As dogs get older, they’re more likely to develop health problems, especially in their joints. Some breeds are particularly prone to issues like arthritis and hip dysplasia. Dietary supplements can play a huge role when it comes to managing the pain from these chronic joint conditions that dogs often experience as they age.
Even though all dogs can benefit from arthritis supplements, the huge variety of products available can make it difficult for pet owners to pick the right one. Don’t worry, though, because Under the Weather is here to provide you with the guidance you need.
Join us as we consider and discuss the best arthritis supplements available for dogs. We’ll also be discussing what causes arthritis in dogs, the ingredients in arthritis supplements for dogs, and how to give your dog arthritis or joint supplements. Let’s jump right in, shall we?
Understanding Arthritis in Dogs
When people think about dog arthritis, they usually picture large, older dogs. However, arthritis can affect any breed and any age group. While around 50% of dogs between 5 and 10 years old have arthritis, about 25% of dogs over the age of one also suffer from it.
Arthritis, the accurate name for inflammation of the joints, progresses slowly and can be caused by several different factors. One of the most common causes of arthritis is inflammation, which can occur anywhere in a dog’s body. A major cause of joint inflammation in dogs is obesity, which is why it’s so important to manage your dog’s weight.
Other factors can cause or lead to arthritis and joint issues in dogs, though. For example, nerve degeneration, muscle weakness, torn ligaments, past injuries, or even conditions unrelated to joints — like abdominal inflammation or heart disease — can also be at fault. If you notice that your dog is limping a lot or has trouble getting up, you should talk to your vet and determine what the real issue is.
What Are the Best Arthritis Supplements for Dogs?
Joint supplements can be a huge help for dogs with arthritis. This is because they provide essential nutrients that reduce inflammation and pain by lubricating the joints. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best arthritis supplements for dogs from Under the Weather:
Hip & Joint Support Powder for Dogs
Under the Weather’s Hip & Joint Support Powder for Dogs is an excellent choice. This vet-formulated supplement uses all-natural ingredients to support your dog’s joint health, reduce inflammation, and ease the discomfort that comes with stiff joints and health conditions like arthritis.
Since this supplement comes in powder form, it’s an especially great choice for dogs who are picky eaters. As long as you mix it into their food, they should like the taste because of the natural chicken flavor. You can even mix it into Under the Weather’s Chicken & Rice or Chicken, Rice, & Bone Broth bland diet dog food if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
Ingredients:
- Glucosamine HCL (Shellfish)
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
- Chondroitin Sulfate (Avian)
- Green Lipped Mussel
- Boswellia (Boswellia Serrata)
- Brewer’s yeast
- Natural poultry flavor
Hemp Hip & Joint Soft Chews for Dogs
These soft chews contain a proprietary hemp blend that’s free of THC. We especially recommend them for managing joint stiffness and mobility issues in dogs. These chews help dogs maintain their flexibility and support the health of their connective tissues and joints. They’re also made without GMOs, pesticides, or artificial ingredients.
When giving your dog these chews, the dosage will depend on your dog’s size. If your dog is between 5 and 25 lbs, you should give them half of a chew daily. If they’re between 25 and 50 lbs, you can give them 1 chew daily. Dogs between 50 and 75 lbs should get 2 chews daily, and larger dogs can have 3 chews daily.
Active Ingredients per Chew (4g):
- Glucosamine HCl - 500 mg: Helps build synovial fluid and connective tissues to keep your dog’s joints healthy.
- Proprietary Hemp Blend - 250 mg: Includes Hemp Meal, Hemp Seed Oil, and Hemp Extract, which help with discomfort from regular exercise.
- Chondroitin Sulfate (bovine) - 50 mg: Found naturally in cartilage, it helps keep tissue flexible.
- Boswellia Serrata Powder - 15 mg: Supports joint flexibility and a healthy inflammatory response.
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA) - 5 mg: Improves joint fluid viscosity for healthier joints in dogs.
Ingredients in Arthritis Supplements for Dogs
Dogs that are kept at a healthy weight, are fed a balanced diet, and are given the right supplements are less likely to struggle with arthritis. However, you must have an understanding of which common ingredients in arthritis supplements are truly beneficial. Here are some key ingredients to look for in joint and arthritis supplements for dogs:
Glucosamine Hydrochloride
Glucosamine helps stimulate cartilage growth and protect existing cartilage in the joints. It takes some time to build up in a dog’s system, but once it reaches effective levels, it has been shown to reduce pain and improve mobility in dogs with arthritis.
Glucosamine can be very beneficial, even for dogs with healthy joints. This is especially true if the dog is prone to joint issues (i.e. if they happen to be a larger dog breed) or has experienced joint trauma in the past.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are great for dog joint health at any age. They help with joint lubrication and reduce inflammation, and they’re great for supporting heart, skin, and kidney health, too. You really can’t go wrong with omega-3 supplements!
While dog food usually contains omega-3s, the levels may not be high enough to effectively treat your dog’s joint problems. So, an additional supplement — like Under the Weather’s Hip & Joint Support Powder for dogs — might be necessary.
Chondroitin Sulfate
This ingredient helps protect cartilage by blocking enzymes that break it down. It’s recommended for all dogs over 8 weeks old, except those with severe, late-stage arthritis. Chondroitin is often more effective when it’s combined with glucosamine and other joint-supporting ingredients.
Managing Arthritis in Dogs
Besides giving your dog arthritis supplements, there are other things you can do to help them manage their arthritis symptoms. Simple lifestyle changes can help more than you might think. Let’s take a closer look below:
Weight Management
Maintaining your dog’s healthy weight is super important for managing (and preventing) arthritis. Excess weight puts extra strain on your dog’s joints, which will make their pain and inflammation worse. This is why it’s so important to feed your dog a balanced diet and make sure that they get plenty of exercise.
Regular Exercise
Most dogs love exercise, and some dog breeds (like border collies) need more exercise than others. While exercise is important for keeping your dog’s joints flexible and muscles strong, avoid overworking your dog. Activities like walking, swimming, and controlled play are all great ways to keep your dog active without putting too much stress on their joints.
Comfortable Environment
Creating a comfortable living space for your dog can make a huge difference in their quality of life. For example, if you get them an orthopedic bed that supports their joints, it might help reduce their arthritic pain. If your dog really struggles with movement, you might want to add ramps and non-slip mats to your home where you can. They’ll surely appreciate it!
How to Give Arthritis Supplements to Dogs
If your dog suffers from pain that’s caused by arthritis, they might be reluctant to eat. Think about it this way: When you’re in pain, do you feel like eating? Probably not, unless you’re really hungry. Of course, it remains important for your dog to eat, especially if they’re experiencing joint pain.
If your dog with arthritis seems reluctant to take their arthritis supplements (or eat their food in the first place), there are a few things you can do. For example, if you decide to give your dog supplements in liquid or powder form, you’ll easily be able to mix these supplements into their food.
Feeding your dog a bland diet can also encourage them to eat, and this will help with any digestive issues they might have, too. To give your dog a concoction that will help with joint pain and digestive issues, try mixing Under the Weather’s Hip & Joint Support Powder with their Chicken, Rice, & Bone Broth Bland Diet For Dogs.
Conclusion
It’s never easy to watch your dog age, especially when aging comes with health problems like arthritis. Nobody wants to see their fur baby in pain, and at Under the Weather, we understand this very well. That’s why we want to make it super easy for you to pick out the right arthritis supplements for your dog (or cat).
Whether you’ve noticed specific arthritis symptoms (like limping) in your dog, or simply want to prevent your dog from experiencing arthritis in the future, arthritis supplements for dogs can help. If you want to learn more, feel free to check out our blog. We have a wide selection of joint pain and arthritis products available for both dogs and cats.
