Colitti M, Gaspardo B, Della Pria A, et al. Transcriptome modification of white blood cells after dietary administration of curcumin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in osteoarthritic affected dogs.Vet Immunol Immunopathol2012;147(3-4):136-146. It is recommended that you start chondroprotective agents as early as possible in large-breed dogs or dogs predisposed to development of osteoarthritis. Joint supplements can be given to puppies as young as 8 weeks of age that are predisposed to development of osteoarthritis due to conformation or injury. The main concern is typically gastrointestinal upset so please consult your vet if you are ever worried. Limping or Lameness - Persistent limping or favouring a specific leg may indicate joint pain or inflammation. Fritsch DA, Allen TA, Dodd CE, et al. A multicenter study of the effect of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on carprofen dosage in dogs with osteoarthritis.J Am Vet Med Assoc2010 236(5):535-539.

Walks are the most common form of exercise for dogs, but be sure not to demand too much. For instance, a younger pup may benefit from 20 minutes twice a day rather than 40 minutes. Also, older dogs may appreciate a nice, flat walk rather than a hilly walk.

Joint supplements are typically available in tablet form or as a liquid and should be safe to use alongside other medications on a long-term basis. As with anything concerning your dog’s health, it’s best to take advice from your vet. It’s important to remember that even the best joint supplements for dogs are not a magic wand – joint issues, such as arthritis, should be managed with several therapies, including weight management, a modified exercise plan, and physiotherapy. You can also ensure your dog is comfortable with one of the best orthopaedic dog beds. Choosing the best joint supplement for dogs Older dogs that are suffering from arthritis and other joint problems can find relief with joint supplements such as PDSA Joint Care Supplement Tablets for Dogs, a powerful, vet approved supplement to aid in slowing the progression of arthritis and reduce joint pain. Another popular and one of the best joint supplements for senior dogs is YuMOVE Joint Care Supplement for Senior Dogs. This is a relatively new supplement made from a specific part of the oil of avocados and from soybeans. There are no clinical trials looking at it in dogs with established naturally occurring arthritis.

Please note delivery etc 5* Too early to comment on the effects/ efficiency of the product but this new version differs from the old one because my dog will no longer eat it in tablet form, I find them left in the food bowl so will have to try crumbling them, the list of ingredients looks the same but the dog tells me otherwise: Whether it is as effective (or even moreso) than the previous one, the jury is still out on this. The previous product is joint support for dogs amd the new version isadvanced hip and joint care. Jumping down onto a different surface - Jumping from hard to soft, or soft to slippery, can cause injury – what’s called ‘eccentric contractions’, leading to twists, strains and sprains. It’s best to train your pup to “wait” for you and lift them onto your furniture yourself. There is only weak evidence of its effectiveness both structurally and in improving clinical condition of arthritis in dogs. Chondroitin requires a loading dose similar to glucosamine. Want to learn more about dog arthritis? Have a read of our informative blog on Understanding Arthiritis in Dogs. As obesity is a risk factor when it comes to joint issues, ensuring they are fit and healthy helps to keep away the joint issues. If you are worried about your dog's weight, speak to your vet.Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, have anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in the reduction of joint inflammation and pain. They are commonly found in fish oil supplements for dogs. Boileau C, Martel-Pelletier J, Caron J, et al. Protective effects of total fraction of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables on the structural changes in experimental dog osteoarthritis: inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and matrix metalloproteinase-13.Arthritis Res Ther2009;11(2):R41. Joint supplements are a waste of your money if your dog has end-stage bone-on-bone osteoarthritis in every joint. Don’t bother. But if just one joint is affected, supplements may be given to protect the other joints. Although joint issues are a natural part of the ageing process, you can still help them to lead a healthy, active life even in their later years. Using the steps above, you can help to alleviate inflammation and pain and protect them from further damage. Starting joint care from an early age can also help to keep joint problems at bay for longer, in fact, you can never start joint care too early. Exercise is the most important thing to keep your dog’s joints healthy. However, to ensure this, walks need to be catered for your dog's specific needs. Plus walks need to be regular and short – rather than unstructured and long.