When to Start Giving Dog Joint Supplements: The Optimal Timing for Your Dog’s Long-Term Mobility
Arthritis and joint conditions can affect dogs, especially as they grow older. However, some breeds are more prone to joint issues than others. According to studies, larger breeds may be more prone to certain joint conditions like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.
Also, conditions like obesity can place additional strain on joints, causing joint problems. Thankfully, there is a wide range of dog joint supplements available on the market that work excellently to protect cartilage, reduce inflammation, and support mobility in dogs. But when might joint-care supplements be appropriate for a dog? Don’t worry, as we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we’re happy to discuss the optimal time to start using joint supplements in dogs.
Read on to find out more!
Determining the Ideal Time to Start Using Dog Joint Supplements
Experts suggest that the appropriate time to start using joint supplements in dogs might be way earlier than you realize. Therefore, rather than waiting for signs of joint issues, it is advisable that you start using joint supplements in your dog based on the following factors:
Breed of the Dog
Genetic predispositions of your dog’s particular breed play a crucial role in determining the ideal time to start using joint supplements.
Large Breeds
Some large and giant breeds may have a higher risk of conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia. Therefore, starting joint-care supplements from 12 to 18 months can be beneficial for them. The following are some of the breeds that fall under this category:
- Great Danes
- German Shepherds
- Labrador Retrievers
- Golden Retrievers
- Rottweilers
Medium Breeds
Some medium-sized dogs may be predisposed to certain orthopedic or joint conditions. However, using joint-care supplements from 2 to 3 years of age can ensure their well-being and comfort. The following are some of the breeds of dogs that fall under this category:
- Pit Bulls
- Bulldogs
- Shar-Peis
- Chow Chows
Small Breeds
Even small breed dogs can develop orthopedic conditions such as patellar luxation and osteoarthritis. Therefore, beginning joint-care supplements from 2 to 3 years of age can support these natural challenges. Some of the breeds of dogs that fall under the category include:
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Pugs
- French Bulldogs
- Dachshunds
“Also Read – Joint supplements for dogs with arthritis: 14 FAQs“
Mixed Breeds
When it comes to dogs of mixed breeds, the best practice would be to consider the dog’s size, age, activity level, body condition, and known health history. However, if you’re in doubt, speak with your veterinarian about whether a joint-support supplement is appropriate.
Growth Plate Closure
Growth plate closure is the natural biological process in which the growth plates (soft cartilage areas) at the ends of a puppy’s bones gradually harden into solid bone as the skeleton matures. Once this process finishes, the puppy stops growing taller or longer, and the bones reach full skeletal maturity. According to studies, when dogs reach this stage, it can be a good practice to put them on joint-care supplements.
Large Breeds
For large breed dogs, growth plate closure may take 14 to 18 months.
Medium Breeds
Medium breed dogs usually complete the growth-plate closure by 12 to 15 months.
Small Breeds
Small breed dogs typically have their growth plates closed by 9 to 12 months.
You may seek your veterinarian’s guidance to determine when your dog has reached this milestone and is ready to start receiving joint-care supplements.
Activity Levels
A dog’s activity level can influence the amount of stress placed on its joints. Let’s look at the ideal time a dog should be given joint-care supplements depending on their activity levels.
Highly Active Dogs
If a dog engages in high-impact activities like jumping, hunting, agility, or quick turns, their joints may experience greater physical demands. In such situations, starting joint-care supplements from 12 to 18 months can be beneficial.
Moderately Active Dogs
Dogs indulging in moderate activities like jogging, hiking, playing a game of fetch, etc. may need joint-care supplements in their middle age, i.e., from 3 to 5 years.
Less Active Dogs
Dogs that primarily stay indoors and get involved in limited physical activities are less prone to joint conditions and can be administered joint-care supplements from the age of 5 to 7 years.
Weight
A dog’s weight plays an important role in deciding its ideal time to receive joint-care supplements. According to studies, every pound of excess weight can place additional stress to a dog’s joints with each step they take. Excess weight can place additional strain on the joints and may contribute to mobility problems. The following are considerations for joint-support supplementation based on a dog’s weight.
Overweight Dogs
Dogs that are overweight should be put on joint-care supplements irrespective of their age.
Dogs at a Healthy Weight
Dogs that maintain a healthy body weight can be administered joint-care supplements based on their breed and activity levels.
Formerly Overweight Dogs
Dogs that were once overweight but now have lost weight should be kept on joint-care supplements regardless of their age, as their joints have previously experienced stress and are prone to degeneration.
Concluding Note
When it comes to using joint-care supplements in dogs, always remember that early attention to joint health can be helpful, particularly for dogs with known risk factors. By considering your dog’s breed, weight, and lifestyle and by seeking your veterinarian’s guidance, you will surely be able to ensure healthy joints in your furry companion.
Some of the most popular joint-care supplements for dogs include Mobiflex Joint Care, GCS Joint Care Advanced Powder, and Arthrimed Powder. You can visit BudgetPetCare to explore these supplements and many other joint-care supplements for dogs from the comfort of your home.