Seeing your beloved dog struggle with joint pain and stiffness can be one of the most emotionally difficult things for any pet owner. These challenges are particularly common among older dogs or breeds predisposed to joint issues — such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Newfoundlands.
Whether your dog is having difficulty climbing stairs, limping after walks, or is reluctant to jump up onto the couch, such signs can leave pet parents feeling helpless. The good news is, you might be able to improve your furry friend’s joint health and quality of life by giving them the right supplements.
Joint supplements have helped countless dogs, since they provide both pain relief and improved mobility. If you’ve tried everything else to make your pet comfortable, these supplements may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
The challenge, of course, lies in finding the perfect joint supplement for your dog. With an overwhelming amount of supplements available, choosing the right one can be challenging. In this article, we’ll review some of the best joint supplements for dogs and help you navigate the selection process. Let’s get started!
The Best Joint Supplements for Dogs
Joint supplements come in many different forms — powders, chews, capsules, you name it — which means there’s lots of flexibility when it comes to administering them. Let’s take a closer look at a couple of effective joint supplements for dogs below:
Hip & Joint Support Powder for Dogs
One great choice is Under the Weather’s Hip & Joint Support Powder. This vet-approved supplement specifically targets stiffness and mobility issues often seen in older dogs. The natural ingredients work together to promote joint health, strengthen connective tissues, and fight inflammation.
Key Ingredients per Scoop (1g):
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Glucosamine HCl (250 mg): Helps with joint lubrication and cartilage protection.
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Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) (100 mg): Reduces inflammation and eases pain associated with joint problems.
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Chondroitin Sulfate (75 mg): Helps slow cartilage deterioration and minimize stiffness.
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Green Lipped Mussel (50 mg): A natural anti-inflammatory ingredient that promotes healthy joints and may improve immunity.
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Boswellia (20 mg): Supports a healthy inflammatory response.
Directions for Use: Mix the powder into your dog’s food based on their weight. Dogs under 25 lbs should receive one scoop daily. Dogs between 25-50 lbs need two scoops, and larger dogs (over 50 lbs) can have three scoops. If needed, you can split the dosage between meals.
Hemp Hip & Joint Soft Chews for Dogs
Another excellent option is Under the Weather’s Hemp Hip & Joint Soft Chews. These chews are made to alleviate the discomfort and stiffness that older and larger dogs often experience after exercising.
They’re designed to maintain your dog’s flexibility and mobility while also supporting connective tissues. They’re made with all-natural ingredients, and are free from GMOs, artificial additives, and added sugars.
Key Ingredients per Chew (4g):
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Glucosamine HCl (500 mg): Supports joint and cartilage health by providing essential building blocks for connective tissues and synovial fluid.
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Proprietary Hemp Blend (250 mg): Combines hemp meal, hemp seed oil, and hemp extract to help manage your dog’s pain and discomfort.
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Chondroitin Sulfate (50 mg): Improves tissue elasticity and protects cartilage.
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Boswellia Serrata Powder (15 mg): Reduces stiffness and supports a healthy inflammatory response.
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Hyaluronic Acid (5 mg): Improves joint fluid viscosity, which helps to make movement easier for your dog.
Directions for Use: Dosage varies depending on your dog’s size. Small dogs (5-25 lbs) need half a chew daily, while medium-sized dogs (25-50 lbs) require one chew per day. Larger breeds (50-75 lbs) should take two chews daily, and dogs over 75 lbs can have up to three chews.
Understanding Your Dog’s Joint Pain
Before we continue, let’s briefly discuss how a dog’s joints work. Joints are the meeting points of two or more bones. They allow for flexibility and smooth movement in areas like the hips, elbows, and knees. These critical structures are cushioned by cartilage (a rubbery material that absorbs shocks and reduces friction during movement).
Synovial fluid surrounds your dog’s joints, and acts as a natural lubricant to make sure that the bones can glide smoothly without causing pain. When these systems are functioning correctly, your dog can move comfortably and enjoy everyday activities. However, problems tend to come up when the cartilage wears down (usually due to age). This can lead to joint discomfort.
As dogs age or sustain injuries, their cartilage can begin to deteriorate. Genetics also play a role (as mentioned previously, certain breeds are more susceptible to joint problems). When cartilage is damaged or becomes too thin, the bones start to rub together, causing pain and inflammation. Over time, this can lead to osteoarthritis — a condition where joints become swollen, hot, and extremely painful.
Signs of joint issues in dogs include limping, reluctance to climb stairs, and slower movement in general. In severe cases, dogs may avoid moving altogether due to their joint pain. Fortunately, joint supplements can address many of these symptoms since they provide essential nutrients to support joint health.
How to Choose the Right Joint Supplement for Your Dog
It can be difficult to pick out the right joint supplement for your dog. After all, there are plenty of options available. While shopping for joint supplements, remember to keep your dog’s specific needs in mind. Here are a few factors to consider:
Age and Breed
Older dogs generally require more intensive joint support in comparison to younger dogs, since their joints have been through more wear and tear. Similarly, large dog breeds often need supplements with higher concentrations of active ingredients, since their joints endure more stress.
Diet and Lifestyle
If your dog is at a healthy weight and already eats a balanced diet that includes joint-supporting nutrients, you might not need to give them a super complicated joint supplement. On the other hand, active dogs or dogs with less nutritious diets may benefit from a more comprehensive joint supplement. If you’re not sure, ask your veterinarian.
Veterinary Advice
Always check with your vet before giving your dog any type of supplement. They will be able to provide recommendations based on your dog’s health and help you determine the correct dosage as well.
The Benefits of Joint Supplements
Wondering what the actual benefits of joint supplements for dogs are? If so, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down below:
Pain Relief
There’s nothing worse than seeing your dog with arthritis, elbow dysplasia, or joint disease in pain. Thankfully, joint supplements have been proven to help! Ingredients like glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin reduce inflammation and alleviate joint pain in dogs.
Improved Mobility
Joint supplements also improve the fluidity of joint movements. This means your dog will be able to move more comfortably. Their quality of life will improve, which is one of the most important things for older dogs.
Cartilage Protection
By helping with cartilage repair and preventing further damage, joint supplements help slow down joint degeneration.
Ingredients to Look For in Joint Supplements for Dogs
Here are some essential ingredients to look for when picking out a joint supplement for your dog:
MSM
This compound (which contains sulfur) reduces pain and stiffness while supporting joint mobility.
Green Lipped Mussel
Green lipped mussel is a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient that improves joint flexibility. It’s been known to help dogs manage their arthritis symptoms.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
These compounds promote cartilage repair and protect against further breakdown.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oil (for example). These healthy fats have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce stiffness.
Are Joint Supplements for Dogs Safe?
While joint supplements are widely regarded as safe for dogs, it’s important to keep in mind that some dogs may experience side effects. Side effects can include upset stomach symptoms (like diarrhea, vomiting, or a decreased appetite).
In some cases, dogs may have allergies or sensitivities to particular ingredients found in these dietary supplements, which could lead to unexpected reactions. For this reason, it’s important to keep a close eye on your dog after starting them on a new joint supplement.
If you notice anything unusual — like a change in their behavior or physical discomfort — reach out to your vet. Also remember that supplements can sometimes interact with other medications your dog may already be taking. Again, we can’t stress the importance of asking your vet for advice beforehand!
Conclusion
Watching your dog struggle with joint pain is never easy, but there are steps you can take to help them live a more comfortable and active life. Joint supplements can provide significant relief, especially for older dogs or breeds that are prone to joint issues.
When choosing a supplement, look for one that contains high-quality ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and omega-3 fatty acids. Whether you decide to opt for soft chews or powders, the most important thing is finding a product that meets your dog’s needs.
By prioritizing your dog’s joint health, you’re helping them enjoy a happier, healthier life filled with the activities they love. With the right care and support, your dog can continue to thrive. Want to learn more? Check out Under the Weather today!
