I am very lucky to have happy, healthy Corgi and my goal is to keep that way for many years. When I first started researching supplement brands, I was shocked at the amount of dog joint supplements on the market. The more I learned about the occurrence of joint problems in dogs, the more I realized how lucrative the market was for joint supplement manufacturers. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of brands of pet supplements. Unfortunately, not all are created equal – so it’s extremely important to do your research and find the right brand of supplement for your dog’s individual needs.

Is supplementation for the dog’s joints necessary? Each breed of dog has natural weaknesses. In the case of corgi, it’s their joints and back. Due to their stunted build and long backs, they are very susceptible to skeletal damage and chronic mobility problems that develop later in life. However, corgi aren’t the only breed to have joint problems. It is estimated that 20% of all dogs (regardless of age) suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), making it the most common chronic disease dogs face. Osteoarthritis is a complex condition that involves inflammation and degeneration of one or more joints.

What causes arthritis in dogs? Some of the factors leading to osteoarthritis include:

A) Physique – Your dog’s physique is directly related to their risk of developing OA. Dogs with short legs and long backs are typically more at risk compared to others.

B) Body weight – obesity is strongly correlated with the development of OA because being overweight puts extra strain on the joints, ligaments and muscles.

C) Abnormal joint development – Some dogs suffer from abnormal joint development which makes them more susceptible to OA. These conditions are often seen as canine hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or patellar dislocation.

D) Excessive physical activity (running with a bike, standing on the hind legs, running up stairs and on a slippery surface) – causes excessive wear of the joints and is correlated with OA.

E) Joint and muscle injuries are also very common causes of OA.

It should also be noted that “aging” is NOT a cause of OA, but supplementation in young or old animals is most appropriate.

What ingredients should be in supplements for a dog’s joints?

There are many products on the market, so determining which product is right for your dog can be very difficult. The best place to start is by reading the list of active ingredients. A well-balanced preparation for hips and joints should contain the following 5 active ingredients:

Collagen makes up 70-90% of a dog’s ligaments, muscles and tendons. When your body’s collagen levels are depleted, you are more likely to develop injuries such as hip dysplasia and broken cruciate ligaments. Adding collagen to your dog’s diet can help improve and maintain the integrity of their joints even before they start to deteriorate.

Glucosamine helps keep the cartilage in your joints healthy and can also repair damaged cartilage. This is very beneficial for active dogs that damage cartilage during sports or intense activities.

Chondroitin protects your dog’s joints from enzymes that can break down the cartilage. Chondroitin is commonly found in supplements that also contain glucosamine because they work best together.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a proven painkiller and anti-inflammatory agent for joints. It is known to be a powerful antioxidant that helps regulate the body’s normal inflammatory response.

Curcumin (turmeric) is a powerful natural herb that supports a healthy inflammatory response and additionally helps the body repair damaged ligaments, muscles, tendons and joints.

Now that you know what key active ingredients your supplement should contain, it’s time to go a little deeper. It is obligatory to read the label, if the preparation does not contain the basic ingredients mentioned earlier, look for another! Compare the content of active substances in the available preparations. Remember that the ingredient with the most is listed at the top of the list. See the use-by date. To minimize the presence of unnecessary inactive ingredients, choose powder supplements.

FINALLY – Dogs naturally expose their bodies to heavy wear. Often their favorite activities, such as jogging or retrieving games, can put strain on muscles and joints. This can eventually lead to joint pain, osteoarthritis, and even problems with movement. It is important to start supporting your dog early enough by providing him with all the nutrients his body needs to stay healthy. Supplements are full of these important ingredients, but it’s extremely important to know what you’re feeding your dog. Don’t trust a supplement based solely on cute packaging or clever marketing. Take the time to thoroughly research all the active and inactive substances of the product under consideration and make the most informed decision possible. Your dog will be grateful to you!