Supplements For Your Dog’s Hip And Joint Issues

If your dog hesitates using stairs, has begun to limp, or is reluctant to get up in the morning, then he may be suffering from joint issues. As dogs get older, the cartilage between their bones starts to wear out. When those bones rub on each other, your dog may encounter inflammation and pain in his joints. 

What Causes Joint Problems In Dogs?

The main types of joint problems in dogs are degenerative and developmental.

The developmental joint disease includes:

• Hip or elbow dysplasia
• OCD (osteochondritis dissecans)
• HOD (hypertrophic osteodystrophy)

The degenerative joint disease is usually osteoarthritis, and if not treated well, then the degenerative joint disease can also worsen with age. Both types of joint diseases involve inflammation. 

Nutramax’s Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement Plus

Nutramax’s Cosequin Joint Supplement is full of veterinarian-recommended ingredients for dogs suffering from joint pain. The chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine promote cartilage production, while other key ingredients like MSM reduce pain and inflammation. Veterinarians have also confirmed Cosequin’s ability to improve mobility and reduce pain in animals undergoing joint problems.

Doggie Dailies Joint Supplement

The Doggie Dailies joint supplement is a great choice that comes with various active ingredients to reduce inflammation, help joint health, and support overall health with vitamins and minerals. It comes in 225 soft chew tablets. The active ingredients include MSM, glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, CoQ10, omega 3 & 6, and yucca schidigera. 

GlycoFlex by VetriScience

Veterinarians recommend GlycoFlex by VetriScience, which comes in tablets and chews. GlycoFlex contains MSM, glucosamine, manganese, and Perna canaliculus, a green-lipped mussel (GLM). GlycoFlex products are for different “stages” of a dog’s life. 

Stage I: formulated to help large dogs’ growing pains, or for puppies who will be competitive athletes, working dogs, or need joint support throughout their lives. 

Stage II: formulated for dogs who are beginning to slow down and show the first signs of fatigue. 

Stage III: suitable for dogs recovering after surgery or with limited mobility.

MYOS Canine Muscle Supplement-Formula

The MYOS Canine Muscle Supplement-Formula is an effective muscle-building supplement. It is clinically proven to prevent muscle loss in adult dogs, puppies, senior pets, and injured dogs. The supplement contains fortetropin, a compound obtained from fertilized chicken egg yolks.

BIXBI Pet Hip & Joint Support

This organic formula reduces pain in dogs suffering from arthritis. The supplement offers a boost of natural compounds in healthy dog joints and hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate. Also, its high-quality organic ingredients are supported by the NASC seal.

Duralactin Tablets and Chews by PRN Pharmacal

Even the best dog hip and joint supplements do not often contain traditional ingredients. The active ingredient in Duralactin supplement is microlactin, a protein extracted from hyperimmunized cows’ milk. This supplement-formula has been evaluated in pets and has demonstrated effectiveness for decreasing the inflammation and pain associated with early OA. As with other supplements, Duralactin doesn’t work instantly. It takes eight to ten days to get to a steady-state.

K9 Glucosamine Hip and Joint Supplement

This vegetarian liquid joint supplement will benefit senior dogs with protein allergies. The supplement formula contains MSM for pain relief, hyaluronic acid to rebuild the loss in damaged joints, and glucosamine sulfate to protect cartilage structure. Still, it doesn’t have fish oil that other supplements often include.

NutraFitz Hip, Bone, and Joint Supplement

The NutraFitz joint supplement is a great choice for dogs suffering from hip dysplasia, arthritis, or ACL issues. This natural supplement contains human-grade ingredients that provide maximum pain reduction and joint support. The active ingredients include glucosamine chondroitin, MSM, hyaluronic acid, and organic turmeric. It also contains black pepper, yucca, and green-lipped mussels. It comes in chicken flavor and is suitable for all breed sizes.

Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Supplement

Nordic Naturals is a good supplement if you’re searching for a flavor-free fish oil supplement for your pet who is a picky eater. This liquid joint supplement provides omega-3s to improve joint health and immunity in dogs. The formula is gluten-free. The liquid supplement has earned many five-star reviews for its effectiveness and good value.

Fera Pet Organics Hip + Joint Supplement

This veterinarian-formulated supplement is a soft chew. It is completely gluten-free but contains many joint-supporting ingredients beneficial for your dog. This preservative-free supplement contains yucca root and organic turmeric for their healthy and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also flavored with chicken liver, so your dog will like the taste of it.

Dasuquin by Nutramax 

Dasuquin is available in a chewable or tablet for both small and large dogs. It affects your dogs for about four to six weeks and contains green tea extract for antioxidants. The dual-synergistic formula arouses cartilage through chondroitin sulfate.

The Anxious Pet Hip & Hop Soft Chews

You can give these Hip & Hop Soft Chews supplements from The Anxious Pet daily and joint support treats completely. This joint supplement for dogs packs big benefits with MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin. It is formulated by a veterinarian to support connective tissue and cartilage health. It also supports a dog’s immune system. 

Vet Classics Joint Support Plus

As the cartilage wears away, many dogs suffer from hip arthritis. These chewable tablets from Vet Classics contain MSM, sea cucumber, green-lipped mussel, and glucosamine sulfate not found in other joint products. This supplement is specifically for dogs over the age of 2 years old. Sea cucumber and green-lipped mussels combined with glucosamine sulfate and MSM help support joint cartilage, connective tissue, and synovial fluid in dogs. It contains powerful antioxidants. 

Ingredients to Look for in Joint Supplements

Suitable ingredients treat cartilage, lubricate joints, and make your dog have increased comfortable mobility.

• Chondroitin
• Glucosamine
• Hyaluronic acid
• Co-enzyme Q10
• Turmeric
• Yucca schidigera
• Claw root extract
• MSM
• Codfish oil
• Salmon oil
• Boswellia
• Sodium hyaluronate
• Spirulina

Beware Of These Ingredients

The ingredients shown below are known to be fillers in supplements and do not provide vitamins or nutrition. Avoid giving your dog supplements that include:

• Soy
• Grain
• Artificial flavors
• Artificial colors
• Preservatives

Final Words

If you want your pet to become healthy and energetic, it’s time to include a joint supplement into its life. Choose carefully from the above list and remember you are responsible for your dog’s joint health.