Do Joint Supplements Work to Support Joint Health?

When worrying about our pet’s joint health, one of the first things many guardians consider are joint supplements. They are readily available at any pet store or online, and most seem affordable. But are they worth the cost? And can they really do all the things they promise?

Joint supplements are often marketed as miracle cures with promises of pain relief, improvement in walking and getting up, and longer lives because of better mobility. Like all supplements, they are not approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which means companies can make any claim they’d like. This also means that the product may not contain the ingredient that it claims or at the concentration or quantity it claims.

It’s important to understand that the goal of joint supplements should be to promote joint health, and prevent deterioration, but they should never be the primary treatment for joint pain. Pharmaceuticals provide the best relief for pain caused by arthritis. This includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If your pet is experiencing pain, it is important to talk to your veterinarian to provide them the best relief possible.

When considering a joint supplement, it's key to understand the most common ingredients and the research behind them.

Common Ingredients in Supplements

Glycosaminoglycans

These are the most common active ingredients in joint supplements in the form of glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid, found in popular products like Dasuquin®, Cosequin®, and Adequan®. These aim to increase joint fluid production, which provides lubricant and cushioning in the joints, and reduce inflammation and destruction of parts of the joint including cartilage.

For both humans and dogs that have already been diagnosed with joint pain, studies show variable effectiveness, with some showing no improvement while taking the supplement. Most studies investigating pain include the use of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) as well. There is also concern for how well the body absorbs glycosaminoglycans in certain forms (i.e. tablet versus liquid versus chewable), with low absorption in up to 30% of dogs. However, some studies show that glycosaminoglycans have had a positive outcome including improvement in pain, weight bearing and severity.

Many people report a positive response to hyaluronic acid has anecdotal evidence (stories based on personal experience) but minimal proof in research. The recommended form of administration for hyaluronic acid is injections into the affected joints. There is no evidence for oral supplementation.

Overall, veterinarians still recommend the use of glycosaminoglycans due to their low risk, ease of administration, and possibility of improving joint health.

Fatty Acids

These supplements contain omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and aim to reduce the production of inflammatory factors and therefore, in theory, reduce pain.

Omega 3 fatty acids are categorized into two common types, EPA and DHA, which are found in fish. There is another fatty acid called ALA found in flax seed. Studies on fish oil as a joint supplement show that it may decrease pain and inflammation, and can improve weight bearing on painful legs. Omega 3s are also found in green lipped mussels, available in products like Fortetropin® in Myos and Antinol®Plus.

Fish oil may have some side effects when given at high doses including diarrhea and increased risk of bleeding disorders in cats. Therefore, there are recommended dose limits for both dogs (100mg/kg EPA + DHA to start) and cats (50mg/kg). Flaxseed oil is not recommended for pets due to its low conversion from the inactive ALA to the helpful fatty acid EPA.

Fish oil is also high in calories and at recommended doses often requires a change to your pet’s diet to avoid unintentional weight gain. Alternatively, some veterinary prescription diets incorporate omega 3 fatty acids at supportive doses while also balancing the diet for weight management. These diets are available with a prescription from your veterinarian.

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids provide other benefits including skin, hair and brain health and should be considered when addressing symptoms in other disorders including dull hair coats, brittle nails, and canine cognitive dysfunction.

CBD

This has become very popular in recent years due to increased access to the cannabis plant. Both pets and people have cannabinoid receptors in their bodies, meaning they can be affected by cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC a.k.a. marijuana). In people, CBD is used for epilepsy, pain and anxiety. Other uses for it include appetite stimulation, nausea, insomnia and glaucoma.

In dogs, CBD has shown positive results in pain relief associated with arthritis at 2mg/kg twice a day. However, most over-the-counter products do not have a high enough dose to be effective. This may be due to the cost or quality of the product, but also it does not taste as good at higher doses of CBD. It’s also important to ensure the CBD product you are using is absent of THC.

Undenatured Type II Collagen

Also known as UC-II®, this is derived from chicken sternum, and found in well known products like Flexadin® and Jope. UC-II® reduces the secretion of enzymes that break down collagen, thereby slowing down inflammation and the progression of arthritis.

When cartilage is damaged, the immune system mounts an attack response against the cartilage itself and worsens the damage — UC-II reduces this and therefore, reduces pain.

Other Supplements

Quite a few other ingredients are being researched and marketed for joint health including microlactin, elk velvet, avocado and soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), passion fruit extract, french maritime pine bark (Pycnogenol®), boswellia, curcumin, and more. At this time, there is no concrete evidence to support increased joint health or a reduction in joint pain with these products.

Ultimately, joint supplements are made to promote joint health including the supporting or maintaining cartilage and joint fluid, and decreasing or stopping further damage. Working with your veterinarian will help you choose the best joint supplement for your pet, including ease of administration, taste, cost, and benefits for their arthritis. 

Do Joint Supplements Work?

Joint supplements can work to prevent damage and support joint health. They should not be used as the only source of pain relief for pets in pain. Joint supplements alone for a patient in pain is not enough.

It is important to remember, joint supplements should not be the main treatment for pain, as few, if any, have been proven to provide significant pain relief. Work with your veterinarian to discuss helpful options for joint pain including pharmaceuticals, hydro and physical therapies, and household changes.

If you have questions or concerns about your dog or cat’s care or comfort, please contact us. We would be honored to help you and your pet find relief.