Do any joint supplements really work for dogs?

Joint supplements are often prescribed for dogs with arthritis, or for those with a high chance of developing it. 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. There are no major side effects associated with joint supplements - they can be given very safely over a long period of time.

Glucosamine may or may not help your dog, but it is safe and worth a try. It should be most effective in cases of mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Glucosamine supplements may encourage the growth of cartilage cells and help reduce inflammation in joints. Unfortunately, the research into using glucosamine to treat arthritis in dogs is contradictory. Some papers appear to show benefits, while other research doesn’t. Many veterinarians advise pet parents that glucosamine can also safely be given as a preventive measure to dogs that are at high risk for developing arthritis. Most joint supplements for dogs contain more than just glucosamine, and for example, glucosamine seems to work better when it is combined with chondroitin, another dietary supplement. They appear to be more effective in combination than either substance is alone, and may be able to prevent or reduce the breakdown of cartilage, help repair cartilage, increase the production of joint fluid and improve its quality, decrease joint inflammation and pain. Dogs with arthritis generally respond best to multi-modal therapy, when different types of treatments are used at the same time.