While there are several different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in dogs. It is a degenerative disease characterised by inflammation of the joint structure. Prevention is the best way to help manage the condition by focusing on maintaining a healthy weight, providing appropriate exercise to maintain mobility and using joint supplements can help slow down the progression of the disease. This is especially important if your dog is a breed that is prone to developing arthritis.

Here's our complete guide to understanding how mobility supplements could help keep joints healthy, including:

• Signs, symptoms and causes of arthritis in dogs
• How do supplements help keep joints healthy?
• The best supplements for dogs with mobility issues
• FAQs

Signs, symptoms and causes of arthritis in dogs

Arthritis is a chronic condition and as such the initial signs are often associated with subtle behavioural changes such as less interaction or reluctance to play, adverse to handling, moving more slowly, weight shifting or change in gait. It can also manifest as changes in generalised behavioural alterations such as noise sensitivity, lack of tolerance and fearfulness. All of these can be non specific symptoms so it is best to book an appointment with your vet if you notice any changes with your dog.

There are some predisposition factors that are known to be associated with the disease – from genetics and old age to injury and obesity. Studies have also concluded that some breeds (specifically larger dogs like Labradors, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds) are more prone to the condition than others.

During the winter months the symptoms tend to worsen due to the colder climate. Keeping them warm by providing them with a coat when going for a walk and ensuring their bed is kept away from drafty areas can all help them feel more comfortable.

How do supplements help keep dogs’ joints healthy?

Joint and mobility supplements contain ingredients that support joint function on various levels. They can help support joint health mobility by supporting the joint structure, flexibility and elasticity which can improve your dog’s quality of life.

The best joint supplements for dogs at risk of arthritis and mobility issues

Marine sources such as Krill meal provide a rich and natural source of omega 3 fatty acids. They have been shown to have beneficial effects on the joints by acting on inflammatory processes and cartilage repair.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is another key ingredient that can be effective to use with osteoarthritis. HA is naturally present in the synovial fluid (the liquid that cushions the ends of bones and decreases friction in the joints) and functions as a lubricant. In supplements, it can help with joint maintenance and flexibility.

Virbac’s MOVOFLEX® Soft Chews contain a unique blend of ingredients that work together to support healthy joints and joint flexibility in dogs. A key ingredient is eggshell membrane (derived from chicken egg) that’s rich in collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans and essential amino acids which helps support joint structure, flexibility and elasticity. MOVOFLEX® also contains hyaluronic acid (of low and high molecular weight), krill meal (rich in omega-3 fatty acids), astaxanthin (a potent antioxidant that supports joint health), Boswellia serrata extract (a plant extract known to keep joints healthy) and vitamin D3.

We would advise you to consult your vet to find the best supplement for your dog.

FAQs

What can you give older dogs for arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common sources of chronic pain in older dogs, although there is no cure, there are a lot of preventative measures that you can take to help slow down the progression of the disease. If you suspect that your dog could be suffering from arthritis you should consult a vet. The vet will likely examine your dog and ask you to provide a history of their mobility and behaviour to build a picture of how advanced the disease is. Your vet might prescribe medication to support their pain management, recommend joint supplements, advise on weight management and discuss with you about referring to complementary therapies such as physiotherapy. In some cases surgery might be required to help prevent further joint degeneration.

There are also a few things you can do at home;

✔  Provide non-slip mats on hard floors to help them keep mobile and prevent any slips and falls.

✔  Ensure their nails and pad fur is maintained regularly.

✔  Provide them with a supportive and comfortable bed away from drafts, an orthopaedic or memory foam bed is recommended to relieve pressure points.

✔  Adapt their daily exercise, to what they are able to cope with, a slow steady walk a couple of times a day might be more suitable to maintain their mobility.

How do you stop arthritis from progressing in dogs?

Preventing the progression of the disease is always a priority, with high risk large breeds such as Retrievers, Labradors, Rottweilers and German Shepherds it might be necessary to think about starting a joint supplement at an early age to support the joints. Also another major risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis is obesity so ensuring your dog maintains a healthy weight throughout its lifetime should be a top priority.

Is it possible to reverse arthritis in dogs?

While arthritis cannot be reversed, if you identify the condition at an early stage, you can massively improve the quality of your dog’s life. So, if you notice any signs of joint pain at all, get your dog assessed by a vet as soon as possible. Prevention is better than a cure, so giving your dog a suitable joint supplement when they’re younger is always a good idea.