20% of adult dogs and 80% of dogs over 8 years old suffer from osteoarthritis – and it is thought this could be higher. 😔

Whether you have an older dog that is showing some signs of arthritis, or a younger dog that you want to help prevent develop arthritis, you may want to consider a joint supplement.

Joint supplements are one of the most common long-term, safe treatments to help reduce inflammation and pain, improve function, and slow progression of joint damage and arthritis.

The most evidence based supplements are ones based on omega 3 fatty acids from marine sources (e.g. fish and green lipped mussels). Studies have shown improvements in play and ability to get up after resting in dogs fed an omega 3 rich diet compared to those without. 🤓 When choosing a supplement, a product with high levels of omega 3 oils from marine sources is a great place to start. 🐟💊

Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are often used as a preventative and a cure. It’s possible they might work to reduce or slow damage in an already diseased joint, but the evidence is lacking regarding arthritis prevention.

Other common supplements such as turmeric, boswelia, rosehips, eggshell membranes and CBD need more research (exciting research is ongoing), but some evidence does show promise for reducing inflammation. 💪

Make sure you know what is in the product you buy; it has a batch number and expiry date. 🧐

Joint supplements aren’t a magical cure, but as part of an overall wellness plan including weight management, exercise and a healthy diet, they can play an important role.

Please note: Joint supplements can take time to work and should not be a replacement for pain relief and veterinary treatment.

For more info on arthritis in dogs, visit https://caninearthritis.co.uk/