Needless to say, joint pain and stiffness in dogs can be heartbreaking for any pet parent to witness. These issues are particularly common in senior dogs with low activity levels and certain breeds that are predisposed to joint problems (e.g. German Shepherds, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Newfoundlands).
Don’t worry, though, because giving your dog joint supplements could be a great way to improve their joint health. Hip and joint supplements might be the solution you’ve been looking for if you’ve tried everything to alleviate your fur baby’s discomfort.
However, with so many products on the market, it can be pretty challenging to figure out which one will work best for your dog. In this article, we’ll talk about the best hip and joint supplements for dogs, and guide you through how to choose the right option(s).
Let’s get started!
What Are the Best Hip and Joint Supplements for Dogs?
When it comes to the best hip and joint supplements for dogs, there are certainly a lot of options to choose from. Hip and joint supplements also come in different forms (i.e. capsules, powders, chews, etc.), which makes matters even more complicated. Let’s take a look at some of the best hip and joint supplements for dogs below:
Hemp Hip & Joint Soft Chews for Dogs
Under the Weather’s Hemp Hip & Joint Soft Chews are formulated to relieve joint discomfort associated with daily activities and exercise. These chews will help maintain your dog’s joint mobility and flexibility. They should also help ease occasional stiffness.
These chews are also designed to support connective tissues. They’re made with all-natural ingredients, which are grown without GMOs, pesticides, or solvents. Under the Weather’s Hemp Hip & Joint Soft Chews for Dogs do not contain corn, artificial additives, or added sugars.
Active Ingredients per Chew (4g):
- Glucosamine HCl (500 mg): This ingredient supports joint and cartilage health by providing much-needed building blocks for synovial fluid, cartilage, and connective tissues.
- Proprietary Hemp Blend (250 mg): A combination of hemp meal, hemp seed oil, and hemp extract. This ingredient helps manage discomfort that’s associated with exercise and regular daily activities.
- Chondroitin Sulfate (50 mg): Helps to improve tissue flexibility and supports cartilage health around your dog’s joints.
- Boswellia Serrata Powder (15 mg): Eases stiffness and supports a normal inflammatory response.
- Hyaluronic Acid (5 mg): Improves the viscosity of joint fluid so that it’s easier for your dog to move around.
Directions for Use: If you have a small dog (between 5-25 lbs), you should give them half of a chew daily. Dogs between 25-50 lbs should receive 1 chew daily, and dogs between 50-75 lbs will need 2 chews daily. If your dog is over 75 lbs, you can give them 3 chews daily.
Hip & Joint Support Powder for Dogs
Under the Weather’s Hip & Joint Support Powder is a vet-formulated supplement that’s designed to combat the stiffness and mobility issues that are often seen in aging dogs. It’s made from natural ingredients that work together to improve joint health, build connective tissue strength, and reduce inflammation.
Active Ingredients per Scoop (1g):
- Glucosamine HCL (250 mg): This ingredient is really important because it encourages joint lubrication and helps protect cartilage.
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) (100 mg): Helps reduce inflammation and ease pain in dogs with hip and joint issues.
- Chondroitin Sulfate (75 mg): Slows joint deterioration and reduces stiffness.
- Green Lipped Mussel (50 mg): A natural anti-inflammatory that promotes healthy joints. It may also improve your dog’s immunity.
- Boswellia (20 mg): This ingredient supports a normal inflammatory response.
Directions for Use: If your dog is under 25 lbs, you can give them 1 scoop daily (mixed into their breakfast or dinner). Dogs between 25-50 lbs should receive 2 scoops daily. Larger dogs (over 50 lbs) should ideally receive 3 scoops daily, which means you might need to give them a small snack at lunch time (in order to mix the powder with food).
Understanding Joint Health in Dogs
Joints are places in the body where two or more bones meet. They allow the bones to move and give flexibility to different parts of the body (like the elbows, knees, hips, and shoulders). Without joints, movements like walking, running, or even just sitting down would be impossible.
Inside a joint, the ends of the bones are covered with a smooth, rubbery material called cartilage. Cartilage absorbs shock and reduces friction when the bones move. This helps your dog move easily and comfortably, whether they’re playing fetch or just getting up from a nap.
Joints are also surrounded by a fluid called synovial fluid. This fluid acts as a natural lubricant, and ensures that the bones can glide over each other without pain. When everything is working well, your dog should be able to move freely without experiencing any discomfort.
Joint Health Problems in Dogs
Over time, the cartilage in a dog’s joints can start to wear down. This can happen for many reasons (e.g. aging, injury, or even genetics). When the cartilage gets thinner or damaged, it no longer provides enough cushioning.
Without proper cushioning, the bones start to rub against each other, which can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. This friction can lead to inflammation, which means the joint becomes hot, swollen, and sore.
As the cartilage continues to wear away, your dog might start showing signs of discomfort. They may limp, move more slowly, or have trouble jumping onto the couch or climbing stairs. In more severe cases, they might not want to move at all because it hurts too much. This condition is known as osteoarthritis.
How to Choose a Hip and Joint Supplement for Your Dog
When it comes to picking out the right hip and joint supplement for your dog, there’s a lot to consider. Let’s break it down below:
Age and Breed
Obviously, older dogs have different needs than younger dogs. Breed matters more than you might think, too. Larger dog breeds often need supplements with higher levels of active ingredients due to the increased stress on their joints. Senior dogs might need extra support because of natural wear and tear.
Diet and Lifestyle
If your dog is on a balanced diet that already includes joint-supporting nutrients, they might only need a very simple supplement. If their diet isn’t the best and they live a very active lifestyle, however, your dog might need a more comprehensive product. If you’re not sure, you can always ask your dog for advice.
Consult With Your Veterinarian
It’s super important to ask your vet before starting your dog on any new supplement regimen. They’ll be able to provide you with insights specific to your dog’s health, recommend the best products, and help with dosage and administration.
The Benefits of Hip and Joint Supplements for Dogs
We’ve talked a bit about this already, but let’s break down why joint supplements can be so beneficial for dogs with hip and joint pain below:
Pain Relief
Ingredients like glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin can reduce inflammation and alleviate joint pain in dogs.
Better Mobility
Supplements can also improve the fluidity of joint movements. In other words, they’ll help your dog move more comfortably.
Cartilage Health
By helping with cartilage repair, hip and joint supplements can help protect against joint degeneration in dogs.
Ingredients in Dog Joint Supplements
Now, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that you should look for in hip and joint supplements for dogs:
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
These are essential compounds for joint health in dogs. Glucosamine helps in forming and repairing cartilage, and chondroitin maintains joint structure by preventing the breakdown of cartilage.
Omega-3 fatty Acids
These healthy fats (which are commonly found in fish oil) have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce joint stiffness.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
MSM is a natural compound that provides sulfur (an important component for joint and cartilage health). It helps reduce pain and stiffness, and contributes to better joint mobility.
Green Lipped Mussel
This ingredient has anti-inflammatory effects. It helps to manage arthritis symptoms and improve joint flexibility in dogs.
Conclusion
It’s never easy to watch your fur babies experience the pain that comes with aging (or health problems like arthritis). The good news is, hip and joint supplements can be extremely helpful for older dogs and dog breeds that are predisposed to hip and joint issues.
It’s really important to take good care of your dog’s joint health, especially as they get older. We’d highly recommend choosing a quality hip and joint supplement that contains ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and omega-3 fatty acids. It could honestly make a world of difference when it comes to your dog’s mobility and comfort.
Whether you decide to give your dog soft chews or mix hip and joint powder into their food, the important thing is to find a product that works well for your dog’s specific needs. Providing your dog with the right hip and joint support can help them live a more comfortable and active life—no matter how old they are.
