Hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other orthopedic issues can significantly impact a dog’s quality of life, ranging from minor discomfort to debilitating pain. While arthritis itself has no cure, joint supplements offer a promising avenue for managing the condition. These supplements work by aiding in cartilage rebuilding, enhancing joint flexibility, and reducing inflammation. While early research was often manufacturer-driven, a growing body of high-quality studies is shedding more light on their efficacy.
Dr. Christopher Frye, an assistant clinical professor and chief of sports medicine and rehabilitation, notes that “most supplements are relatively safe and can be started in hopes of reducing the progression of osteoarthritis, or the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis.” Some evidence even suggests these products may be more effective in preventing arthritis than in slowing its advancement. However, understanding your dog’s specific condition is crucial before starting any supplementary treatment. For instance, hip dysplasia and arthritis are often confused but are distinct issues.
Arthritis is a pervasive, inflammatory disease affecting nearly all dogs. It involves the gradual wear-and-tear of cartilage, the cushioning material at the ends of bones, leading to painful bone-on-bone friction. Joint supplements can benefit many dogs with arthritis, often used in conjunction with anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medications.
Hip dysplasia, on the other hand, is an inherited deformity characterized by joint looseness. This laxity causes increased wear on the joint and cartilage during movement, eventually leading to pain. Dr. Frye explains, “Some studies show these supplements may help reduce the effects of hip dysplasia, while others show they are of minimal to no help.” The gold standard for hip dysplasia is hip-replacement surgery. If surgery isn’t feasible, management strategies include weight control, exercise, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Dr. Frye emphasizes the importance of veterinary consultation: “I recommend that families consult a veterinarian before beginning supplementary treatment, so you know exactly what problem you’re dealing with.”
Navigating the Supplement Industry
When a veterinarian diagnoses your dog with arthritis, they might recommend a joint supplement. The primary goals of these supplements are to decrease inflammation and support cartilage regeneration. However, it’s important to be aware that supplements are not regulated to the same extent as medications. This means products may not always contain the exact ingredients or quantities listed on their labels. Furthermore, there’s no standardized recommendation for daily intake to achieve a therapeutic effect. Reputable manufacturers are more likely to provide ingredient levels that have demonstrated efficacy in studies.
It is advisable to choose brands recommended by your veterinarian or those that display the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal. The NASC ensures its members’ products accurately reflect their label contents.
“The supplement with the most support in the literature currently is omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil,” states Dr. Frye. “Dosing has been fairly well-studied and a recommended daily dose of 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds of ideal dog weight is recommended.” Due to varying concentrations in different products, always read the product label carefully and consult your veterinarian regarding the specific fish oil product you intend to use.
Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly sourced from fish oil, are often best administered as a standalone product to ensure an optimal dose for joint health. While some chews contain omega-3s, their concentration is typically lower due to moisture-related breakdown. If your dog dislikes a particular product, continue experimenting, as options are available in various flavors and textures.
It’s also worth noting that fish oil may not be suitable for every dog. Dr. Frye cautions, “I never recommend this supplement in overweight dogs or for patients on the verge of being overweight, since oil is high in calories.” For overweight dogs, weight loss alone can significantly alleviate joint pain. Fish oil can be introduced later, once a healthy weight is achieved, if necessary.
Where to Begin with Joint Support
Dr. Joseph J. Wakshlag, professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine and rehabilitation, notes that “The problem with joint supplements is that few other than fish oil have been definitively proven to help slow the degeneration, but we think that things like glucosamine and chondroitin may help slow the progression.” He adds, “Currently, we recommend fish oil and Dasuquin rather globally as things that might help slow progression.”
Dasuquin is a product from Nutramax, a recognized leader in animal joint supplements. Many pet owners report that their dogs experience reduced discomfort and an improved quality of life when taking joint supplements, either independently or alongside anti-inflammatory medications and other therapies. Joint supplements can be safely administered with pain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) for added benefit.
Dr. Wakshlag suggests, “Using fish oil may help in reducing the necessary dose of NSAIDs for pain relief.”
Declining Skepticism Among Veterinarians
While some veterinarians remain skeptical due to a perceived lack of extensive studies, it’s important to understand the regulatory differences between pharmaceuticals and supplements. Drugs require FDA approval, necessitating costly, manufacturer-funded research to prove efficacy. Supplement manufacturers operate under different regulations. The Dietary Supplement and Health Act of 1994 allows supplements to be sold without FDA approval, provided they adhere to good manufacturing practices. The pet supplement market is experiencing substantial growth, projected at 7.5% by 2026, partly due to an increasing number of veterinarians recommending these products. This shift is fueled by both emerging research and compelling anecdotal evidence.
At a 2022 veterinary conference, Dr. Matthew Brunke discussed the research behind three commonly touted nutraceuticals for canine osteoarthritis relief:
Avocado and Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASUs)
ASUs are oil extracts believed to inhibit and reduce inflammation. A study involving dogs with induced anterior cruciate injuries showed that those treated with ASUs experienced less damage and a smoother recovery compared to a placebo group.
Green-Lipped Mussels
Extracts from New Zealand green-lipped mussels function similarly to omega-3 fatty acids and chondroitin in supporting cartilage and reducing inflammation. Often listed as “Perna canniculus” on labels, multiple studies confirm their benefit for dogs with arthritis. A daily dose of 77 milligrams per kilogram of body weight is recommended.
Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II)
Derived from chicken sternums, this less common ingredient helps prevent cartilage damage. While sometimes combined with glucosamine and chondroitin, it is most effective when given separately, such as at a different mealtime.
The Final Verdict
Consult your veterinarian regarding the appropriate age to start your dog on joint supplements. Some research indicates these supplements are more effective preventatively than as a cure. Some veterinary experts suggest initiating supplementation around one year of age, when dogs typically stop growing. Others base their recommendation on a dog’s activity level, the presence of arthritis, or other risk factors.
For highly active dogs or those already showing signs of joint disease, a supplement—particularly one containing omega-3 fatty acids—might be beneficial. While generally safe, joint supplements should be treated with the same care as medications, stored out of reach of pets to prevent accidental overdose.
Maintaining a lean body weight throughout your dog’s life is paramount, as excess weight significantly contributes to the onset and progression of joint disease.
