Is your dog hesitant to jump on the couch or slowing down on their daily walks? It’s easy to chalk it up to age, but sometimes, even younger pups show signs they could use a little extra joint support.
There are several common cues your canine companion might be ready for some joint TLC. We’ve done the homework, so you can focus on keeping your best friend happy and active! Keep reading to learn why joint health matters and simple ways to help maintain your pup’s mobility and comfort, at any age.
Why Joint Health Matters for Dogs of All Ages
From energetic puppies to calm seniors, dogs of every age rely on strong joints to live their best, healthiest lives. The way your dog walks, runs, stretches, and jumps all depends on the health of their joints, ligaments, and cartilage.
Joints act as a bridge between bones, cushioned by cartilage and lubricated by synovial fluid for easy movement. Tendons connect muscle to bone, while ligaments support joint structure. When everything’s working in harmony, your pup enjoys a full range of motion with ease. [1,2,4]
That’s why supporting joint health early on is a smart move. As dogs grow, their joint needs may shift depending on activity level, size, weight, age, and breed. Whether you have a lively young pup or a golden-aged snuggler, maintaining flexibility and joint function is key to their everyday well-being.
Common Signs Your Dog May Benefit From Joint Support
Many pet parents overlook the early signs of joint discomfort. These signs can range from slight behavioral changes to occasional stiffness. Here are a few signals your dog may benefit from joint health support: [3]
- Hesitating before jumping or climbing stairs
- Slower to rise after naps or rest
- Decreased interest in longer walks or playtime
- Favoring one leg or a slight limp
- Lower energy or less enthusiasm
The Benefits of Glucosamine, Chondroitin & MSM
You may have heard of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) being used in joint support products for dogs, but what do they actually do?
These three powerful ingredients are naturally occurring compounds added to supplements to help maintain and support healthy connective tissue, cartilage development, and normal mobility. [2,5]
- Glucosamine is a building block for cartilage.
- Chondroitin works alongside glucosamine to help maintain the elasticity and cushioning of joints.
- MSM is a compound that has been shown to support joint flexibility and overall joint health.
These compounds are especially popular among pawrents looking to maintain joint comfort as their dogs grow older or lead active lifestyles!
Tips to Keep Your Dog Active & Comfortable
Healthy habits go a long way when it comes to supporting your dog’s mobility. Here are some lifestyle and wellness practices that may help your pup stay comfortable:
- Daily walks tailored to your dog’s ability
- Low-impact play like swimming or walking on soft grass
- Maintaining a healthy weight to avoid stress on joints
- Encouraging light play throughout the day
- Providing padded surfaces or orthopedic beds for rest
- Gentle stretching through play or training exercises
Pup Parent Pro Tip: Keep your pup’s favorite toys in different rooms to encourage light movement and natural activity during the day.
Choosing a High-Quality Joint Support Supplement
Not all supplements are created equal. If you’re considering adding a joint support supplement to your dog’s wellness routine, here’s what to look for:
- GMP Certification for quality and safety standards
- Clear labeling of all active ingredients
- No artificial fillers or preservatives
- Evidence-based ingredients like Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM!
Perna Canaliculus is a Green-lipped mussel from the shores of New Zealand, naturally rich in Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Hyaluronic acid, EFAs, and Amino acids—an excellent source for joint health support. [4,5] PupGrade’s Joint Support Soft Chews include this powerhouse ingredient in its unique formula!
Crafted with love and backed by science, these soft chews are specifically formulated to support joint function and connective tissue for occasional discomfort, stiffness, and soreness that your furry companion might be silently enduring. But don’t just take our word for it—a whopping 90% of surveyed pup parents shared that their dogs appeared to move with greater ease and comfort!*
*Based on a survey of PupGrade customers.
Did you know joint comfort and mobility can be a concern for up to 80% of dogs? Many pup parents choose to include joint support supplements in their dogs' daily routine to help maintain healthy joints. [3]
Your Next Steps: Stay Pup-Pared!
Your dog may not stay a puppy forever, but with a little daily support and attention to their joint wellness, they can continue living their most tail-wagging, adventure-filled life.
Be mindful of any small changes in your dog’s movement. Whether it’s a lifestyle adjustment or introducing a joint health supplement to their routine, supporting their mobility early on can help them stay happy and active for years to come.
Looking for more helpful wellness tips?
Explore the rest of the PupGrade Blog to discover more ways to keep your pup happy, healthy, and on the move!
This information is intended for general purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or health routine, especially if you notice persistent or concerning changes in your dog's movement or behavior.
**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
-
Resources:
-
Hermanson JW, de LaHunta A, Evans HE. Miller and Evan's Guide to the Anatomy of the Dog. Philadelphia: WB Saunders (2019). p. 1004. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4790228/
-
Kirkby, Kristin. "Maintaining joint health in the canine athlete." (2011): 1493-1494. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.5555/20113161706
-
Mills, D. S., Demontigny-Bédard, I., Gruen, M., Klinck, M. P., McPeake, K. J., Barcelos, A. M., Hewison, L., Van Haevermaet, H., Denenberg, S., Hauser, H., Koch, C., Ballantyne, K., Wilson, C., Mathkari, C. V., Pounder, J., Garcia, E., Darder, P., Fatjó, J., & Levine, E. (2020). Pain and Problem Behavior in Cats and Dogs. Animals, 10(2), 318. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020318
-
Miller TE, Ormrod D. The anti-inflammatory activity of Perna canaliculus (NZ green lipped mussel). N Z Med J. 1980 Sep 10;92(667):187-93. PMID: 6933356. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6933356/
-
Cline, J. Ultimate Hip and Joint Management. 2024. https://hfu.hollywoodfeed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/hip_joint_whitepaper2.pdf
