Joint Supplements and Your Dog

Many pet owners believe joint supplements are only necessary once their dog has problems.  But good joint care also includes preventative care.
Determining fact from fiction with all the buzz about joint supplements can be challenging.  This article discusses risk factors for canine joint problems, symptoms of canine arthritis, the most effective supplements for dogs, and what to look for in commercial nutritional products for your dog.

Joint Supplements and Your Dog
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

When should my pet start taking joint supplements?
Certain dogs are more at risk of developing joint problems because of their breed, size, activity level, or previous illness or injury.  Yes, some dogs begin to have joint issues before they are fully grown.  If you have a dog predisposed to joint issues like hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis, it would be to your dog’s advantage to begin a regular joint supplement early in life.  Therefore, joint care should be part of your pup’s overall routine wellness care, like annual veterinary visits and vaccinations.  Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s activity, diet, and overall risk level.
 
Osteoarthritis – a degenerative joint disease, is a common progressive arthritis that affects one in four dogs.  It is the most common cause of joint pain in dogs.  Osteoarthritis causes the cushioning between joints to break down, leading to pain, inflammation, and loss of movement.
If your dog is experiencing pain and mobility issues, damage to the joints and cartilage has probably already occurred.  Joint supplements may help manage existing symptoms and prevent further deterioration.  However, many dogs start developing joint problems long before they show signs.  Talk to your vet about joint health and arthritis as early as possible.  Many supplements are safe for dogs to take, beginning at age one.
 
Risk factors for arthritis and joint problems
Although all dogs can develop osteoarthritis, some dogs are at higher risk than others.  Some risk factors for osteoarthritis include:

• Breed (some larger breeds are prone to joint problems)
• History of fractures or ligament injuries
• History of previous illness that affects the joints, such as Lyme disease
• Inherited joint disorders, such as hip and elbow dysplasia
• Middle-aged dogs and senior dogs
• Obesity or being overweight
• Poor nutrition
• Repetitive stress from athletic activities like agility and flyball

 
Are there dog breeds that are more prone to joint problems?
Studies show that certain breeds are more prone to joint problems caused by the following:

• Structure of the dogs’ bodies
• Joint angles based on the dog’s breed
• Breeding of closely related dogs for certain physical breed traits (inbreeding)
• Overbreeding of some dogs due to breed desirability

For example, breeds at higher risk of ligament rupture include:

• Golden retrievers
• Labrador retrievers
• Rottweilers

Hip and elbow dysplasia, which are often genetic, are more common in some large and giant breed dogs. These can include breeds such as:

• Bernese mountain dogs
• Boxers
• German shepherds
• Golden retrievers
• Great Danes
• Labrador retrievers
• Mastiffs
• Rottweilers
• Saint Bernard’s

 
What are the most effective joint supplements for dogs?
Each dog’s needs vary. Therefore, the most effective joint supplement depends on your dog’s:

• Breed
• Age
• Cause and severity of joint damage
• Any other underlying health conditions

Always confirm dosing guidelines with your pet’s veterinarian before giving any supplement.  Joint supplements are proven to be effective for dogs.  Scientific data shows that they do one or more of the following:

• Reduce pain
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve the ability to bear weight
• Slow the progression of joint damage
• Help fight off underlying issues that cause joint and cartilage breakdown

 
Glucosamine hydrochloride (HCl) - is used to help reduce pain and inflammation associated with joint damage and arthritis.  Studies have found that once glucosamine levels build up in a dog’s body, some dogs with arthritis experience less pain and an increased ability to bear weight.
Chondroitin - many joint supplements include both glucosamine and chondroitin.  Evidence supports that glucosamine and chondroitin may work best when given together.  Experts believe that the substances are absorbed faster when taken in combination. 
Studies on glucosamine and chondroitin in dogs with arthritis found that the supplements reduced inflammation, helped with pain, and slowed joint damage. But these were only effective when the compounds reached therapeutic levels.  It means that the amount of the supplement must reach and remain at a specific level in your dog’s blood.  If the compound is not at the desired level, the dog may not experience the potential benefits or could be at risk of adverse effects.
CBD (cannabidiol) - is a substance found in the cannabis plant.  CBD may help increase movement and decrease pain in dogs with osteoarthritis.  Some scientists also believe CBD has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, which helps fight the underlying causes of arthritis and osteoarthritis.  More research is needed to understand CBD’s benefits for dogs. But early signs indicate that CBD may offer additional health benefits, such as:

• Calming anxiety
• Controlling seizures
• Providing heart health benefits
• Reducing nausea
• Relieving pain due to nerve damage

Omega-3 fatty acids - inflammation plays a significant role in the pain caused by osteoarthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids help encourage the body’s natural anti-inflammatory properties.  Therefore, omega-3 supplements may assist with arthritis-associated inflammation.  Additionally, there are many other health benefits:

• Assist with cognitive difficulties in older dogs
• Contribute to skin health
• Encourage heart health
• Help promote healthy joint lubrication
• Promote healthy kidney function
• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Support cell membrane health

Note:  You can find some dog treats with added omega-3 fatty acids.  Additionally, some manufacturers supplement senior dog food with omega-3 fatty acids.  The top sources of omega-3 fatty acids for dogs are fish oil and krill oil.  If you want to add omega-3s to your dog's diet because of arthritis, ask your vet for a supplement.  Generally, foods and treats do not contain enough Omega-3 fatty acids to help dogs with joint problems.
Green-lipped mussel (GLM) - is an ingredient in many joint supplements.  It has various nutrients that support joint health, including:

• Amino acids
• Antioxidants
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vitamins and minerals

GLM also contains glycosaminoglycans, which may help lubricate joints, cartilage, and tendons.  You can feed GLM to dogs in two forms:

1. Powdered GLM supplements are the most popular.  Add it to kibble or canned food.  Most dogs are attracted to fishy odors.  If your dog is skeptical, mix the powder into a frozen summer treat or bone broth to conceal it.
   
2. Some dog food manufacturers now include GLM as ingredients in their foods and treats. Check the label and ask your vet how much of the supplement suits your dog.

 
Other popular joint supplements for dogs
You may have heard of other joint supplements that have emerged into the spotlight.  Most of these do not appear to be harmful if taken in appropriate doses.  But scientific evidence does not indicate that they help with canine arthritis.  A lot of the evidence is based on humans, not dogs.  If you see the following supplements marketed for joint pain in dogs, be cautious before leaping.  Ask your veterinarian for guidance first.
Turmeric - the spice known for giving curry its bright yellow color, has been used in Indian and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries due to its healing properties.  In recent years, turmeric has become one of the most talked about and widely debated nutritional supplements to hit the market.  Despite its popularity, there is limited veterinary research.  And though some studies indicate that turmeric does prevent inflammation and illness, the studies are inconsistent.  Available evidence does not justify using turmeric as a joint supplement in dogs and cats.
Boswellia - is an extract made from the bark of a tree.  It is listed as an ingredient in several commercial dog supplements because of its anti-inflammatory properties.  But there is insufficient evidence to support its use in dogs.  Studies of active boswellia on arthritic pets did indicate a reduction in pain.  But this research also highlighted issues with the clinical use of boswellia.  The amount of active boswellia in consumer products differed too much to determine the appropriate dosage.  Researchers also found differences between the active ingredient amounts stated on product labels and the amount detected in the product, making it challenging to ensure the supplements have enough boswellia to have any benefit.
 
What to look for in dog joint supplements
Dog supplements, like human vitamins and supplements, are not regulated or tested for safety and effectiveness.  As a consumer, the research is left to you.  You can start by knowing which ingredients and signs of quality to look for in joint supplements.

• Many products list CBD oil or glucosamine and chondroitin as ingredients.  But that does not mean the product contains enough substance to benefit your dog.
  
• Do not assume that human vitamin supplements will be safe for your furry friend.  Some human supplements contain toxic ingredients such as the highly poisonous sweetener xylitol to dogs.

The following are some ways you can ensure that you are buying the safest quality supplements for your dog:
NASC quality seal - make sure to purchase supplements that display the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Quality Seal.  Companies that display the NASC quality seal on products go through extra steps to show that they make reliable products.  It includes:

• Passing an independent third-party inspection every two years
• Ensuring that the company provides a consistent and quality product
• Having an adverse event reporting system in place
• Complying with strict labeling guidelines for all products
• Including any specific warnings and caution statements for particular ingredients directly on product labels
• Submitting to random product testing by an independent lab to ensure that ingredients meet label claims

Third-party testing - look for a supplement that has been third-party tested before you buy it.  Third-party testing means the supplement was tested by a company not involved in its sale or manufacturing.  Third-party testers have nothing to gain or lose by selling the supplement.  It means they are more likely to be unbiased when reporting whether a joint supplement lives up to its claims.  Third-party testing can show that the product:

• Has been properly manufactured
• It contains the ingredients it lists on the label
• It does not contain harmful levels of toxins

Taste and smell - if you want a supplement your dog will readily eat, consider one that comes in a flavored chew or treat.  Remember to store flavored supplements and medicines out of paw's reach.  Dogs can mistake flavored joint supplements for treats.  Even health additives can be dangerous in large quantities.

FYI

​Always consult your vet to ensure supplements do not interfere with your dog's medications.  Also, get a recommendation from your veterinarian to avoid spending money on unnecessary supplements.  In some cases, over-the-counter supplements may not be the best way to get your dog the joint support they need.