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7 Hip And Joint Supplements For Dogs in Canada: A Guide To Canine Joint Health
- Max Wu
- Oct 8
- 8 min read
Watching a beloved dog struggle with mobility issues can be heartbreaking for any pet owner. Many dogs experience joint discomfort as they age, develop conditions like hip dysplasia, or face the challenges of arthritis that affect their daily activities.
Hip and joint supplements for dogs can play a valuable role in supporting mobility and comfort when used as part of a comprehensive joint health strategy. A study shows that 20% of dogs over one year of age suffer from joint problems, making joint health supplements an increasingly important consideration for dog owners.
Common Early Warning Signs:
Reluctance to use stairs or needing encouragement
Taking longer to get up from lying down
Shortened walking distances
Stiffness after rest periods
Many pet owners initially attribute these changes to normal aging. However, early intervention can significantly impact a dog's quality of life and mobility.
Understanding Common Hip And Joint Problems of Canine
Canine osteoarthritis: Osteoarthiritis is a degenerative joint disease where inflammation breaks down the cartilage, joint capsule, and surrounding bone. As cartilage wears away, bones rub together, joint fluid becomes thinner, and the joint loses its cushion — leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. OA often develop ssecondary to other joint issues such as cruciate ligament tears, hip dysplasia, or injury, but can also appear gradually with age or excess weight.
Hip dysplasia: Develops when the hip joint forms incorrectly during growth. The ball and socket don't fit properly. This looseness leads to abnormal joint movement, which over time results in cartilage loss, scar tissue formation, and bone spurs, eventually progressing to arthritis and hip pain. Canine hip dysplasia is most common in large-breed dogs such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds.
Which Dogs Are Most At Risk
Large and giant breeds face significantly higher risks due to their size and rapid growth patterns. Breeds like German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers show genetic predispositions to hip dysplasia and arthritis.
Senior dogs naturally develop joint issues as cartilage thins and becomes less elastic with age. Dogs over seven years old commonly show early signs of degenerative changes, even without previous joint problems.
Overweight dogs carry excess pressure on their joints with every step they take. Extra weight accelerates cartilage breakdown and increases inflammatory responses throughout the body.
Active and working dogs develop joint stress through repetitive high-impact activities. Police dogs, agility competitors, and hunting dogs frequently experience wear-and-tear injuries that predispose them to arthritis.
Best 9 Hip And Joint Supplements For Dogs
Dasuquin Advanced is a veterinarian-exclusive joint health supplement formulated by Nutramax, utilizing a multi-modal blend of ingredients designed for comprehensive support of your dog's joints and cartilage.
Main Uses: Supporting joint comfort and function, maintaining cartilage matrix production, helping to inhibit enzymes that break down cartilage, and providing strong antioxidant support for the joint environment.
Key Ingredients: Contains the patented synergistic trio of Glucosamine HCl, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, and Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU). The formula is enhanced with a proprietary blend that includes MSM, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Turmeric Extract, Green Tea Extract, Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA), and often Omega-3s (and Eggshell Membrane (ESM) in certain varieties).
Product Highlight: The inclusion of ASU sets it apart from standard Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplements, as ASU works synergistically to boost their effectiveness. It is available as a soft chew or chewable tablet.
Pricing: $49 - $117 CAD per 64 to 140 soft chews/tablets.
Things to Consider: It requires an initial loading dose period (typically 4-6 weeks) before reducing to a maintenance dose.
Flexadin Advanced is a single-chew-daily veterinary joint supplement. It use a unique mechanism to support optimal joint health and comfortable mobility in dogs of all sizes.
Main Uses: Supporting joint health and function in the face of osteoarthritis, promoting optimal joint mobility and flexibility, soothing stiff joints, and helping to maintain the normal repair of cartilage.
Key Ingredients: Features UC-II® (Undenatured Type II Collagen), which works through "oral tolerization" to help the immune system maintain normal joint metabolism. The formula is bolstered with Boswellia Serrata Extract for fast-acting anti-inflammatory support, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids (from fish and flaxseed oil) and Vitamin E for antioxidant benefits.
Product Highlight: Flexadin Advanced is dosed as one soft chew per day, regardless of the dog's size or weight, and requires no initial loading period. The chicken liver flavor is highly palatable.
Pricing: $37 - $69 CAD per 30 or 60 soft chews.
Things to Consider: Because it works via the immune system's oral tolerization process, consult your veterinarian, especially if your pet has an existing bleeding disorder or is pregnant/lactating.
4CYTE is a joint health supplement that takes multi-ingredient approach to not just managing symptoms but actively supporting cartilage regeneration and mobility in dogs of all ages.
Main Uses: Supporting joint health and flexibility, aiding in cartilage repair, easing symptoms like stiffness and reluctance to move, and serving as a preventative measure in high-risk breeds.
Key Ingredients: Epiitalis®, a patented plant oil extract proven to proliferate viable chondrocyte cells for cartilage regeneration. The Granules formula combines this with Abalone, New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel, and Marine Cartilage for a comprehensive supply of Omega-3s and joint building blocks.
Product Highlight: Offers a small, cost-effective, once-daily dose and a palatable chicken flavor with a high palatability rating.
Pricing: $35 - 63 CAD per 50g-100g granules
Things to Consider: Due to the marine-based ingredients (shellfish), it is contraindicated for animals with known shellfish allergies.
Movoflex Soft Chews is a joint supplement from Virbac that offers a unique blend of five synergistic ingredients to provide rapid joint support and enhanced mobility in dogs.
Main Uses: Supporting joint function, flexibility, and mobility in dogs of all ages (including active and senior pets).
Key Ingredients: Contains a proprietary blend featuring BIOVAFLEX® Egg Shell Membrane (a natural source of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid), ZANTHIN® Natural Astaxanthin (a potent antioxidant), Hyaluronic Acid, Boswellia Serrata Extract (for joint structure), and Vitamin D3 (for bone health). The Advanced formula adds Krill Oil for Omega-3s.
Product Highlight: Requires one chew per day for all dogs regardless of size. The highly palatable, natural chicken flavor boasts a 98% acceptance rate, and the formula is free of gluten, sugar, and shellfish.
Pricing: $35 - 70 CAD per 60 chews (available in Small, Medium, and Large dog size concentrations).
Things to Consider: Because it does not contain the common ingredients Glucosamine or Chondroitin, it may be a suitable alternative for dogs with shellfish allergies.
Cosequin DS is a veterinarian-recommended joint health supplement brand, scientifically formulated by Nutramax to nourish, support, and maintain the healthy function of your dog's joints and cartilage.
Main Uses: Maintaining mobility, supporting cartilage and connective tissue health, protecting existing cartilage from breakdown, and reducing the pain and stiffness associated with daily activity or age.
Key Ingredients: Contains the patented combination of FCHG49® Glucosamine Hydrochloride and TRH122® Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate for joint cartilage support.
Product Highlight: Cosequin DS has been extensively tested in veterinary studies, setting high standard for safety and efficacy in non-prescription joint care.
Pricing: $66 CAD per 132 chewable tablets.
Things to Consider: A higher "loading dose" is recommended for the first 4-6 weeks to build up protective levels, followed by a lower "maintenance dose."
Synovi G4 is a multi-action joint health supplement, formulated to support joint function, cartilage health, and overall muscle flexibility in dogs of all ages and sizes.
Main Uses: Promoting everyday mobility, reducing occasional joint stiffness from activity, supporting hip and joint cartilage, and promoting overall muscle health and flexibility.
Key Ingredients: A comprehensive blend featuring the building blocks Glucosamine HCl and Creatine Monohydrate; the anti-inflammatory agents Boswellia Serrata and Turmeric; MSM; and Green Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus), which is a natural source of Chondroitin and Omega-3s. It also includes a proprietary blend of antioxidants (like Vitamin C, E, Zinc, and Selenium).
Product Highlight: G4 builds upon previous formulas by enriching the matrix with Boswellia and Turmeric to support a healthy inflammatory response. The soft chews come in a poultry flavor.
Pricing: $48 - $170 CAD per 60 to 240 soft chews.
Things to Consider: The dosage is weight-dependent and may include a half-chew daily or every-other-day for the smallest dogs. Contains shellfish, which is important for pets with known allergies.
Ubavet JOINT PLUS is a high-strength, liquid joint health formula developed in Canada to promote optimal growth and sustained mobility in dogs.
Main Uses: Promoting optimal growth of the musculoskeletal system, supporting bone health and joint function, relieving pain and stiffness associated with joint issues, and maintaining joint mobility.
Key Ingredients: Contains high concentrations of Glucosamine HCl (1000 mg per 5 mL) and Chondroitin Sulphate (250 mg per 5 mL), plus MSM, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Manganese Sulphate, and Green Lipped Mussels. An enhanced version also includes natural anti-inflammatory agents like Turmeric, Boswellia Serrata, and Devil's Claw.
Product Highlight: The liquid formulation make it an excellent choice for dogs that refuse pills or tablets. It is hypoallergenic, containing no animal-origin proteins or artificial colors/flavors.
Pricing: $30 - 287 CAD per 250ml - 4000ml
Things to Consider: Requires an initial loading dose for 10-14 days before reducing to a maintenance dose. Dosage is weight-dependent and is administered orally once per day.
When To Start Hip And Joint Supplements
The optimal timing for starting hip and joint supplements depends on your dog's breed, size, activity level, and existing health conditions. Most veterinarians recommend beginning supplementation before joint problems develop, as preventive measures are more effective than waiting for symptoms to appear. Discuss with your veterinarian when to begin giving joint supplements.
Preventive Supplementation For At-Risk Breeds
Large and giant breed dogs face significantly higher risks of developing joint problems throughout their lives.
Starting hip and joint supplements as early as eight weeks isn't uncommon for these high-risk breeds. However, some veterinarians recommend starting when the dog reaches one year of age, which dogs generally stop growing.
High-Risk Breeds Include:
Great Danes
German Shepherds
Labrador Retrievers
Golden Retrievers
Saint Bernards
Mastiffs
Rottweilers
Active working dogs and those participating in agility, hunting, or high-impact activities should also begin supplementation early. These dogs place additional stress on their joints, making preventive care essential.
Early Intervention For Mild Symptoms
Dog owners should watch for subtle changes in their pet's mobility and behaviour patterns. Early signs of joint discomfort often appear gradually, making them easy to miss during routine daily activities.
Early Warning Signs Include:
Hesitation when jumping into cars
Slower movement after rest periods
Reduced enthusiasm for walks
Stiffness after exercise
Difficulty climbing stairs
Joint supplements work cumulatively at the cellular level, requiring 6-10 weeks to show peak effects. Starting supplementation at the first sign of mild symptoms provides the best opportunity for meaningful improvement.
Supporting Dogs With Diagnosed Conditions
Dogs with joint injuries require immediate supplementation to help prevent secondary arthritis development. Cranial cruciate ligament tears, joint fractures, and septic joints all predispose dogs to future joint problems.
Conditions Requiring Immediate Supplementation:
Hip or elbow dysplasia
Luxating patella
Cruciate ligament injuries
Joint fractures
Early-stage osteoarthritis
Supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM help maintain existing cartilage and reduce inflammation.
Veterinary Consultation
Professional veterinary guidance ensures dog owners select appropriate supplements and dosing schedules for their specific pet's needs. Veterinarians can assess joint health through physical examination and recommend timing based on individual risk factors.
Questions To Discuss With Your Veterinarian:
Optimal timing for your dog's breed and size
Appropriate dosing for your pet's weight
Potential interactions with current medications
Expected timeline for seeing improvements
Regular veterinary monitoring helps track your dog's response to supplementation and allows for treatment adjustments as needed.
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