Joint Health in Dogs: Natural Solutions and Preventative Care

Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are common joint issues in dogs, particularly in large and giant breeds, though medium-sized dogs can also be affected. These conditions are often genetic, with certain breeds being more prone than others. Dysplasia occurs when the joint, whether the hip or the elbow, develops abnormally, causing misalignment, instability, and excess friction. Instead of a smooth, gliding motion, the joint rubs and grinds, leading to pain and reduced mobility.

One visual telltale sign of hip dysplasia is “bunny hopping”—when a dog moves both hind legs together instead of independently. In elbow dysplasia, stiffness, front leg lameness, or an outwardly turned paw can indicate trouble.

Over time, these conditions lead to degeneration, chronic pain, and reduced function, with severe cases requiring surgery, such as hip or elbow replacements

Luxating patella is a condition in which the small bone at the front of the knee (the patella, or knee cap) dislocates and can slip to the side. Though genetically speaking this most often occurs in smaller breeds, over the last decade there have been more incidences of luxating patella in large breeds as well.

Luxating patella in dogs can also happen as a result of trauma, which is more common in large breeds; especially during their puppy/young adult years when the growth plates aren’t fully closed. Dog patella luxation can be a secondary condition to other joint abnormalities, such as hip dysplasia and malformation of other bones/joints [5].

Cruciate ligament tears are a common orthopaedic injury in dogs, especially in active breeds and those prone to joint issues. The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), similar to the ACL in humans, stabilizes the knee (stifle) joint. When torn, whether from sudden trauma or gradual weakening, it can cause pain, limping, and instability, often leading to weight shifting onto the opposite leg.

Dogs with cruciate damage may struggle to stand after rest, limp or refrain from putting the foot to the ground, and show a skipping gait when moving. Without intervention, a torn cruciate can lead to joint instability, arthritis and long-term mobility issues, with severe cases requiring surgical repair for full function to be restored.

Arthritis in dogs causes joint pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. It’s a common condition in both ageing dogs and large breeds and can be detrimental to a dog’s quality of life. In its basic form, arthritis is inflammation of the joints; though there are several types of dog arthritis, with each being characterised slightly differently.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in dogs. This involves progressive degeneration of the joints and is most commonly found in older dogs, though large breeds carry a higher risk than other breeds might [6].

Omega-3 fatty acids (FA), found in marine oil and flaxseed, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce joint inflammation and pain.

Fish, Krill and Squid use omega-3 FA as an anti-freeze when swimming in icy arctic waters. Canine and human biochemistry ‘borrow’ these essential compounds and use them to moderate joint inflammation.

Inflammation is a combination of two or more cardinal signs: swelling, pain, redness, heat, and loss of function. It’s an essential part of mammals’ defence system; if you break your leg, running around on it for weeks is a terrible idea. The pain and loss of function are there to immobilise you and allow the broken bone to knit.

Omega-6 FAs do the opposite; they are pro-inflammatory. Again, they are essential because inflammation is such an important defence strategy. Too much, though, and a generalised inflammatory state can arise, harming every tissue in the body, from the brain to the liver or the joints. Long-term inflammation accelerates ageing and tissue degradation.

The trouble is that, because of modern intensive arable and livestock farming, all our food is rich in Omega-6 but light in Omega-3. Therefore, adding marine oils at about 1000mg for every 10-20kg bodyweight is essential in every diet, whether you feed raw, fresh, ultra-processed kibble or canned foods.

Yes, believe it or not, this is essential to optimal joint function. If you remember that up to 80% of dogs are fed dried food, the possibility of low-grade dehydration is ever-present.

Suppose the body has insufficient moisture; blood viscosity rises, impeding blood flow to joints. Synovial fluid, the near-miraculous, sticky, slippy material in most mobile joints, relies on a steady moisture supply to maintain optimal viscosity.

Intervertebral discs, the spongy pads between all the vertebrae in the dog’s back, rely on good hydration to maintain their elasticity and impact-absorbing qualities.

The simplest and most abundant compound on the planet, H2O, is arguably essential to good joint health.

Naturally found in cartilage, Glucosamine is often used to support joint health and mobility. It’s believed to help repair and maintain cartilage and other connective tissues.

Dogs eating a raw diet, which includes bone-in mince and recreational bones, have loads of this in their diet as bones always come with cartilage, a fabulous source of natural Glucosamine. Some older dogs, even if raw-fed, can benefit from joint supplements containing Glucosamine.

Often used with Glucosamine, chondroitin supplementation helps maintain the fluidity and elasticity of cartilage in joints. It’s thought to promote water retention in the cartilage and inhibit enzymes that break down cartilage tissue.

In my practice, we use a product containing 505mg – Glucosamine HCl (99% Pure) and 400mg – Chondroitin Sulphate (90% Pure) per capsule. Daily intake is up to one capsule per 10kg bodyweight for six weeks loading quantity, then half the amount as maintenance.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is commonly used in dogs as a supplement for joint health. MSM is a natural compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties and role in building healthy connective tissue. Studies suggest that when combined with other joint-supporting compounds like Glucosamine and chondroitin, MSM can reduce pain and improve mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis.

The therapeutic dosage for dogs is about 50 to 100 mg MSM per 20 kg of body weight. Thanks to the industrialisation of farming, even dogs fed a raw, whole-food diet might not be getting enough of this nutrient.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, so called because it cures ‘scorbutic’ or scurvy tendencies) is not commonly supplemented in dogs because dogs naturally produce the vitamin in their livers.

However, additional Vitamin C might be beneficial in certain situations, such as high stress, illness, or ageing.

It’s known for its antioxidant properties, which support the immune system and potentially reduce inflammation. Some holistic veterinarians suggest it can aid in the recovery of various diseases and promote overall health.

I use ascorbic acid as a powder as sodium ascorbate, adding about 500mg per 10-20kg body weight.

Another potent antioxidant, Vitamin E, helps combat oxidative stress (ageing and inflammation) in joint tissues, potentially reducing inflammation and pain.

It’s vital for proper immune function, skin health, and joint and muscle maintenance. Dogs with deficiencies may exhibit issues like muscle weakness or reproductive problems.

In its natural form, vitamin E is RRR-alpha-tocopherol. It’s found in significant quantities in ostrich, buffalo, egg, halibut, haddock, sardine, kidney, liver, brain, kelp, spinach, dandelion, Swiss chard, red pepper, and turnip.

Raw-fed dogs eating a broad variety of meat, organ, fish, and plant foods rarely need supplementation. If your dog needs to supplement, recommended levels are about 400IU per day for a 20kg dog. If you’re feeding marine oils without a vitamin E inclusion, this is an essential vitamin to supplement.

Boswellia, an herbal extract from the Boswellia serrata tree, is gaining attention for its use in managing canine arthritis. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it’s thought to reduce joint swelling and pain, improving mobility in affected dogs.

Studies indicate Boswellia can be a helpful supplement for managing symptoms of osteoarthritis and other joint-related issues in dogs. It’s often used in conjunction with other joint-supporting supplements like Glucosami

Turmeric (Curcumin)

Turmeric, particularly its active compound curcumin, is recognised for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a popular supplement for managing dog arthritis.

It’s believed to reduce joint inflammation and pain, potentially improving mobility. While research on turmeric’s efficacy in dogs is limited, anecdotal evidence and its usage in human health suggest potential benefits. It may also be helpful in canine cancer, cysts, wound healing and urinary tract infections.

I recommend that small to medium-sized dogs take 250 milligrams twice daily in food, while large to giant breeds should be given 500 milligrams two to three times daily.

“In their 2004 paper, ‘Dietary support with Boswellia resin in canine inflammatory joint and spinal disease,’ Reichling et al. gave 400 mg/10 kg body weight once daily for six weeks. They note, ‘Already after two weeks of treatment, an overall efficacy of the dietary supplement was evident in 71% of 24 eligible dogs’ [7].”