Among all types of dietary supplements purchased by dog owners for their canine friends, supplements for joints are most commonly purchased.
There is a valid logic behind this. Joint issues are very common in dogs. Although joint problems are more common in older dogs, younger dogs can also often develop joint issues.
In a study conducted about the prevalence of joint issues in dogs, it was found that 20% of dogs more than one year in age, and 80% of dogs with age more than seven years, suffer from some sort of joint issues.
Arthritis or osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint issues found in dogs (A very painful and inflammatory, and degenerative disease of joints.).
Predisposing Factors
All dogs of any age can be affected with poor joint health, but some dogs have more chances to face this issue. Dogs with the following characteristics are more likely to develop arthritis or other joint problems.
- Large and Giant breeds
- Obese dogs
- Senior dogs
- Dogs who have experience joint injury or fracture
- Dogs with a nutritional deficiency
- Some sporting or working dogs (based on flaws in exercise programming or sudden excessive exercise)
- Dogs with certain infections, like Lyme disease
- Dogs that are genetically predisposed to poor joint health
Diagnosing Joint Health Issues in Dogs
If your dog shows the following signs or symptoms, they may be having joint issues.
- Unwilling to move (especially in the morning)
- Reluctant to use stairs
- Has begun to limp
- Reluctance to jump
- Stiff, swollen, or sore joints
- Loss of stamina
- Unexpected aggressive behavior
- Tiredness
- Signals of pain when touched
If you notice any of the above-listed symptoms, take your dog to your vet for a complete examination. If your veterinarian confirms the joint issues or arthritis, they may advise you of a full management plan (just like humans), including management of weight and activity, mild exercises, and analgesic drugs. Most importantly, he will prescribe dietary change, including supplements specifically for joints.
Best Joint Supplements for Dogs
Most vets prescribe joint supplements as treatment of joint problems and also as preventions to normal dogs that are more prone to develop joint issues in the future. These joint supplements slow the process of joint degeneration and also reduce inflammation and pain. The right supplement can help restore those natural elements, which can help relieve a dog’s worn-out joints.
Some of the best joint supplements for treatment and prevention of joint discomfort in dogs are listed below.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is the most famous and commonly prescribed joint supplement for dogs.
Glucosamine hydrochloride is an amino sugar naturally found in the body, and it plays an important role in the development and maintenance of joint cartilage (that protect joint and provide cushion).
Artificially, it is derived from the shells of shellfish, and it is very safe for long-term use. Although its absorption is slow and takes some time to reach the therapeutic level, once the required level is attained, it is very efficient in relieving pain and stiffness by subduing inflammation in the affected joint, preventing cartilage degradation, and helping the repair of damaged cartilage.
Remember that we are talking about glucosamine hydrochloride, not glucosamine sulfate. Though glucosamine sulfate is absorbed rapidly into the body, its absorption into the synovial tissue is very poor. For a joint supplement to work properly, it’s necessary to get into the joint tissues.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin sulfate is another natural substance that is used as a joint supplement. Chondroitin sulfate improves joint function, flexibility, and mobility, reduces pain, and slows down the progression of arthritis. It works by stopping the activity of enzymes that are involved in cartilage degeneration. Chondroitin sulfate can be derived from fish, pigs, birds, cattle, and sharks. It can be used alone but has a synergistic effect with glucosamine. So the products that have a combination of both are more effective.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
MSM is another useful compound for joints, found naturally in the body and present in many foods, but its level gradually decreases with age. This sulfur-containing compound has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and also supports connective tissue. Mostly it is used in joint supplements (made for senior dogs) in combination with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
Green-Lipped Mussel (GLM)
Green-lipped mussel is a shellfish found in New Zealand and has many medical benefits. These mussels are very popular fed as a whole food within the raw feeding and homemade dog food community for its benefits for joint health.
It is also proven that extracts derived from green-lipped mussels are beneficial for joints.
GLM extract is a wonderful combination of amino acids, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that have anti-inflammatory and joint-protecting properties. It has been proven during different studies that when used along with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, it is very helpful in decreasing pain and restoring joint function.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the synovial fluid and is responsible for its stickiness. It provides lubrication, supports the connective tissue, and acts as a shock absorber. It also reduces inflammation and pain, thus making the dog feel comfortable even when joint problems are present. Commercial products are available in oral and injectable forms.
Cannabidiol
It is also believed that dogs with severe arthritis can get some relief from a CBD oil supplement. CBD oil is advertised to work through the endocannabinoid system, a system in a dog’s body that reduces pain and inflammation. However, it is found that CBD supplements are more beneficial to older dogs that are already facing joint issues than young, healthy dogs with no joint problems.
How to Pick Joint Supplements for Your Dog
Joint supplements can be used for a long duration without any harmful effects, but it’s important not to exceed the recommended dose.
Always consult your veterinarian before adding any supplement to your dog’s diet plan. It is important to select the best-suited supplement (according to the dog’s needs) and use it in the proper dose to harvest maximum benefits.
