Keep your dog hip and in any joint with Hip & Joint Chews, the best dog supplement for joints! (We’ll acknowledge how cheesy that was if you acknowledge how great these treats are.)
The best joint supplements for dogs are ones made with high-quality, joint-supporting ingredients, like glucosamine, chondroitin, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), plus a formula of additional all-natural, organic, non-GMO compounds. Oh, and it helps if they come backed by a team of veterinarians, dog parents, pet owners, and animal enthusiasts.
Now, that sounds like a pretty high bar to match, doesn’t it? Well, that’s because it is. The dog supplement market is rife with companies relying on excessive fillers, additives, and ineffective products. At Happy Paws, we don’t want to meet the standard; we want to raise the woof. And we do just that with our Hip & Joint Soft Chews!
In this article, we’ll unpack the joint-friendly formula behind this mobility supplement, explain which dogs it’s made for, and help you decide if it’s best for your pupper. We’ll also give you first-hand knowledge of extra ways to care for your dog’s hips and joints. But first, let’s introduce you to the supplement our own doggos can’t get enough of—seriously, their ears perk up anytime I reach for the tin.
Our Hip & Joint Soft Chews for Dogs
Made with a host of joint-friendly compounds, our Hip & Joint Dog Chews boast a natural, vegan bacon flavor that’ll surely get your dog’s tail waggin’. They use compounds like glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, turmeric, black pepper, green lipped mussel, and hyaluronic acid—all to deliver powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support. Just add these tasty, healthy chews to your dog’s kibble or give it to them as a standalone treat—that bacon flavor will entice even the pickiest eaters.
What Causes Joint Problems in Puppers?
Unfortunately, joint problems are pretty common in dogs. Here are a few factors that can impact your dog’s joint health.
Breed-related Conditions
Certain breeds are more susceptible to joint issues that often start at birth. Conditions like joint dysplasia and osteoarthritis are often hereditary and usually worsen with age. Breeds like German Shepherds, American Bulldogs, Dobermans, and even smaller pups like Bull Terriers can experience congenital joint problems, like various forms of arthritis. Typically, these joint issues are solved with the help of a trained veterinarian who may suggest supplements for further support.
Age
Just like us, your dog’s joints get a little worn down with age. From years of running, fetching, and bolting to the doorbell, your dog’s joints go through a ton of wear and tear. This erosion in the cartilage can lead to mild to moderate pain when your dog moves, inevitably hampering mobility.
Colder Seasons
Believe it or not, cold weather can flare up your dog’s joint problems. So, it’s always best to keep a doggy sweater near and the heater turned on when temperatures start to dip, especially if your dog has a shorter coat.
Weight Gain
Weight gain is almost inevitable for dogs as they age. It’s totally natural. This is a judgment-free zone. Your dog’s weight is between them and you (and the vet, please include the vet). But the more weight your dog gradually adds on, the more mass their joints have to support. This extra weight can lead to achier hips, knees, and elbows.
Heavy Exercise
Now, heavy exercise can also impact your dog’s joint health. Endless rounds of fetch, hours of hikes, and daily runs may be a little too much for your dog’s joints, especially if they are in their golden years. For older dogs, it’s best to give them ample rest between strenuous activities to give them joints time to recover.
Lack of Exercise
But only a little rest! Laying on the couch idle all day can also lead to joint problems. It’s best to take your dog on daily walks within or just outside of their aerobic threshold. And then, pat the couch, let ’em jump up, and drape them in a warm ’n’ cozy blanket. They deserve a nap.
What Are Joint Supplements for Dogs?
Joint supplements for dogs come in a number of different types, like oils, powders, and treats (the easiest ones to give). Unlike powders and oils, treats like our Hip & Soft Chews are packed with a single serving of joint-friendly compounds. You don’t have to measure out a proper dose for your dog or scoop messy powders. Just open the tin, take out a treat, and your dog does the rest (they’ll definitely devour it).
Active Ingredients
To deliver targeted care to your dog’s joints, look for joint supplements with these ingredients:
- Anti-inflammatories & antioxidants, like black pepper and turmeric
- Chondroitin, which is a major compound in cartilage
- Glucosamine, which helps prevent cartilage from breaking down
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a compound used to treat arthritis
- Hyaluronic acid, a natural compound that acts as a cushion and lubricant in joints
These compounds, and compounds like these, help freshen your dog’s joints and promote better mobility. Plus, when paired together, these can provide layered benefits for your dog.
Benefits
And what are those benefits? Joint supplements like our Hip & Joint Soft Chews can help:
- Reduce joint inflammation
- Improve joint health
- Strengthen mobility
- Mitigate minor aches and pains in hips, knees, and elbows
Before adding a dog joint supplement to your pooch’s day, it’s always best to speak with their vet. This will help you discern if a joint supplement (and which one) is best for your pet.
Tasty, Enticing, Dog-friendly Flavors
Look for a joint supplement that tastes like a treat; trust us, your dog can tell the difference. Many other dog supplement brands don’t have your pup’s taste buds in mind. Sure, their packaging promises lip-lickin’ flavors, but let’s be real: your dog spits that chew out the second it hits their tongue. Or, you have to wrap that supplement in deli ham just to get your dog to come into the kitchen. We’ve been there.
So, it’s best to choose dog supplements that definitely don’t taste like supplements. Good thing our Hip & Joint Chews have a dog-approved bacon flavor!
In-Depth Look at Our Suite of Dog Supplements
Here’s a more in-depth look at our suite of supplements for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages!
Happy Paws Supplement | Key Ingredients | Benefits** |
10-in-1 Multivitamin for Dogs | Organic Coral Calcium, Green Lipped Mussel, Sea Kelp, Vitamin B6, D3, Biotin, Coconut Oil, Kona Berry, Colostrum & Sweet Potato | Daily nose-to-tail health support |
Bladder Health Supplement for Dogs | Cranberry, Kona Berry, Marshmallow Root & Nettle Leaf | Support healthy bladder function |
Calming Supplement for Dogs | Chamomile, Passion Flower, Valerian Root, Tryptophan & Theanine | Promote a calmer, more relaxed state |
Cognitive Supplement for Dogs | Sweet Potato, CoQ10, Taurine, Spirulina, Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B3 & Vitamin B12 | Fortify brain health & memory while soothing mental stress |
Dental Health Supplement for Dogs | P-6 Probiotics, Sea Kelp, Spirulina, Parsley, Spearmint, Enzyme Blend & Coconut Oil | Support natural dental health & freshen stinky dog breath |
Immunity Booster Supplement for Dogs | Coconut Oil, Turkey Tail Mushroom, Maitake Mushroom, Reishi Mushroom, Astragalus Root, Turmeric, Vitamin C & Kona Berry, Colostrum | Promote optimal immune function & allergy relief |
Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs | Coconut Oil, Biotin, Sweet Potato, Organic Coral Calcium, Vitamin E, Vitamin B3 & P-6 Probiotics | Strengthen skin & coat while soothing dermal dilemmas |
Digestive Health Supplement for Dogs | P-6 Probiotics, Enzyme Blend, Pumpkin Meal & Ginger Root | Foster natural digestive function |
**It is always best to consult with a licensed veterinary professional before adding supplements or any other health product to your dog’s daily routine.
How to Find the Best Joint Supplements for Your Dog
Here are a few things we tell dog owners to look for when they’re shopping for a new joint supplement.
High-Quality Ingredients
Before you buy a joint supplement, read the packaging. Check for organic, non-GMO, and vet-approved labels. Inspect their ingredients. How many words can you pronounce? None? It’d be best to find a different one then. Focus on finding a supplement that uses natural, simple compounds to freshen your dog’s joints.
Joint-friendly Compounds
Also, many supplements rely on one, maybe two, joint-supporting compounds. And that’s it. Look for a supplement that carries multiple anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. These deliver multifaceted benefits that can help dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds.
Veterinarian-Recommended Joint Supplement
And last, it is always best to seek out the guidance of your pet’s veterinarian. Truthfully, this should be your first step. Your dog’s vet will know what to recommend, help you discern your dog’s individual case, and steer you in the right direction.
Other Ways to Help Your Dog’s Joint Health
Along with supplementation, here are a few more ways to support your dog’s hip and joint health.
Research Their Breed
Whether you have a purebred or a certified mutt, it’s always best to know your dog’s breed makeup. This will help you clue into your dog’s current and future joint health, letting you plan ahead for any breed-related joint issues in the future.
Exercise, But Don’t Overdo It
Your dog loves to play, loves to run, loves to fetch, and loves to romp around the park. But too much of this can cause sore, achy joints. So, if you take your dog on an extra long walk, run, hike, swim, or romp, just give them the afternoon off. Let ’em commandeer the couch and snuggle up. This will help give their joints ample time to recharge.
Adjust Activity to Age
As your dog ages, make sure to take note of their changing behavior and activity levels. If they slow down a little, it’s okay to slow down, too. Their joints might not be as fresh and nimble as they once were, and that’s okay. Prioritize the peace, not the pace, in your dog’s golden years.
Routine Check-Ups
And it is always best to take your dog in for routine preventative care. Schedule check-ups every six months, every couple of weeks, or more frequently to keep up with your dog’s changing health.
High-Quality Dog Joint Supplements
At Happy Paws, we know how it is to find the right pet supplements—the ones with quality ingredients but also tasty flavors. That’s why we started Happy Paws. Our products are backed by a team of dog owners and pet lovers who believe in giving our furry friends the best supplements possible. Now, you can spoil your dog with a healthy treat that actually tastes like a treat!