As your dog ages, they are at a higher risk of developing joint and bone issues. Senior dogs are more likely to face joint problems compared to the younger ones, however, joint pain is not confined to any age group. A dog’s joint health largely depends on a variety of factors like breed, lifestyle, body weight, genetics etc.

Being a dog parent, you want to make sure that your furry friend has healthy bones and joints, which can help him stay active and energetic even in old age. Joint supplements help in tackling joint disease and provide the necessary nutrients required for better mobility. In this blog, we will discuss five important reasons why your dog should take joint supplements and how they can improve their joint health and overall well-being.

But before proceeding further, let us check out some symptoms that may suggest your dog has joint health problems:

• Difficulty in walking, bending or standing
• Getting tired quickly
• Stiff body, especially in the morning
• Feeling hesitant while jumping or running
• Inflammation in joints
• The creaking sound of joints
• Frequent body shaking
• Reduction in appetite 

Reasons Why Your Dog Needs Joint Supplements

1. Helps in Rebuilding Cartilage: The joints of dogs are lubricated with a fluid and covered with a layer of cartilage. This layer helps with smooth movement. Gradually, with time, this layer starts getting thinner, resulting in hindered movements, discomfort, and pain. Joint supplements help in building as well as maintaining healthy cartilage. Supplements, along with a healthy diet, would ensure pain-free and smooth movement.

2. Helps in Reducing Inflammation: Joint and bone issues cause inflammation in the body, which hampers mobility and flexibility in everyday activities. Dog joint supplements help in reducing inflammation in your dog’s joints, which will enable him to walk, stretch, stand, bend and run smoothly. Turmeric is one such ingredient proven to have strong anti-inflammatory properties that help in preventing joint pain and swelling.

3. Helps in Improving Flexibility: One of the most important compounds present in joint supplements is glucosamine. It helps build cartilage around the joints of your dogs and, hence, improves mobility and flexibility. As dogs age, the natural production of this compound slows down in the body. Joint supplements provide the required amount of glucosamine to your dog and help them remain flexible and mobile.

4. Helps Nourish Joint Tissues: Joint tissues are very delicate and require special care. Supplements contain an ingredient known as chondroitin, which helps maintain cartilage thickness. Providing adequate nourishment to joints is extremely crucial for your dog’s bones as well as overall health. Joint supplements help rebuild and nourish your furry friend’s joints. This will not only keep them healthy and happy but also more active and energised throughout the day.

5. Promotes Bone Health: Vitamin C is one of the most essential vitamins to promote the bone health of your dog. It not only provides extra strength to your furball but also enhances their flexibility and mobility. Adding a vitamin C supplement to their routine would ensure healthy and strong bones. Bone health is as important as the overall health of your dog, so make sure you include vitamins in their everyday routine for better nourishment.

Major Components to Look for In Joint Supplements

If you are looking for the best dog joint supplements, always check the components that it offers. Here are some of the top joint care supplements to look for:

• Glucosamine Hydrochloride: It is a type of amino sugar that acts as a building block for your dog’s cartilage and stimulates its growth. It is highly essential for maintaining your dog’s cartilage health.
• Chondroitin Sulfate: This compoung helps in blocking the production of cartilage-destroying enzymes and helps provide relief in joint inflammation.
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): MSM helps prevent muscle damage and pain as well as inflammation or stiffness in the joints. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help in boosting immune system function and brain health.
• Turmeric: Turmeric has excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which provide relief from achy joints. It ensures smooth and pain-free mobility.
• Green Lipped Mussel: Green Lipped Mussel helps in providing lubrication to the joints which helps in relieving pain, stiffness, inflammation and swelling. This not only ensures pain-free movement but also improves flexibility and overall joint health.
• Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASUs):ASUs help in preventing tissue damage and help in treating osteoarthritis - which provides long-term relief to your furry friend.
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Omega 3 is a very essential supplement for your dog’s joint, heart and kidney health. It provides sufficient amounts of necessary nutrients which improves the immune system and overall joint health. 

Bottom line

As it is rightly said, prevention is better than cure, the prevention of joint diseases and early diagnosis can help treat the disease effectively and improve the quality of your dog’s life. Our dogs do not have the privilege of vocalizing their pain, and so, it is a dog parent’s responsibility to understand what the dog is going through and provide them all the care and pampering.

When it comes to joint problems in dogs, consistency is the key, focus on having regular vet visits followed by exercise, supplements, a healthy diet and therapies. Inculcating all of these together in your dog’s everyday regime can help them lead a healthier, longer and happier life.