How to Support Healthy Joints for Your Dog

Did you know over 80% of dogs over eight years old have trouble with their joints? In part, that's a natural consequence of aging. But there are plenty of ways we can help our furry friends keep their joints as healthy as possible.

Key Takeaways

• Signs that your dog's joints need support include an aversion to exercise or play, irritability, and other sudden or unexplained changes in their mood and behavior.
• Weight management is key to joint health, and low-impact exercise can help them shed any extra pounds.
• Various supplements have been shown to help support joint health, including the Mobility Hemp Extract and the Balance Hemp Extract from Earth Buddy.
• Other supplements that help maintain a healthy immune response, such as this Mushroom Tincture, can also promote joint health.

See Related: 8 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Eating Treats but Not Their Food

Recognizing Joint Discomfort in Pets

Unless your dog is one of those internet stars who can seemingly communicate by pressing different buttons, they likely can't speak to you. In turn, that can make it difficult for us to tell when our furry friends need some help.

So, how can you tell if your canine companion experiences joint discomfort?

Does Your Dog Dislike Walks?

In general, you should watch for any changes in your dog's behavior. If you're used to taking your ball of energy on multiple walks a day, but they've suddenly started resisting, that's a sign something might be up with their joints. 

However, the signs may be less subtle than that. Your dog might start preferring shorter walks, for example. Keep an eye out for any changes in their gait, too. A dog favoring one leg over the others might be doing so because of their joints.

How is Your Dog's Relationship With Furniture?

Another sign is your furry friend's relationship with your couch. Now, this doesn't necessarily mean humping, though many of us pet owners have had to pull their dogs off the furniture when they get too excited. 

But seriously, if your dog was a serial sofa-humper and has suddenly stopped, that could be a red flag. A more obvious sign is if they've stopped jumping up and down from furniture. 

Is Your Dog Getting Up Slower Than Usual?

We're not done yet. Think about how your dog gets up and lies down. You might not have ever considered this, but try.

Did they usually leap right up from bed when you got home? Were they the type of dog who would slump down with a big adorable sigh, as if they had worked all day and were paying the bills?

If any of that sounds familiar, take note. Because a dog with healthy joints shouldn't suddenly change these sorts of habits. Check to see if your furry friend is getting up or lying down slower than they used to.

Has Fetch Lost Its Appeal?

Not all dogs love fetch, but plenty of pet owners know the joy of seeing your dog race back toward you at full speed. 

Has your dog lost that excitement?

If your pet is suddenly reluctant to go after the ball or play any sort of active game, that could indicate you need to pay attention to their joints.

Does Your Dog Avoid the Stairs?

It's not unusual for dogs to be suspicious of stairs. After all, each stair can be bigger than the dog itself if you have a small breed!

But in most cases, our clever canines figure stairs out after some trial and error and then manage them with ease.

Except when they don't. Is your dog refusing to climb the stairs, even when encouraged by a tasty treat? Or are they taking each step gingerly, as if the whole thing takes more effort than it should?

Stairs are a great indicator of joint health.

Is Your Dog Becoming a Scrooge?

Not all dogs are bundles of joy. A little touchiness doesn't make us love them any less.

But if your normally overjoyed pet has suddenly become irritable, that's a sign there might be something up with their joints.

Less Obvious Signs of Joint Health

These behavioral indicators are all great signs to look out for. But as you likely know, dogs are stoic creatures. They often don't like to make problems obvious. 

Here are some really subtle signs to look out for:

• Sleeping: Getting enough rest is crucial for overall joint health. Dogs suffering from joint discomfort might sleep more or less than they used to.
• Weight: Healthy joints lead to a healthy level of activity. The reverse is also true. Your dog might be packing on the pounds.
• Muscles: Similar to the above, a lack of activity can lead to a decline in muscle mass.
• Eating: Your dog might have lost their appetite. 

Unfortunately, many of the above behaviors are also common with older dogs. In part, that's why it's even more important to look after your dog's joint health as they enter their golden years.

It's also important to rule out other potential causes of the above behaviors. Your dog's joints might be perfectly healthy, and something else could be the cause of their symptoms.

If you're unsure, always consult a veterinarian.

What Makes Dog Joints Healthy

Dog joints are somewhat similar to human joints. In short, joints are where multiple bones meet.

The joints allow our bones to move. They're made up of various materials.

That includes joint cartilage, which helps lower the friction that occurs when the bones move. There's also fluid to help lubricate and cushion the joint.

Ligaments, which are elastic bands of tissue, connect the bones together. And tendons connect the muscles to the bones. 

There are different types of joints, but all of them have at least some of these basic features. 

Your dog uses its joints pretty much every time it moves. Even if your pet is on the lazier side, that's hundreds of movements every single day.

Hundreds per day, thousands per week, tens of thousands per month... It’s easy to see how much these body parts do!

As you can imagine, these joints need to be taken care of. They need the right ingredients to maintain themselves. 

Let's discuss that now.

Diet Management to Ensure Healthy Joints

You are what you eat! Or rather, your joints are what you eat. That's not quite as catchy, though.

It's true, though! Your dog's diet is a crucial factor contributing to their joint health.

Ensure your dog has a healthy diet. What exactly a healthy diet looks like will differ based on your dog's age, size, activity levels, and other factors. 

Weight Management

Dogs on the chubbier sides might be adorable to many pet owners, but all that extra weight puts pressure on their joints. 

Fortunately, there's a simple solution, though your furry friend might not thank you for it. Resist those puppy dog eyes and hold back on the table scraps until your dog is down to a healthy weight. 

Bonus: Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws? 6 Causes Explained

Supplements for Joint Health

A healthy diet is a great start, but it’s not a be-all and end-all. Adding some joint supplements like glutathione or CBDa can help maintain healthy joints and connective tissue. 

Cannabidiolic acid, also known as CBDa, can help relieve occasional joint stiffness and soreness. A 7-day study conducted by Earth Buddy showed that older pets who experience joint discomfort may find significant relief with CBDa. This study utilized the Mobility Extract and the Balance Extract from Earth Buddy, both of which contain CBDa and CBD. 

In addition to CBDa, glutathione can help with joint health. Since glutathione is an antioxidant, it can help combat free radicals in the body. These unstable molecules are thought to damage tissues, including those that make up your dog's joints. In turn, glutathione can help promote healthy joints. 

Earth Buddy's Maxx Life Glutathione contains a blend of ingredients. That includes liposomal glutathione, L-cysteine, L-glutamine, L-glycine, and alpha lipoic acid, which help promote glutathione production.

The mix also contains various ingredients that can support the immune system, including vitamins C and D. 

Another option is organic mushroom joint supplements. Our mushroom capsules and tincture contain bioactive compounds, including beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and triterpenoids, which can help support a healthy inflammatory response.

Herbal Remedies

Several at-home remedies have been popular for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help promote healthy joints.

Corydalis, for example, is a type of plant that some believe has health benefits. However, there hasn't been scientific research proving these benefits.

Another plant-based remedy is Ligusticum, commonly known as Osha. Ligusticum is native to the U.S. and Mexico, and has been used by the Indigenous peoples there for centuries.

Fish Oil Supplements

The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and related dog supplements can support healthy joints and a healthy inflammatory response. It’s known that omega-3 fatty acids help decrease normal inflammatory pathways.

Green-Lipped Mussels

Technically known as Perna canaliculus, these mollusks grow in New Zealand. That's how they earned their other name, the New Zealand mussel. 

Green-lipped mussels are a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. We've already discussed the benefits of those fatty acids. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also thought to help support a normal inflammatory response in dogs.

Ideally, you want to feed your dog these mussels raw, as cooking can reduce the amount of nutrients available. Try adding it to your pet's dinner to avoid any potential resistance to this new, unfamiliar food.

Of course, if your furry friend is a food vacuum, you likely won't have to worry about that!

Probiotics

"Probiotics are a must," explains Dr. Clay Bernard, TCVM, of Even Flow Veterinary and Acupuncture in Austin, Texas. They can assist in the absorption of essential nutrients, balance your dog's intestinal microflora, and promote intestinal well-being. 

Why is that important? Well, we've already discussed how crucial diet is to joint health. But all the supplements in the world won't help if your dog isn't digesting them properly!

One great probiotic supplement is colostrum. Our Colostrum for Dogs combines bovine colostrum with blueberry powder, whole-plant hemp extract, and CBD. 

All this can offer connective tissue support and enhance bone and joint health. 

Remember, your dog's dietary needs will depend on their size. 

That's why Earth Buddy has a bundle of joint supplements for both large dogs and small dogs. 

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a great way to promote healthy joints in your dog. 

Exercise

The easiest form of physical therapy is simple exercise. Try to keep your dog's exercise low impact. That means things like swimming or short walks on softer surfaces.

Specific Techniques

There are also plenty of more specific physical therapy techniques that can help promote healthy joints.

Ideally, these would be performed by a professional or in a certified program. A professional might also teach you how to perform certain techniques on your dog for at-home remedies, too.

Techniques include:

• Stretching: Just like with humans, stretching is great for reducing muscle tension and improving range of motion. 
• Joint Manipulation: By moving your dog's joints, a professional can help increase blood flow and range of motion.
• Massage: That's right, canine massages exist! And why shouldn't they? Just like with human massages, these can promote cartilage development, joint health, and more.
• Underwater Treadmills: You've likely seen the viral videos of animals working through a weight-loss routine. These partially submerged treadmills help your furry friend get exercise while reducing the pressure on their joints. 

Alternative Therapies

There are a range of alternative therapies available:

• Cold Laser Therapy: In this technique, a professional shines a laser at affected tissues.
• Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy: This technique utilizes low-frequency electromagnetic pulses. 
• Cold Therapy: Ice packs are great for senior dogs! Just make sure to wrap them in a towel to prevent them from directly contacting your dog's skin.
• Heat Therapy: Hot therapy can be relaxing and comforting. Just don't go too hot, of course. 

Conclusion

Joint health is crucial to helping your dog live a happy, active life. As you can see, there are all kinds of ways you can support your furry friend's joints at home, from supplements to exercises.

Just remember that progress is gradual and can take weeks or even months. You’ve got this!

Keep Reading: Why Is Your Dog Itchy? What Can You Do?

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Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our colostrum supplements, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.