Dogs are very resilient, and they get on with their day even if something is bothering them. Joint injuries and arthritis are prevalent in dogs. As they age, the pain worsens over time. 

Fortunately, there are ways we can slow this process down. Using the right supplements can be very effective. Joint supplements are used to support comfort and mobility, alongside appropriate veterinary care, weight management, and exercise control.

Which dogs can benefit from joint supplements?

Dogs that commonly benefit from joint supplements include:

• Dogs diagnosed with joint disease, such as osteoarthritis.

• Senior dogs, where age-related damage and stiffness are more likely to develop. This is especially true for large and giant breeds.

• Dogs that didn’t fully recover after an injury or where signs of pain keep re-appearing.

• Dogs who undergo very frequent or intense exercise, such as sporting and agility dogs, are prone to repeated joint stress.

• Dogs with a high genetic risk for joint problems, such as hip or elbow dysplasia.

Common signs of joint disease

Joint disease, especially arthritis, is extremely common in dogs and often develops gradually. Many owners may not realise there is a problem until everyday changes in their dog’s movement or behaviour begin to appear, such as:

• Stiffness

• Slowing down on walks or being less interested in walks

• Hesitating when using stairs

• No longer jumping up onto the sofa

• Limping that comes and goes

How to choose the right supplement for your dog

It’s important to be careful when choosing a supplement. There are many products in shops and online, but many are poorly made or have ingredients that aren’t really that useful. These products can be a waste of time and money, and in a worst-case scenario, could potentially be harmful. 

High-quality supplements, on the other hand, can make a real difference. They may improve your dog’s quality of life, reduce the need for pain medication, and help slow down joint damage. These products work best when started early, as soon as symptoms are noticed. When used correctly, good-quality supplements rarely cause side effects. 

Key ingredients to look for in joint supplements

1. Omega-3 fatty acids and green-lipped mussels

Found in Yumove Advance and Yumove Joint Care

• Omega-3 fatty acids have shown the best results, both in scientific studies and practical experience. 

• They directly block inflammation inside the joints. In some studies, they were as good as anti-inflammatories for mild cases. Supplements do take longer than medication to work, and often work best alongside medication in advanced cases. 

• Omega-3 fatty acids can come from different fish oils and plant oils, but the best source is New Zealand Green-lipped mussel. High-quality supplements made with this ingredient usually produce the best results.  

• Other supplements that have high levels of EPA and DHA, usually from purified fish oils or plant oils, can also be quite effective. Unprocessed supplements like salmon oil don’t have enough omega-3 fatty acids to have a significant benefit for the joints. These also contain other fats that can cause digestive problems or weight gain. 
  

2. Glucosamine and chondroitin

• Glucosamine and chondroitin have been used for years to support joint health in dogs and other animals. 

• The idea is that they can act as building blocks for cartilage in the joints. This was thought to slow joint disease. 

• Many dogs do appear to improve when taking these as supplements, but others don’t. Scientific studies have been unable to prove these supplements actually work. However, they are known to be very safe, and many vets still recommend them.

3. Plant-based supplements

• Supplements based on the traditional use of medicinal plants are also sometimes recommended. Studies are showing these can help, especially in the right cases.  It’s always important to discuss these with your vet to make sure they are appropriate for your dog. If used incorrectly, these products have a risk of causing side effects or interfering with other treatments. 

• Supplements containing the plant Boswellia Serrata have shown anti-inflammatory properties. This product may be an alternative to anti-inflammatory medication if the symptoms are mild and the anti-inflammatories are causing side effects. It can also be used alongside medication in more advanced or serious cases, as they work through a different process and may complement each other.

• Other products, like CBD oil and phytosome-encapsulated curcumin, have shown potential in studies. They are still being investigated to determine the best way to use them and what doses are safe and effective. 
  

4. Undenatured collagen

• This supplement is under investigation and shows a lot of promise. It has to go through a special preparation process, but it seems to be effective.  

• It works quite differently from other options. It seems to make the body less reactive to natural changes that happen inside the joint during ageing and exercise. This prevents inflammation from developing. It may also prevent damage to the joint when given before intense exercise. Additionally, it may improve recovery after joint surgery. 

When should dogs start taking joint supplements?

• Dogs can start joint supplements as early as 1–2 years old for large or active breeds, or around middle age (5–7 years) for most dogs—ideally before stiffness or arthritis appears, as supplements work best preventively rather than after joint damage has progressed.

• It’s always a good idea to discuss any concerns with a vet - to make sure that more urgent or serious issues are not missed.

Top tips for dog joint supplements 

• Good quality supplements can be very useful in reducing pain and improving the quality of life in older dogs or those that have joint problems. 

• Products containing properly prepared New Zealand Green-lipped mussels are one of the best options, such as Yumove Advance or Yumove Joint Care. That's why so many vets recommend these!

• Products containing high levels of the fatty acids EPA and DHA also work well or products based on purified fish and plant oils. 

• Foods already supplemented with high levels of Omega-3 are another great option, such as Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d and Royal Canin Mobility Support. 

• Supplements containing Boswellia Serrata may help with ongoing pain, but it’s best to discuss this with a vet to make sure it’s right for your dog. 

Our vet-recommended products

• Yumove Advance

• Yumove Joint Care for Young, Adult or Senior dogs

• Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d 

• Royal Canin Mobility Support Food
  

Our online vets are always happy to discuss how best to use these and other treatment options to make sure our furry friends are as comfortable and happy as they can be.