At what age should I give my dog joint supplements?

Joint degradation can occur due to one of two main reasons; wear and tear can occur simply as a function of age, or it can be caused by mechanical damage due to enhanced activity. We are probably all aware of the mechanism of muscle contraction, where muscle fibres slide over each over, but it does have certain limitations. Normal levels of activity are within the natural constraints and muscle wear is matched by regeneration. However, there is a biochemical and physiological process to muscle damage. Many of the components of Joint Aid will help support normal muscle dynamics. Some anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components are common to both joint and muscle physiology, as are glycine, proline as components for the synthesis of collagen as well as hyaluronic acid.

To keep your pup feeling their best, joint supplements can be an important part of their care routine from as early as a pup. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when dogs should start joint supplements, as it depends on factors like breed, size, and activity level. Larger breeds like Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Great Danes are more prone to joint issues, including hip dysplasia and arthritis, due to the extra strain their size puts on their joints. For these dogs, it’s a good idea to start them on joint supplements as early as one year old, even if they’re not showing signs of discomfort. If your dog is very active—whether they love long runs, hikes, or playing fetch for hours—this increased activity can put extra pressure on their joints. Even medium and smaller breeds that are highly active could benefit from joint supplements starting around 2 to 4 years old. As dogs enter their senior years (around 7 years old for most breeds, though larger breeds may become seniors sooner), it’s important to support their aging joints. If you notice your dog showing any signs of joint discomfort—such as stiffness when getting up, limping, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, or decreased activity—it’s a good time to start them on joint supplements.

As we mentioned above, joint supplements aren’t just reserved for ageing dogs – contrary to popular belief. Being proactive and taking steps to optimise the health of your puppy as it grows can only ever be a good thing. It also means they’ll be less likely to develop problems with stiffness and mobility as they grow older. Just be sure to look for a product designed especially for growing bones, as opposed to an older joint supplement for senior dogs. Don’t forget, your dog is still growing right now! While it may be tempting to step up the exercise regime to burn off all that extra energy, or to throw the ball for the 100th time in 20 minutes, you need to be careful not to overdo things. Too much strain on growing bones, muscles and joints is a real no-no, and a joint supplement for puppies can really help with development. If you notice your canine is sleeping more, lagging a little on walks or is struggling to climb the stairs or jump up, now’s a good time to think about introducing joint supplements to their diet. The short answer is at any age! Just bear in mind different breeds and life-stages may require different types of support.