Like humans, dogs can suffer the pain and discomfort of arthritis, particularly later in life. As a pet parent, it can be devastating to watch your dog’s enjoyment waver during activities they would usually love, such as a walk in the park or playing fetch.
Still, there are ways to reduce arthritis symptoms and improve your pet’s quality of life. Here, we will explore the common types of dog arthritis supplements and suggest which is best for your dog. We will also explain the specific causes of this degenerative disease and why it happens.
We know how overwhelming it is to be confronted by so many different products, so we’ve done the hard work for you. Here’s your handy guide to dog arthritis supplements and which ones work!
What is dog arthritis?
Dog arthritis is an inflammation within the joints that can cause pain and discomfort and worsen over time. This can lead to osteoarthritis – a progressive degeneration of the joints caused by the inflammation.
Arthritis is most common in the knees, elbows, shoulders, and hips, though it can occur in any of the body’s joints.
Arthritis commonly develops as a dog ages due to wear and tear. However, it can also occur due to disease, injury, genetics, or the failure of the joints to develop properly at a young age, such as hip or elbow dysplasia.
Both preventative and ongoing treatments are available and seeking the right support for dog arthritis can improve your dog’s symptoms and overall wellbeing.
Common symptoms of dog arthritis
In general, arthritis presents as stiff limbs, a stiff gait, and pain within the joints. The most common symptoms are:
- Stiffness in the limbs, which commonly worsens after exercise
- A reluctance to jump, play, and engage in other usual behaviours
- A reluctance to stand up or lay down
- Making noise when standing up or lying down
- Lameness in one or more of their joints
- Tiredness or irritability
- Licking or chewing painful areas of their body
How do dog arthritis supplements work?
There is an array of dog arthritis supplements on the market, but many share key ingredients that aid in healthy joint support and movement for your dog. Here are some of the top components that can benefit your dog:
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is a molecule that exists naturally within a dog’s body. It maintains healthy cartilage and reduces inflammation by absorbing fluid into the connecting tissue. In addition, this molecule provides the required ingredients to build new cartilage.
Thanks to these qualities, supplements that contain chondroitin can help ease stiffness and pain in your dog’s joints and delay the onset of osteoarthritis.
Curcumin
Curcumin is a natural compound found in turmeric which possesses anti-inflammatory properties while benefiting gastrointestinal health and the immune system. This natural food supplement typically comes as a flavourless tablet that is easy to conceal in your dog’s food.
Curcupet-K9 offers a highly bioavailable form that is 30 times more absorbable than standard turmeric.
Epiitalis
Epiitalis is a plant seed extract from the biota orientalis or “Chinese healing tree.” It works by rapidly increasing the primary cells within the cartilage, helping to create more healthy – rather than degenerative – cartilage.
This substance addresses joint stiffness and provides pain relief, encouraging your dog to continue to jump, run, and play, which can help strengthen their joints.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is an amino sugar, a natural compound that supports healthy cartilage and joints. The cartilage between bones acts as a cushion and provides a natural lubricant for easy joint movement. However, if your dog experiences onset arthritis, the lubricant levels will decrease, making your dog’s limbs stiffer and causing painful movements.
Because glucosamine naturally occurs in your dog’s body, using it as a supplement can help stimulate the creation of healthy cartilage and freer movement of the limbs.
MSM
MSM – or methylsulfonylmethane – is a naturally occurring chemical in the bodies of humans, animals, and even some plants. Thanks to the levels of organic sulphur found in the compound, it is a good building block for healthy bones and joints.
MSM helps increase the effectiveness of chondroitin and glucosamine, which foster the development of healthy cartilage. Plus, the compound possesses antioxidant properties that help to maintain a healthy immune system.
Omega 3
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that possess anti-inflammatory properties. This allows them to reduce joint inflammation, pain, and swelling. Additionally, omega-3 can increase the amount of synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant around the joints.
DHA and EPA are the most important omega-3 fatty acids for dogs. They also benefit the heart, immune system, skin, eyes, and kidneys.
What is the best dog arthritis supplement?
With a wealth of dog arthritis supplements available, it’s hard to know which suits your dog. That’s why Pet Chemist offers some of the highest quality products. Here’s a selection of some and why they could benefit your canine.
Always check with your vet before introducing your pet to new supplements or medication.
Antinol
Antinol contains EAB-277, a fatty acid derived from green-lipped molluscs and krill oil. It helps to reduce inflammation in your dog’s joints by inhibiting proteins and enzymes that create pain and swelling. The omega-3 fatty acids also combine to offer lubrication and restore joint tissue.
This 100% natural product made from sustainable sources offers your dog support with joint health and mobility.
4CYTE
4CYTE Canine Joint Support uses Epiitalis to stimulate cartilage regeneration and green-lipped mussels to reduce inflammation. This product can be extremely effective for dogs with stiff joints or pre-existing osteoarthritis, as well as athletic and post-op dogs.
Additionally, 4CYTE can be used as a preventative supplement for high-risk dogs, such as large breeds and working dogs.
Paw Osteocare
This dog arthritis supplement can be used if your dog is showing symptoms, or as an aid of preventive measure, and is a great daily treat they’ll love. Containing glucosamine and chondroitin which are naturally found in joint cartilage, these chews are a great option for young active dogs as well as older dogs at risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Zamipet
Zamipet Joint Protect offers delicious chews made from locally sourced chicken that your dog will love! Its special formula—designed for dogs with a predisposition to arthritis, highly active dogs, overweight dogs, and those with joint injuries—contains chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and MSM to support joint health.
Zamipet’s vet-formulated products also include chews enriched with vitamins and minerals, plus dental sticks for small dogs.
Petz Park
Petz Park Hip + Joint Powder Supplement contains glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin to support healthy joints and mobility in dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or growing pains. Plus, the combination of vitamin C, E, and manganese supports immune function.
Its powdered form makes it easy to administer by simply mixing with your dog’s wet or dry food. The product is suitable for all ages, breeds, and sizes and is made in Australia using locally sourced ingredients.
Vetalogica
Vetalogica offers a range of dog arthritis supplements that combine anti-inflammatory ingredients (glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and omega oils) with a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals to support healthy canine bones and joints.
Your dog will love the taste of real Australian chicken and duck meat with these natural, grain-free treats, which can help maintain healthy joints, digestion, immunity, skin, and heart health.