The best source of medical advice for your pet is your veterinarian. A vet can provide objective advice based on assessing your pet's health and needs, offering practical information.
Often, owners will buy dog joint supplements based only on online reviews or recommendations by friends. However, positive reviews do not ensure the purity, efficacy and quality of the supplement.
Unlike medications that are regulated by the FDA, dog joint supplements are a completely unregulated market. Unless a company voluntarily seeks 3rd party laboratory testing, there is no way to know for sure if the content matches the label claims.
Dog owners, especially those who own large breeds, tend to worry about their dog’s joint condition as larger breeds are generally known to be predisposed to joint issues.
Can joint supplements cure existing joint conditions?
More often than not, a dog that is already suffering from joint issues will not be cured by supplements, because a joint condition isn’t something that can be solved.
Joint supplements for dogs can help improve joint comfort. Health conditions that affect joints and bones can be very painful. They may cause your dog to limp, avoid certain activities or have trouble getting up and down from sofas, cars and other difficult to move in between places.
Vet recommended dog joint supplements are usually put forward for two key reasons. First, to slow the progression of joint issues in dogs and second to help with occasional joint discomfort.
Joint conditions are caused by a variety of things, including congenital deformities (like hip dysplasia), prior injury, age, breed and obesity.
One of the most common joint issues you’ll come across is dog arthritis. Arthritis occurs when the cartilage – the smooth lining that covers bones – wears down and becomes thinner.
As a result, the roughened ends of the bones start rubbing against each other, causing inflammation and ultimately, pain. Joint pain in dogs is the exact thing we as dog lovers want to avoid.
Dog arthritis often means they can start to walk with a limp, because moving hurts. Dog joint supplements, as recommended by a vet, can help delay the onset of arthritis or other joint problems.
Unfortunately, damaged cartilage doesn’t heal or regenerate on its own like blood cells do, but supplements can help to manage discomfort.
Joint Supplement Ingredients
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), particularly those found in fish oils, are widely used to support joint health in dogs. Two specific EFAs, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), have shown the most promise in helping dogs with arthritis.
In addition to their anti-inflammatory properties, DHA and EPA also have antioxidant effects, which can further protect the joints.
Cannabidiol (CBD) for Dogs
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound derived from cannabis, but has lower levels of THC and therefore does not cause the "high" associated with cannabis. There is growing interest in using CBD more generally to help relieve pain associated with dog arthritis.
Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II®)
UC-II® is a form of undenatured type II collagen derived from chicken sternum cartilage, often used in joint health supplement in dogs. Unlike other forms of collagen that are broken down during processing, UC-II® remains intact, allowing it to interact with the immune system to help reduce inflammation and joint discomfort from normal exercise and aging.
Specifically, UC-II® works through a process called oral tolerance, which can suppress the immune response that attacks joint cartilage in conditions like osteoarthritis.
Green-Lipped Mussel (GLM)
Green-lipped mussels for dogs are a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, glycosaminoglycans and other bioactive compounds beneficial for joint health.
Originating from New Zealand, GLM is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce discomfort and stiffness for dogs with dog arthritis or other joint issues.
Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine
Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine are commonly used to support joint health in dogs, especially in conditions like arthritis. Glucosamine for dogs contributes to the building blocks of cartilage, which cushions the joints.
Chondroitin Sulfate works by blocking the enzymes that break down cartilage, helping to keep the joints healthy. When used together, these two ingredients help rebuild and protect cartilage, supporting joint function and reducing pain over time.
Some dogs may experience mild side effects, like softer stools or gas when taking these supplements.
Are supplements safe for dogs?
Dog joint supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, as they are not drugs. Most joint supplements for dogs can be taken alongside medications, without adverse effects.
While most supplements cause minimal side effects, it is important to consult with your veterinarian on which supplements to choose for your dog.
FAQs
What do vets recommend for joint pain?
This question has a few answers. It can depend on the severity of your dog’s joint issue.
Options can include everything from prescription medication (like Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Rimadryl and Galliprant) and joint supplements that include Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Omega-3 fatty acids to lifestyle changes (like diet changes, weight management, making areas in your home more mobility-friendly and low-impact exercise) and alternative therapies, like laser therapy.
If a dog needs more long-term, everyday support, the most likely method of support would be joint supplements. If they're in need of more immediate, fast-action help, prescription medication may be what is recommended. Consult your vet for specific guidance.
At what age should I start giving my dog joint supplements?
The age you start to introduce supplements into your dog's routine depends on your dog’s individual needs. Some breeds are genetically predisposed to experiencing joint issues at an earlier age than others.
For example, larger breeds like Golden Retrievers can experience even more pressure on their joints due to their skeletal structure and their muscle composition, so they may start to experience joint issues earlier.
As a general guideline, small and toy breeds can usually take dog supplements between 3–5 years, medium breeds from 2–4 years, large and giant breeds from 1–2 years and working or agility breeds from 1 year. However, it’s important to consult your vet, as this will depend on your individual dog.
What is the most effective joint supplement ingredient for dogs?
There are a few ingredients that really stand out as effective when it comes to dog joint supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), UC-II® Collagen, Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate and MSM are the ones you’ll hear about most often.
What tends to be the most effective way of shopping for a joint supplement, is to find one that includes a combination of these ingredients. For example, a chew that contains Glucosamine, MSM and Omega-3 fatty acids, would work well together.
As with any supplement, it’s important to investigate the credentials and credibility of the brand. Make sure to check for labels like the NASC and if it’s 3rd party tested. This helps to ensure that the quality of the supplement is trustworthy.
Can I give my dog joint supplements every day?
In short, yes. It’s usually okay to give your dog joint supplements everyday. Consistency can be key in this case.
A lot of supplements have a ‘loading phase’, which is where the dog’s body gets adjusted and used to the new supplement to make the most out of it in the long run. The concentration of the supplement during this period tends to build up, keeping it at an effective level.
What’s important here is why your dog needs a joint supplement. If it’s for everyday support, then that makes it even more important to take the chews everyday to maintain the right level of supplementation in their system.
Do joint supplements really work for dogs with arthritis?
This question doesn’t have a direct answer. Proving joint supplements effectiveness is often proved by some brands through clinical trials and studies, others through customer reviews and others through the formulation and research studies on specific ingredients.
With this, there can be popular brands with supplements that are just as popular, but with limited proof of effectiveness. Popularity can be different to effectiveness.
What is clearer to prove, is the effectiveness of specific ingredients in joint supplements, like Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and Omega-3 fish oil. These are more well-known and frequently used ingredients in formulations.
Either way, it’s important to consult your vet and discuss with them which joint supplements may work best for them.
To Sum Up
Vets can sometimes recommend dog joint supplements for a couple of key reasons. Largely to slow the progression of joint issues and to support current joint issues. It’s important to check the credibility of the brand and supplement you’re buying from, but on the whole, dog joint supplements can be super helpful for dogs who are dealing with joint issues.