When it comes to joint care chews for dogs, there are facts that are helpful and then there’s just noise that is hype. The good news is that joint care chews for dogs not only work; they can also help increase your dog’s quality of life and keep them pain-free. Larger dogs are more prone to experience arthritis, dysplasia, general aches and pains. Even if your dog is not a senior yet, it’s a good idea to start early with joint supplements for dogs as a proactive or preventative measure.

As dogs age, 80% of those older than seven years of age will experience stiff, achy joints. The problem is that they can’t express their pain verbally so you need to be on the lookout for the most common symptoms of joint and hip issues, such as:

• Wincing while jumping
• A slower gait
• Refusing to walk upstairs
• Wanting to take shorter walks
• Swollen joints

Now, there are quite a few studies that show that joint care chews for dogs can help pain. These chews include active ingredients like glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulphate, which dogs respond to very well.

There are quite a few natural joint care supplements for dogs you can rely on to help your dogs with the onset of arthritis or other joint problems. These include:

• Glucosamine hydrochloride – This is a building block for your dog’s cartilage. Regular intake can help stimulate the growth of cartilage cells.
• Chondroitin sulphate – Chondroitin sulphate is a fantastic joint care supplement for dogs. It works by decreasing inflammation in joints and by inhibiting the enzymes that destroy cartilage over time.
• Omega-3 fatty acids – Omega-3s, especially those sourced from wild-caught coldwater fish like salmon, are known to support a dog’s total health, which includes heart health, kidney function, immune system, and joints.

The best joint pain medicine for dogs depends on what kind of joint supplement they’re most likely to eat. For example, you could use joint care chews for dogs if your pooch is happy to eat these supplements right from your hand. Other dogs are pickier and they may need you to go for a powder that you can sprinkle over their regular dog food.

It also depends on other conditions your dog is experiencing. For example, some dogs need a supplement for their coat and teeth, along with one for their joint and hips. In this case, you can opt for a fish oil supplement, which you can mix into their food with a few pumps.