About Our Dog Hip & Joint Supplements
As dogs age, maintaining joint health becomes critically important to ensure they live long and active lives. Joint supplements for dogs have been explicitly formulated to support the healthy aging process. These supplements make use of the latest scientific research to support healthy joints in several ways:
- Rebuilding cartilage
- Reducing cartilage loss
- Increasing joint flexibility
- Improving blood flow
- Enhancing moisture retention
- Reducing joint inflammation, allowing the joint room to repair itself
Frequently Asked Questions About Hip and Joint Supplements for Dogs
How Do I Tell If My Dog Has Joint Pain?
Dogs can't tell us when their joints hurt. It's up to us to look for these signs of joint pain in dogs:
- Limping or favoring a limb, which may be most noticeable when they walk or run
- Difficulty getting up and down. They may also look hesitant or wobbly.
- When lying down, slow to get up when you call
- Reluctance to climb stairs or jump on or off the bed, which could include whining before and yelping during.
- Decreased physical activity, which sadly makes joints stiffer and more painful
If you see these behaviors, you should contact your vet. They know how to test for dog joint pain and may be able to prescribe more powerful hip and joint supplements for dogs if needed.
How Long Does It Take for Joint Supplements to Work?
Because many joint supplements for dogs help build and restore cartilage, they can take time to work. So, ideally, you should start over-the-counter joints in middle age or even puppyhood for some breeds. This can both keep cartilage stronger and fully into their golden years and ensure these lesser known nutrients are already in the system for the body to use.
At What Age Do Dogs Start Having Joint Pain?
Senior dogs are more likely to develop joint pain. But some breeds have joint problems as early as puppyhood. These usually tend to be larger breeds like Great Danes, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, St. Bernards, Mastiffs, and Labs. But it can impact some mid-sized breeds like English and American bulldogs, too.
Great Danes may have joint problems as early as 4-6 months, and other large breeds, especially purebreds, can develop joint issues by 1 year. But for most, it becomes noticeable to humans around 4-6 years, so it's ideal to start no later than 3-4 years for low-risk, asymptomatic pups. Your pup deserves to move without pain to have a long and fulfilling life with you.
Can I Give My Dog Multiple Supplements?
You should talk to your vet before combining supplements. They may have overlapping or conflicting ingredients. Your vet may suggest a particular regimen based on the breed and how far the joint damage has progressed.
What Is the Best Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs?
Supplements that contain the anti-inflammatory fat omega 3, glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM have the most science behind them. Antioxidants may also be beneficial because they can reduce the free radicals that cause cellular damage. Hemp-based products are newer but may also share anti-inflammatory properties.