There’s a reason why you can’t teach an old dog new tricks (and it’s not just that they’ve learned to rebel since their obedience school days). Sadly, nearly every dog will suffer from joint problems and joint issues like arthritis at some point in life,1 and that gradual buildup of joint pain and inflammation can take its toll on your pet’s ability to indulge in hobbies like sitting, shaking, and rolling over.
But dog arthritis doesn’t have to rob you or your pup of that precious playtime—there are ways to ease your dog’s joint pain and even slow the progression of the joint disease. Completely natural supplements for healthy joints like chondroitin, its partner glucosamine, and MSM can increase certain compounds that your pet’s body naturally produces to help supplement cartilage and reduce joint pain.
Read on to learn about chondroitin, how this dog joint supplement works, and the benefits it may offer your dog’s joint function in a daily supplement.
What Is Chondroitin?
Chondroitin is a molecule that naturally exists in the bodies of both humans and dogs.2 A major component of cartilage (which makes up much of the joints, spine, lungs, ears, and more), chondroitin helps fluid (particularly water) absorb into the connective tissue.
Chondroitin also plays a part in producing new cartilage, and some research shows that it may even block enzymes that break down cartilage.
To that end, chondroitin supplements can be an effective way to boost joint health for dogs and delay the onset of osteoarthritis. It can also be used to manage certain bladder conditions, like interstitial cystitis (or an overactive bladder).
For dogs (and humans), chondroitin is often supplemented alongside glucosamine and MSM, both natural compounds that support joint health.3 Glucosamine is a natural anti-inflammatory agent, and it works similarly to chondroitin to protect the cartilage and urinary tract (which is why they’re often paired in a single supplement for maximum impact).
By protecting cells called chondrocytes, chondroitin and glucosamine can act as a pillow for the joints.4 This is because cartilage is made up exclusively of chondrocytes, which produce joint-healthy collagen, as well as a protective “matrix” that they then embed themselves into.5
Benefits of Chondroitin for Dogs
Supplementing chondroitin can offer a range of benefits for dogs, particularly when it comes to bone and joint health. Additionally, when combined with MSM, chondroitin’s benefits for reducing joint pain and improving mobility may be enhanced.
Reduced Joint Pain
Chondroitin is often used to manage osteoarthritis in both humans and dogs as it can reduce the associated pain, increase mobility and flexibility, and act as a natural pain reliever (decreasing the need for over-the-counter relievers).6 By staving off the degeneration of cartilage, chondroitin can help naturally alleviate the pain and swelling associated with osteoarthritis.
Some studies even show that chondroitin may help slow the progression of osteoarthritis through the same process—by encouraging the body to produce new cartilage as needed while also blocking the breakdown of existing cartilage.7
Eye Support
Chondroitin can also offer protection for the eyes, whether it’s keeping them from becoming dry and irritated (it’s often included in eye drops) or protecting them during the surgical removal of a cataract. However, be sure to use it for this purpose in moderation, as the buildup of eye pressure in excess can cause glaucoma.
Reduced Bladder Pain
Lastly, chondroitin can help control an overactive bladder and ease painful conditions like interstitial cystitis (also aptly known as painful bladder syndrome) in both humans and dogs.8
This is because the bladder and urinary tract are lined with connective tissue,9 which chondroitin can help strengthen.
One study even showed that, when used for stem cell research, urine cells were more effective at recreating the process of building cartilage than bone marrow cells (in short, stronger chondrocytes means a more painless pee).10
Are There Risks of Chondroitin for Dogs?
Implementing a chondroitin supplement into your dog’s routine shouldn’t have many downsides, especially seeing as chondroitin (and its partner, glucosamine) are naturally occurring compounds in the body.
If anything, you may notice mild gastrointestinal side effects, such as gas or loose stools.
Chondroitin should be administered on a daily basis, and its effects will wear off within 24 hours (with the exception of lingering effects for pups with liver or kidney disease). This means that if you notice that your dog can’t tolerate chondroitin on a regular basis, you can put an end to the side effects the next day.
Sources of Chondroitin
Chondroitin is not typically found in dietary sources for dogs, so the most effective way to boost it is through a daily supplement. Supplements typically derive their chondroitin from the cartilage of other animals, like cows and sharks.11
Most supplements include a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin (although both are also sold individually). Be careful to check the ingredients if you purchase a supplement that includes glucosamine and your pet has a seafood allergy, as glucosamine is often derived from shellfish like lobsters, crabs, and shrimp.12
But don’t worry—glucosamine and chondroitin made from the cartilage of mammals, or even synthetically produced in a lab, are also widely available. Not to mention, some studies show that glucosamine and chondroitin don’t contain the shellfish proteins responsible for allergic reactions, so they may even be safe to consume despite an allergy (but be sure to consult with your vet—better safe than sorry).
Signs Your Pet Is Struggling with Joint Pain
Joint pain can be sneaky, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your dog and look out for any signs and symptoms.
Even if your pet is still too young for you to be concerned about arthritis, developmental joint issues can be just as painful as degenerative ones. Not to mention, the improper development of joints can lead to conditions like hip or elbow dysplasia down the road.13
Telltale signs that something is awry with your pup’s joints include:
- Limping
- Stiffness
- Frequent slipping and sliding while moving
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Licking, chewing, or biting the affected area
If you notice any of these symptoms (or a general lack of spring in your pet’s step), a condition like hip dysplasia or arthritis (or just general joint pain) may be the culprit. Be sure to consult your vet when it comes to treatment.
In more extreme cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Otherwise, your vet might recommend a rehabilitation period, as well as some simple dietary adjustments and/or an exercise regimen. These adjustments may help:
- Reduce inflammation
- Fight obesity to lift the strain on the joints
- Develop the muscles adjacent to the ailing joints
Other Ways to Ease Joint Pain in Dogs
If you’re looking for a second line of defense for joint support, there are additional ways to ease your pet’s joint pain, whether it’s the result of a condition like arthritis or simply the result of repeated strain.
For instance, there are other supplements that take a different approach to tackling joint pain, like calcium (which can combat the bone loss associated with arthritis),14 omega-3s (which are anti-inflammatory and delay cartilage loss),15 and collagen (which also protects cartilage and strengthens joint tissues).16 To that end, implementing multiple dietary supplements under the guidance of a vet can help ensure your pet’s body is getting the support it needs from every angle.
Another way to ease joint pain is by encouraging lower-impact exercises to decrease the shock to the joints that come from activities like jumping.17 Additionally, you might choose ramps instead of stairs to discourage your pet from hopping and opt for an activity like light hiking or swimming instead of fetch or catch.
If your pet loses weight, that decrease in body mass will automatically reduce the impact of their workouts on their joints. Simply moving more slowly will also reduce that shock—so try jogging instead of running with your dog, or cutting back on sessions romping loose at the dog park (keeping in mind that your dog may still need a bit of free-roaming play just for the joy it brings them).
In a pinch, you can always consult your vet about over-the-counter joint care or prescription pain medications like NSAIDs or tramadol.18 If your pet is experiencing a bout of severe pain, these medications can offer them short-term relief just like ibuprofen would for you.
Supplement Chondroitin and More with ALL-IN
If you’ve noticed signs of joint pain in your pup, there’s an easy way to get playtime back on track. Vetericyn’s Adult and Senior ALL-IN supplements contain chondroitin, glucosamine, MSM, and other naturally joint-healthy ingredients like collagen, manganese, vitamin D3, calcium, and more.
Not to mention, ALL-IN offers holistic care for more than just the joints. It targets heart health, gut health, the immune system, the skin and coat, the muscles, and even the brain and stress levels. More natural ingredients like fish oil, ashwagandha, Baobab fruit, and more are all packed into this incredible multifunctional supplement, which can be given to your pet daily.
Plus, it comes in puppy, adult, and senior formulas customized for their age so you can support your furry friend no matter what age they are.
It’s time to get your pup back to doing what they love—with ALL-IN, maybe old dogs can learn new tricks!
Reviewed by C. Scott Van Winkle
Scott has been with Innovacyn for the past 11 years and has been working within the Burlingame portfolio of companies for the past 23 years. Scott brings a diverse background to Innovacyn. With an upbringing as the 5th generation on his families cattle ranch, Scott has a passion for animal health and the continuous improvement surrounding agricultural practices. Scott earned marketing and business management degrees from the University of Idaho and holds an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University.
Sources:
- Cornell University. How joint supplements can help with orthopedic conditions. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/how-joint-supplements-can-help-orthopedic-conditions
- Mount Sinai. Chondroitin. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/chondroitin
- Mayo Clinic. Glucosamine. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-glucosamine/art-20362874
- Arthritis Foundation. Glucosamine, Chondroitin for Arthritis Pain. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/supplements-and-vitamins/glucosamine-chondroitin-osteoarthritis-pain
- National Library of Medicine. Histology, Chondrocytes. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557576/
- Web MD. A Supplement for Osteoarthritis—Chondroitin. https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-chondroitin
- Healthline. Chondroitin Sulfate: Benefits, Downsides, Dosage, and More. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/chondroitin#benefits
- National Library of Medicine. Intravesical chondroitin sulphate for interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4642252/
- Canadian Cancer Society. The bladder. https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/bladder/what-is-bladder-cancer/the-bladder
- Biomed Central Stem Cell Research and Therapy. Comparison of chondrogenesis-related biological behaviors between human urine-derived stem cells and human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from the same individual. https://stemcellres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13287-021-02370-1
- Veterinarians.org. Your Guide to Glucosamine: Benefits and Dosage. https://www.veterinarians.org/glucosamine-for-dogs/
- Verywell Health. Glucosamine and Shellfish Allergy. https://www.verywellhealth.com/glucosamine-and-shellfish-allergy-83060
- Guilford-Jamestown Veterinary Hospital. Dog Joint Pain. https://www.guilfordjamestownvet.com/site/blog-greensboro-vet/2021/11/15/signs-of-dog-joint-pain
- Arthritis Foundation. Calcium Needs for People with Arthritis. https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/more-about/calcium-needs-for-people-with-arthritis
- National Library of Medicine. Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Management of Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9413343/
- National Library of Medicine. Collagen Supplementation for Joint Health: The Link between Composition and Scientific Knowledge. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10058045/
- Canine Arthritis Resources and Education. Activity Modifications for Dogs with Arthritis. https://caninearthritis.org/article/activity-modifications/
- Colorado State University, James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Arthritis Management and Prevention. https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/vth/services/orthopedic-medicine/arthritis-management-and-prevention/
- VCA Animal Hospitals. Glucosamine Chondroitin Combination. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/glucosamine
