As a responsible pet owner, you want to ensure that your furry friend stays healthy and active for years to come. One common issue that many dogs face as they age is joint pain and stiffness. Fortunately, there are several canine joint supplements available on the market that can help alleviate these symptoms and improve your dog's quality of life.
Knowing which herbs and supplements will benefit your dog in different ways is important so you know you are giving them the correct blend, for them. Let's dive in..
What are Canine Joint Supplements?
Canine joint supplements are specially formulated products that contain a combination of ingredients designed to support joint health in dogs. These supplements often include ingredients like turmeric, CBD oil, Eucommia bark, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to promote joint lubrication, reduce inflammation, and support overall joint function.
Which Canine Joint Supplements are Best for Your Dog?
When it comes to choosing a canine joint supplement for your dog, it's essential to consider their specific needs and any existing health conditions. Here are seven popular canine joint supplements that your dog may benefit from:
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory that can be highly beneficial for dogs with joint health issues, such as arthritis or general joint pain. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, is responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. Here’s how it works:
- Reduces Inflammation - Curcumin inhibits enzymes and molecules in the body that cause inflammation, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This can help reduce swelling and pain in dogs’ joints.
- Acts as an Antioxidant - Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells and worsen inflammation in the joints, leading to further degeneration. By reducing oxidative stress, turmeric helps protect joint tissues.
- Supports Cartilage Health - Chronic inflammation can lead to the breakdown of cartilage in joints. By reducing inflammation, turmeric helps slow cartilage degradation and supports overall joint health
- Improves Mobility - With reduced inflammation and pain, dogs may experience improved joint mobility and flexibility, making it easier for them to move around and maintain an active
Ginger Joint Extract from Furbal Remedies is a synergistic blend of turmeric, ginger and black pepper that work together to significantly decrease inflammation within your pet's joints. This blend is best given over time for cumulative effect.
2. Eucommia Bark
Eucommia bark (from the tree Eucommia ulmoides) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb known for its benefits in supporting joint, ligament, and connective tissue health. It contains bioactive compounds such as lignans, iridoids, and flavonoids that contribute to its therapeutic effects for dogs. Here’s how it helps:
- Strengthens Ligaments and Tendons - Eucommia bark is renowned for its ability to support connective tissue health. The herb promotes collagen production, which is essential for maintaining the strength and elasticity of ligaments and tendons. This makes it particularly beneficial for dogs recovering from injuries or dealing with weakened connective tissues.
- Reduces Inflammation - Eucommia bark has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate pain and swelling in joints and surrounding ligaments. This can improve mobility and comfort for dogs suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other joint-related conditions.
- Supports Joint Health - The herb helps maintain healthy cartilage by stimulating the repair of damaged joint tissues. Its compounds may protect against cartilage breakdown, improving overall joint function and slowing degenerative processes in aging or active dogs.
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Enhances Flexibility and Recovery - For active dogs or those undergoing rehabilitation from ligament injuries (e.g., ACL tears), eucommia bark supports quicker recovery by reducing inflammation and encouraging tissue repair. It also helps maintain joint flexibility and range of motion.
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Improves Bone Density - Eucommia bark is known to have bone-strengthening properties, which complement its benefits for joints and ligaments. By supporting bone health, it helps dogs maintain a solid foundation for overall mobility and activity.
Furbal Remedies Eucommia Bark Extract is our favorite concentrated eucommia blend for dogs and cats. Perfect for the whole family!
3. CBD Oil
CBD (cannabidiol), a non-psychoactive compound derived from hemp, has shown significant benefits for improving joint health in dogs. Its therapeutic effects primarily come from its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate inflammation, pain, and overall health. Here’s how CBD benefits your dog’s joint health:
- Reduces Inflammation - CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory. It interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS, modulating the immune system to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This can help alleviate inflammation in joints caused by conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, or injury.
- Eases Joint Pain - CBD has analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. By reducing pain signals in the nervous system, it helps dogs feel more comfortable and improves their quality of life, especially those with chronic joint pain.
- Improves Mobility - With reduced pain and inflammation, dogs often regain mobility and flexibility. CBD can help dogs with arthritis or joint stiffness move more freely, enabling them to stay active and maintain muscle strength.
- Supports Recovery - For dogs recovering from joint surgeries or injuries, CBD can accelerate healing by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation. It may also help manage post-operative pain without the side effects of traditional pain medications.
- Reduces Anxiety Related to Joint Pain - Chronic pain can cause stress or anxiety in dogs. CBD has calming effects that can help ease the emotional burden of pain, making your dog feel more relaxed and less irritable.
- Protects Joint Health Over Time - CBD has antioxidant properties that may protect joint tissues from further damage caused by oxidative stress. This can be particularly helpful for senior dogs or those predisposed to joint issues.
Furbal Remedies has two great CBD options for joint pain and inflammation. First is our original CBD Oil that contains 1,000 mg CBD per 1 oz of liquid. This breaks down to 33.33 mg per dropperful. A higher dose of CBD Oil can be beneficial for large dogs and dog's who are in a lot of pain. We can then reduce or increase the dosage as needed for all dogs. The way CBD is labeled can be misleading. At Furbal Remedies we pride ourselves on being transparent with how our CBD is labeled and dosed so you know you are giving your pet enough to help them.
Ginger Joint Plus+ CBD is a combination between our Ginger Joint Extract + 500 mg CBD per 1oz. This is an amazing daily anti-inflammatory + pain relief blend for our dogs who need an effective dose of both anti-inflammatory support and pain relief, like in dogs with arthritis and other inflammatory/degenerative conditions.
4. Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a natural compound found in healthy cartilage and is commonly used in joint supplements for dogs. It helps to maintain and repair joint tissues, reduce inflammation, and improve joint mobility. Glucosamine is especially beneficial for dogs with arthritis or joint injuries.
5. Chondroitin
Chondroitin is often paired with glucosamine in joint supplements because it helps enhance the effectiveness of glucosamine. Chondroitin helps to prevent the breakdown of cartilage, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve joint function. This supplement is ideal for dogs with osteoarthritis or other degenerative joint conditions.
6. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
MSM is a naturally occurring compound that is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce pain and swelling in the joints, improve flexibility, and promote overall joint health. MSM is a great option for dogs with joint pain or stiffness due to aging or injury.
7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, are essential nutrients that can help reduce inflammation, improve joint mobility, and support overall joint health. These fatty acids are often found in fish oil supplements and can be beneficial for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other joint conditions.
Before starting your dog on any new supplement regimen, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that the chosen supplements are safe and appropriate for your dog's individual needs. With the right joint supplements, you can help your dog stay active, healthy, and happy for years to come.