Joint Health Supplementation for Dogs

Last updated: August 02, 2016

When your dog slows down and is not as active, what do you think is the cause…old age, arthritis, poor diet, or other factors? One of the primary causes for dogs to slow down is degenerative joint disease (DJD), which is a condition that can quickly spiral out of control and can seriously affect your dog's vitality and quality of life.

Trauma, stress, injury and even everyday activity can cause damage to the tissues that enclose the dog's joint, the delicate synovial membrane and the fibrous joint capsule. When this tissue is damaged, white blood cells invade the joint space and release destructive enzymes and free radicals that can deteriorate the joint cartilage. With the synovial fluid weakened by this enzymatic damage, the fluid cannot properly lubricate the joint and it is unable to adequately nourish the joint's cartilage. When this happens, the articular cartilage on the end of bones degrades and exposes the bone to friction during movement, causing inflammation, pain and decreased mobility. This degeneration continues and leads to decreased activity and muscle atrophy, which is why the dog slows down.

Other factors such as obesity and intense activity can further traumatize the joint, leading to the following symptoms associated with DJD:

• Reduced activity, decreased flexibility, and movement
• Stiffness or difficulty getting up and around
• Unable to perform daily routine activities
• Muscle atrophy
• Joint inflammation and/or pain

Even as dogs age, they should continue to be active and energetic, so it is important to maintain healthy joints so the dog can run, jump and move with ease. In the past, the primary therapy for dogs with DJD was to prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's). However, NSAID's really only mask the symptoms instead of treating the cause.

The best way to manage DJD and the corresponding damage to the joint is to prevent the initial degradation of cartilage. Prevention can be accomplished by providing the affected dog with the essential nutrients to assist in the maintenance of a healthy joint. The daily use of a quality joint health supplement will help in the prevention of DJD and is best used prior to the onset of DJD.

Doc Roy's Aches Away will provide your dog with the necessary nutrients to deliver complete musculoskeletal support, since these products contain three key ingredients to maximize the clinical benefit. These key nutrients are glucosamine hydrochloride, creatine monohydrate, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Choose from a palatable, chewable tablet dosage form, a soft chew treat or a flavored granule that you sprinkle on the dog's food. Any Aches Away formula will provide your dog with the key ingredients to help keep your dog active and healthy.


If you need help, call us at 800.786.4751.

- Dr. B
Don Bramlage, DVM, Former Director of Veterinary Services at Revival Animal Health

The materials, information and answers provided through this website are not intended to replace the medical advice or services of your personal veterinarian or other pet health care professional. Consult your own veterinarian for answers to specific medical questions, including diagnosis, treatment, therapy or medical attention.