Needless to say, it’s always difficult to watch our dogs struggle with joint pain and stiffness, especially as they get older. Dogs can also experience joint pain if they happen to be part of a breed that’s more likely to have these problems (like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers).
Fortunately, joint supplements can make a big difference in easing your dog’s pain, keeping their joints healthy, and improving their quality of life. That said, with so many products out there, it can be challenging to figure out which joint supplement is the best fit for your senior dog.
This article will review the best joint supplements for senior dogs. We’ll also be talking about what causes joint issues in dogs, the ingredients in joint supplements that help, and more. Let’s get started!
Understanding Joint Health in Dogs
Before we review the best joint supplements for senior dogs from Under the Weather, we’d like to talk a little bit about joint health in dogs. Joints are where the dog’s bones connect and allow movement (like human joints). There are three main types of joints in dogs: hinge joints (in their elbows and knees), pivot joints (in their neck), and ball-and-socket joints (in their hips and shoulders).
Each joint in a dog’s body is cushioned by cartilage, which makes movement easier. When this cartilage wears down, it can, unfortunately, lead to painful joint conditions — like osteoarthritis, elbow dysplasia, and hip dysplasia.
These health conditions are quite common in senior dogs, but, once again, joint supplements can help. Now, let’s take a closer look at what causes joint issues in dogs below.
What Causes Joint Issues in Senior Dogs?
There are a lot of different factors that can lead to joint problems in dogs. Usually, age will play a role, but genetics, weight, and your dog’s activity level can all make a difference, too.
Large breed dogs, because of their size, are more likely to experience joint issues, while older dogs may struggle simply because they’re aging (and their joints have gone through a lot of wear and tear).
Dogs that are super active are also at higher risk of joint injuries like elbow dysplasia — probably due to overuse of these joints. Over time, chronic inflammation in the joints can result in arthritis, which can seriously impact your dog’s ability to enjoy their life.
Thankfully, there are a number of things you can do to prevent your dog from experiencing joint problems — at least until they reach their golden years.
Preventing Joint Problems in Dogs
Preventing joint issues in dogs is completely possible. Making sure that your dog eats a balanced diet and gets plenty of regular exercise, to give you a few examples, is a great way to reduce the risk of them experiencing joint problems.
Not only that but adding certain nutrients to their diet — like omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine — can help support joint health. Make sure to provide your dog with a comfy and supportive bed, too. This will be one of the best ways to keep your dog comfortable and reduce their joint pain, especially as they get older.
The Different Types of Joint Supplements for Dogs
There are plenty of different joint supplements available for senior dogs on the market right now. These various types of joint supplements, of course, have different functions.
For example, glucosamine helps rebuild cartilage, while chondroitin sulfate reduces inflammation in the joints. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help with inflammation and improve your dog’s ability to move.
Besides these more common dietary supplements, there are some natural remedies that can help your dog feel better if they’re experiencing joint pain. Turmeric, which contains curcumin, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Green-lipped mussel extract is another natural option that has been shown to help reduce joint pain and inflammation in dogs.
Keep in mind, though, that while supplements can be very helpful, they shouldn’t replace proper veterinary care. If your dog is experiencing joint pain or having trouble moving, you should talk to your vet so that you can find out what’s causing the problem in the first place. Your vet will also be able to help you come up with a treatment plan.
What Are the Best Joint Supplements for Senior Dogs?
If your senior dog seems to be slowing down, it could be due to arthritis or a similar health condition. Hip and joint issues are common in older dogs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help them feel better with the right joint supplements. Let’s take a look at some of the best joint supplements for senior dogs from Under the Weather:
Hip & Joint Support Powder for Dogs
As dogs age, their joints can start to wear down. This leads to health conditions like arthritis, especially in their hips. Under the Weather’s Hip and Joint Powder for Dogs is a vet-formulated supplement that’s made with natural ingredients.
It helps strengthen the connective tissue that’s needed for movement, reduces inflammation, and eases the discomfort that comes with stiff joints and arthritis. Here’s a quick breakdown of how the ingredients in this supplement work:
- Glucosamine HCI: This ingredient helps with joint lubrication. It protects and supports cartilage.
- MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): MSM naturally reduces inflammation and eases pain.
- Chondroitin: This ingredient helps slow down joint deterioration (which helps to reduce stiffness).
- Green-Lipped Mussel: Green-lipped mussel is a natural anti-inflammatory that improves immunity and promotes healthy joints in dogs.
Collagen Chews for Dogs
Another great option, when it comes to joint supplements for senior dogs, is collagen chews. Collagen supports your dog’s joints and helps to keep them flexible and moving. Collagen chews can be especially effective for older dogs who are experiencing joint problems. Here are some of the specific ways that collagen can help:
- Disc and Spine Health: Collagen helps maintain strong and flexible discs in your dog’s spine. This reduces the risk of spinal issues like disc degeneration.
- Skin and Coat Care: Collagen is chock-full of nutrients. For this reason, collagen chews can help improve skin elasticity in older dogs. It should also make their coat shinier.
- Digestive Health: Collagen chews also support gut health. They help a lot with digestion, which is great news because senior dogs also commonly have digestive issues.
- Recovery and Healing: Collagen chews also speed up recovery, help with wound healing, and support tissue repair. This means your dog will be able to bounce back from injuries quickly.
Ingredients in Joint Supplements for Senior Dogs
When picking out a joint supplement for your senior dog, you should obviously make sure to look for supplements with ingredients that have been proven to support joint health. The most common (and effective) ingredients in joint supplements for senior dogs are chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine.
These ingredients are great because they’ve been proven to help improve joint mobility, reduce inflammation, and slow the progression of osteoarthritis in dogs. Other helpful ingredients include MSM, green-lipped mussel, and hyaluronic acid.
Of course, not all joint supplements are created equal. You’ll want to do your homework and make sure that you’re buying from a reputable brand, like Under the Weather. You should also consult with your vet before starting your dog on any type of supplement, especially if they have other health conditions or are on medication.
How to Give Joint Supplements to Senior Dogs
Older dogs can be a bit picky, so we wanted to provide you with some tips for getting them to take their joint supplements. For example, you can try breaking the supplement into smaller pieces and mixing it with their food.
Joint supplements that are in powder form (like Under the Weather’s Hip & Joint Support Powder) would eliminate this issue. All you have to do is mix the powder into their food.
Whether your senior dog eats dry or canned food, soaked kibble, or even a bland diet of chicken and rice, you might have to get creative when it comes to adding joint supplements to their diet.
Adding a few of their favorite treats might help since the familiar smell and taste might encourage them to eat the supplements. Of course, it’s always a good idea to talk to your vet about whether or not giving your dog joint supplements would be a good idea.
Conclusion
If you’ve noticed that your senior dog is having trouble getting up or limping when they walk, it might be because they’re experiencing joint pain. It’s very common for older dogs to develop arthritis, even if they ate well and got plenty of exercise while they were young. If you notice that your dog has developed these symptoms, giving them joint supplements might help them feel better.
At Under the Weather, we aim to make picking out the right supplements for your furry companion(s) simple and easy. We always use high-quality ingredients in our products, because, after all, your fur baby deserves the best! Feel free to check out our wide selection of supplements and bland diet food options for dogs and cats.
