Do joint supplements for dogs actually work?

Although there are numerous studies evaluating the use of supplements in joint disease, the hard scientific evidence of consistent benefit is questionable. This is due to small sample size, difference in product formulation and dosing, subjective and objective assessment of outcome, and length of trials. While some studies show that patients with osteoarthritis using glucosamine/chondroitin supplementation had improvement in clinical function, other studies comparing supplements to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications (NSAIDs) show either more clinical improvement in dogs with NSAID treatment or improvement in only those treated with an NSAID. In other studies, there is some indication that the use of supplements with NSAIDs together potentiate the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators that cause pain associated with arthritis. Since the majority of glucosamine/chondroitin supplements are well tolerated in dogs with minimal side effects and some studies show clinical benefit, a trial for your pet may not be a bad idea. It certainly warrants a discussion with your veterinarian if you have a dog prone to osteoarthritis or who has early clinical indicators of osteoarthritis.

Joint supplements help some dogs, but not all - speak to your vet for more information. Joint supplements are thought to work by: Natural anti-inflammatory action - to soothe stiff joints. Keep joint fluid healthy - to ease movement. Feed cartilage - to keep it strong and smooth. Joint supplements are useful for some pets but not all - speak to your vet for more information. Joint supplements are thought to slow the progression of arthritis and reduce joint pain. They are safe to use alongside other common arthritis medicines such as anti-inflammatories and pain relief medicines. There are no major side effects associated with joint supplements - they can be given very safely over a long period of time.