Joint Supplements for Dogs: When Should You Give It and Why?

There is a buzz about joint supplements for dogs - when you should give it and why. As science and medicine continue to thrive in the pet industry, joint supplements have been a thing with many pet parents backing up their effectiveness for their dogs.

Giving hip and joint supplements to dogs promotes healthy joints by establishing improved mobility, reducing joint inflammation, and strengthening your dog's cartilage and joints. But there are also precautions you should take because some joint supplements for dogs sold in the market are just hype and give little to no benefit to your furbaby.

So, are joint supplements worth it and what age should you give dog joint supplements? In this article, we’ll talk about what joint supplements are, why & when you should give it to your dog, and ways to identify the best dog hip and joint supplements.

What Are Dog Joint Supplements?

Joint supplements for dogs are supplements that help support your furbaby's joint health. These supplements contain different anti-inflammatory properties that help manage or prevent any joint issues.

The American Kennel Club says that any dog can develop osteoarthritis. The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation reports that certain dogs are more likely to develop this condition. Dogs who are predisposed may include large dog breeds, dogs who suffer from obesity, dogs who suffer from injuries, joint issues, and aging.

Luckily, there are certain substances in dog joints that can be replenished. This is where joint supplements come in and become life-changers. 

The following dog breeds may experience early and severe signs of hip & elbow dysplasia, arthritis, and joint inflammation: American Staffordshire Terriers, Basset Hounds, Chow Chows, Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Great Danes, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and a lot more. 

If your dog is mentioned above or prone to hip or elbow dysplasia, you may want to provide joint supplements at a young age. You can talk to your vet about adding joint supplements to your dog's diet before they reach their senior years if you are unsure if joint supplements would be beneficial for your furbaby. Just remember joint supplements are not just for older dogs; they can be given to younger dogs, too! Just make sure that you are choosing a joint supplement for dogs that is safe for puppies. 

All Good Things Come to Those Who... Supplement

Are hip and joint supplements for dogs good? Yes! And supplementing is most effective right before your dog shows symptoms of any joint distress. As they say, prevention is always better than cure. Common areas of joint pain in dogs are often found in intervertebral joints (the joints between vertebrae of the spine), hip, shoulder, knee, elbow, and carpus.

Symptoms of any joint distress in your dog can include uneasiness standing up or sitting down, struggles to walk or run, limp leg, swollen joints, and a cracking sound in the hips. These signs are more common in older dogs, however, can still occur at any age.

Though some signs and symptoms are a natural part of aging, still consider consulting your vet about your supplement options.

A Journey of a Thousand Miles

...begins with choosing the best dog hip and joint supplements. There are many joint supplements for dogs available in the market and decision-making can be tough. A great place to start is by looking for the following high-quality ingredients when choosing your joint supplement to ensure the best joint supplement for your dog.

Glucosamine HCL: A compound that helps create a cushion around joints, promoting flexibility & relief from pain & discomfort. 

Chondroitin Sulfate: A powerful substance that helps nourish tissues of joints, resulting in pain relief, boosted mobility, and improved ability to exercise.

PurforMSM^®: One of the purest forms of MSM in the world that helps maintain cushion between joints, resulting in mobility support, joint stress improvement, and joint issue prevention.

Hip & Joint SoftSupps^® contain each of these ingredients and whole ingredients like chicken, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and carrots. These dog supplements contain 50% more active ingredients than other leading brands to provide the maximum benefit for your furbaby. These hip and joint supplements are suitable for dogs of all ages.

What Else Can You Use With Hip and Joint Vitamins for Dogs?

Turmeric and Curcumin supplements can also help with hip & joint support, arthritis, and has a few other added benefits to strengthen your pup's immune system. This list includes supporting digestion nutrition & absorption, enhancing mood & cognitive functions, and giving your pup a little extra gas in the tank. Some high-quality ingredients to look for in the best dog supplements:

Turmeric: A spice containing compounds that help with cysts & inflammation in muscles/joints. Provides relief from joint pain & allergies, & supports liver detox. 

Curcumin: Many uses for this ingredient including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil for dogs promotes a smooth skin & coat, healthy digestion, and weight control all while improving joint health and energy levels. 

But remember, joint supplements for dogs are exactly what they are- supplemental. They only enhance medical management of diseases and are not meant to stand alone as a cure. Hip and joint supplements for dogs work well with a healthy & balanced diet and exercise to help prevent hip and joint issues. Joint medicine dosage for dogs for any joint issues should be discussed with your veterinarian.