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Dog Supplements for Joints: How Do They Work?

Quick takeaway: Dog supplements for joints work by supporting the body’s normal inflammatory response. Choose a high-quality joint support supplement with science-backed ingredients like Glucosamine HCI and Green Lipped Mussel. Over time, these ingredients build up to beneficial levels in the blood, supporting your dog’s flexibility and joint comfort. Supplements do not work overnight – […]

8 min read·Updated: Oct 28, 2025
Dog Supplements for Joints: How Do They Work?

Quick takeaway: Dog supplements for joints work by supporting the body’s normal inflammatory response. Choose a high-quality joint support supplement with science-backed ingredients like Glucosamine HCI and Green Lipped Mussel. Over time, these ingredients build up to beneficial levels in the blood, supporting your dog’s flexibility and joint comfort. Supplements do not work overnight – it can take up to three months to see benefits from consistent use of a dog supplement for joints like PetLabCo.’s Joint Care Chew Advanced.  

Why Do Dogs Need Joint Support?

If your dog is slowing down after walks or taking longer to get up, you’re not alone. Joint discomfort and hesitation are common problems in older dogs, and many people have the same concerns you do about their pet’s joint health and ability to enjoy life in the senior years. 

As dogs age, their joints experience wear and tear. This can be due to several causes, such as normal age-related changes, high body weight, or repeated high-impact exercise over time. Cartilage, the smooth tissue that covers and cushions the ends of bones and allows joints to bend and flex smoothly, can thin or lose elasticity over time. The synovial fluid that lubricates joints may decrease in quality or quantity. Changes inside the joint may cause discomfort. All of these together can make a joint feel stiff or uncomfortable to move.

The best way to support healthy joints in dogs is to keep them at a lean body weight, feed them a well-balanced diet, and keep them moving with daily exercise. Another potentially beneficial way to support your pup’s joint health and mobility, is to give them dog supplements for joints, like PetLabCo.’s Joint Care Chew Advanced – a vet-reviewed daily soft chew formulated to support joint comfort, flexibility, and mobility. 

Joint Supplements for Dogs: What Are They?

Joint supplements are designed to help support the body’s normal inflammatory response. Giving your pup high-quality joint support supplements with science-backed ingredients over time builds up beneficial levels of joint-supportive nutrients in the blood, which in turn support mobility and joint comfort. Supplements do not work overnight – rather, it can take up to three months of consistent daily use to see meaningful changes.

Think of joint supplements for dogs as a long-term investment in mobility rather than a quick hack. They work best in conjunction with daily movement, weight management, and other vet-recommended activities as needed, such as strength building. These things, when combined with a high-quality joint supplement, give your dog long-term support for joint health.

Joint supplements work best when they are started early, before a dog’s mobility starts to decline. Even dogs that seem perfectly active and normal can benefit from starting their joint support journey early. Weight management, exercise, and joint supplements can play a key role in maintaining your dog’s mobility as they age.

What Ingredients Help Support Dog Joint Health?

Each ingredient in PetLabCo.’s Joint Care Chew Advanced was carefully selected to help maintain joint comfort and function.

Glucosamine HCl

Glucosamine for dogs is a natural compound found in healthy cartilage. Studies have shown that supplementation may help maintain the body’s ability to maintain cartilage and synovial fluid¹.

Green Lipped Mussel

Green Lipped Mussel (GLM) is a New Zealand shellfish contains omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, and glycosaminoglycans that can support flexibility and comfort.

Boswellia serrata

Boswellia is a plant extract that may support joint comfort and the body’s normal inflammatory response. The active boswellic acids influence enzymes that regulate tissue comfort.

GLMK-418 Omega Blend™

Omega oils for dogs: Omega-3 fatty acids from mussel and krill oil help support joint lubrication and healthy muscles. They influence normal inflammatory pathways and support mobility.

What Can You Expect From a Dog Joint Supplement?

When it comes to dog supplements for joints, patience is key. Remember that supplements are supportive tools, not quick solutions, and work best when used consistently and combined with weight management and appropriate daily exercise.

  • When benefits may appear: Some dogs may show subtle improvements within 4-6 weeks, while others need 8-12 weeks of consistent daily use to show improvement. In the meantime, if your dog is in discomfort, seek support from your veterinarian.
  • What you might notice: You are looking for easier movements, less occasional stiffness, and better energy. You could see that it is easier for them to get up after resting; they may have better energy and walk longer and more comfortably, or play with more enthusiasm.
  • What you should not expect: You should not expect to see overnight improvement or reversal of joint degeneration. Joint supplements help promote movement and joint health, but will not reverse loss of joint integrity.
  • How to maximize results: Supplements need to build up to beneficial levels in the bloodstream, which takes time. Follow the instructions on the label and give the recommended amount every day. Consistency matters. It is also very important that your dog is at a healthy weight and is moving daily with exercise. If your dog is overweight, speak to your veterinarian about instituting a weight loss program immediately, and ask them about exercises they think will benefit your dog.
  • Always consult your vet: Before starting any new supplement, check with your veterinarian to make sure it is suitable for your dog.

PetLabCo.’s Joint Care Chew Advanced – A Convenient Option for Daily Joint Support

PetLabCo.’s Joint Care Chew Advanced is a vet-reviewed soft chew made with premium-quality, science-backed ingredients.

  • Formulated with: Glucosamine HCl, Green-Lipped Mussel, Boswellia, and the GLMK-418 Omega Blend™.
  • Designed to: help support joint health and comfort and maintain flexibility in active, aging, or large-breed dogs.
  • Tasty and convenient: this soft chew has a salmon flavor that most dogs love, making daily joint support simple for pet parents and fun for dogs!

This soft chew is a daily health supplement. It can be used alongside a balanced diet, appropriate exercise, weight loss if needed, and regular veterinary check-ups to support your dog’s long-term mobility.

Joint Health FAQs for Pet Parents

Do dog supplements for joints really work?
Joint supplements may help support cartilage, joint flexibility, and mobility over time when used consistently. Results vary by dog and depend on factors such as age, weight, and activity level.

When should I start giving my dog a joint supplement?
It is best to start joint supplements early, even before they start to show any signs of occasional joint stiffness.

How long does it take to see results?
Most dogs need consistent use for up to 3 months before owners notice changes.

Can my dog take this with other supplements?
Typically, yes, PetLabCo. Joint Care Advanced Chews can be taken at the same time as other supplements, but always check with your veterinarian before combining supplements or medications.

Conclusion: Dog Supplements for Joints

Taking care of your dog’s joints is a helpful way to support their happiness, well-being, and overall health. Dog supplements for joints like PetLabCo.’s Joint Care Chew Advanced are formulated with science-backed ingredients to help maintain joint comfort and mobility in dogs from over 12 weeks old.

Used consistently and under veterinary guidance, this daily soft chew can be a simple part of your dog’s lifelong joint wellness routine.This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

VCA Hospitals. Glucosamine in Dogs. Accessed October 22nd, 2025.

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Sarah Wooten, DVMS
Written by

Sarah Wooten, DVM

Dr. Sarah Wooten is a respected figure in the veterinary and animal healthcare fields. With 16 years of experience in private practice and a certification as a veterinary journalist, she works with companies like PetLab Co. to educate pet parents with accurate pet health information. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Wooten is dedicated to helping pet owners care for their furry friends. Through web articles, videos, and media appearances, she shares practical advice on pet care and the human-animal bond. She's also known for her engaging talks on leadership and communication within the veterinary community.

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