their joints they may have reduced mobility and no desire to leave their bed, as well as psychological issues such as loneliness, anger or depression that they can’t do the things they used to be able to.
There are so many great ingredients in dog supplements such as vitamins C and E, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid, all that have different benefits but can help rid your dog of pain, rebuild cartilage and regain strength in their joints. Whether the supplement you choose is a liquid, a powder, a treat or a tablet, we know you will find one in the list above that benefits your dog and gets them back to their active lifestyle.