When To Start Joint Supplements for Dogs: A Vet Explains

Why Does Joint Health Matter for Young Dogs?

Joint changes can begin surprisingly early, often around 12 to 18 months in large breeds and 3 to 6 years in smaller dogs, which is why establishing proactive joint support is often considered by veterinarians to be a sensible step in helping to maintain your pup’s mobility as they age. 

Veterinary-reviewed guidance notes that large and giant breeds like Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Great Danes grow rapidly, and take longer to reach skeletal maturity (usually between 12 and 18 months of age), which can make them more susceptible to occasional discomfort and occasional joint stiffness. Smaller breeds develop more slowly, but finish their rapid growth phase much earlier – usually reaching their adult size between 6 and 12 months of age. This doesn’t mean that small dogs won’t benefit from proactive support during their younger years too – all that running, jumping, twisting, and fun-filled exercise can impact mobility over time.

Proactive joint support for younger dogs focuses on supporting healthy joints, flexibility, and exercise tolerance – for an active lifestyle. PetLabCo.’s Joint Care Chew Advanced promotes the development of strong joints in young pups, providing ongoing support for working dogs, and can help maintain mobility as your dog grows older. 

Breed and Size-Based Joint Care Guidance

Recommendations for All Large and Giant Breeds:

• Attend regular check-ins with your veterinarian as your pup grows, to monitor joint health and mobility – spotting any signs early is key to maintaining healthy movement. 
• Keep your pup lean and a healthy weight – it’s important to feed them a complete and balanced large-puppy food until your vet recommends switching to an adult formula.
• Keep exercise low impact and moderate until your vet tells you that your pup’s growth plates have closed (meaning their adult skeleton has finished developing).
• Daily exercise for adults is critical for maintaining muscle mass and joint fluid turnover – “Motion is Lotion”, as us vets like to say!
• Noticing changes early matters. Subtle hesitation jumping or climbing stairs, lagging behind on walks, slower recovery after play, stiffness after resting, and loss of interest in play or running are often the first clues. 

Breed	Size	Dr Wooten’s Joint Supplement Guidance
Labrador Retriever	Large	Consider starting a joint supplement around 2 years of age, especially if active
Golden Retriever	Large	Consider starting a joint supplement around 2 years of age, especially if active
German Shepherd	Large	Consider starting a joint supplement around 2 years of age, especially if active
Rottweiler	Large	Consider starting a joint supplement around 2 years of age, especially if active
Great Dane	Giant	Consider starting a joint supplement around 2 ½ to 3 years of age, especially if active
Working or sporting breeds	Varies	Talk with your veterinarian to determine when to starting a joint supplement

As an experienced family vet, I recommend supporting a young large or giant breed dog’s joints early, by pairing a high-quality joint care supplement like PetLabCo.’s Joint Care Chew Advanced with appropriate exercise, balanced nutrition, and calorie control on an ongoing basis.

Key takeaways:

• Joint changes often begin earlier than most pet parents expect.
• Large and giant breeds benefit from earlier joint support.
• Joint Care Chew Advanced helps support healthy joints, flexibility, and exercise tolerance – for an active lifestyle.
• Genetics and activity level influence joint condition and comfort during mobility.
• Weight management plays a major role in joint maintenance.
• Early tracking helps pup parents to spot subtle changes that may indicate the need for veterinarian support.

Further reading: 5 Ways to Keep Your Dog’s Joints in Good Condition

When Should You Start Joint Support for Dogs?

I recommend starting overall joint support – including early veterinary screening, appropriate nutrition and exercise, as well as weight control, when your dog is a puppy. This will help maintain their joint health and mobility as they grow. You’ll notice that the suggestions for joint support here are also great for supporting your dog’s overall health and wellbeing – regular exercise, a balanced diet and regular checkups with a veterinarian will help your dog enjoy a happier, healthier life as they grow and age.

At What Age Can Dogs Start Joint Supplements?

As a general rule, most dogs can start joint supplements between 1 to 5 years of age, depending on size, genetics, and lifestyle. General guidelines help narrow timing, but individual dogs vary. For example, a highly active Border Collie may need support sooner than a sedentary dog. The best strategy is to discuss timing with your veterinarian. 

Breed Size	Suggested Start Age	Key Considerations
Large/Giant (>50 lbs)	2-2 ½  years	Rapid growth, higher joint load
Medium (25–50 lbs)	2-4 years	Activity level, genetics
Small (<25 lbs)	3-5 years	Injury history, breed tendencies

Early signs to watch for:

• Hesitating before jumping
• Lagging behind on familiar walks or stopping early
• Stiffness after rest lasting more than a minute or two
• Reluctance to climb stairs or use a dog door
• Favoring one leg
• Hesitated rising from a lying position
• Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed

Dogs with prior mobility concerns often benefit from joint support during recovery and beyond,  as healing joints remain more vulnerable. A vet consultation is especially important if mobility changes appear suddenly, or affect daily routines. Early conversations allow for tailored support plans that can protect long-term mobility and comfort.

Further reading: Are PetLab Co.’s Joint Care Chews Worth It? A Vet Weighs In

What Do Joint Supplements for Dogs Do?

Depending on formulation and consistent use, joint supplements may help support healthy joints, flexibility, and exercise tolerance in active dogs. They may also promote the development of strong joints while your pup is young, and provide ongoing support as they grow. As your dog ages, joint supplements may help to maintain their joint health and comfort during movement. 

Supplements work best when they are giving consistently on a daily basis. They are not an overnight fix. Most pet parents can expect gradual mobility changes over time as the ingredients build up in the dog’s system. 

What Don’t Joint Supplements Do?

Joint supplements do not repair damage, or rebuild tissue. They can not cure joint conditions.  Dogs with occasional discomfort and occasional joint stiffness may see changes in comfort and mobility with consistent use, but if your dog is showing signs of poor joint health, it is very important to seek professional advice and care from your veterinarian.

Further reading: Dog Supplements for Joints: How Do They Work

What Are the Early Signs of Mobility Changes in Dogs?

Early signs of changes in mobility often appear as subtle behavior shifts over weeks to months, making daily observation essential. Slower movement or stiffness after naps often precede more noticeable changes. Keeping a daily mobility log for 2-4 weeks helps provide clear context for vet discussions.

Subtle early signs:

• Hesitation before jumping, pausing 3+ seconds
• Slower pace on familiar walks
• Stiffness after rest lasting more than a minute or two
• Reduced enthusiasm for play
• Taking stairs one step at a time
• Difficulty settling into comfortable positions

When to consult a vet immediately:

Early signs differ from urgent signs, which can include:

• Any concerning mobility change, such as not bearing weight on a leg
• Sudden health changes such as increased temperature or behavior shifts
• Appetite or energy changes alongside mobility shifts

Key takeaways:

• Early signs of joint changes are often subtle.
• Behavior changes are some of the earlier clues.
• Tracking your dog’s behavior and energy over time improves early detection.
• Veterinarians help you interpret patterns.
• Early action supports long-term mobility.

Further reading: Swollen Joints in Dogs: 10 Possible Causes & How to Help

How Do I Choose a Joint Supplement for My Dog?

A quality joint supplement should meet ingredient thresholds, be vet-reviewed, and be easy to give daily. Look for a high-quality formulation that’s reviewed by experts in dog nutrition and mobility, one that is manufactured in the USA and provides clear usage instructions, as well as transparent ingredient information.

What to look for in a joint supplement for dogs:

• High-quality, supportive ingredients, such as Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Omega-3s
• Expert-reviewed formulation
• Manufactured in the USA from domestic & globally sourced ingredients
• Third-party lab tested for quality
• Soft chew or easy-to-administer format
• Clear serving size by weight
• Transparent ingredients list

Product spotlight: PetLabCo. Joint Care Chew Advance

• Designed to support healthy joint function
• Contains Glucosamine HCL, Green Lipped Mussel (a natural source of Chondroitin and Omega-3 fatty acids), Krill Oil, and Boswellia
• Expert-reviewed formulation
• Easy-to-give soft chew format
• Manufactured in the USA from domestic & globally sourced ingredients
• Suitable for dogs of all sizes from 12 weeks of age

PetLabCo. Joint Care Chew Advanced Formulation – By Dog Weight

Active Ingredients:
Quantity Per Administration:	1.25g	2.5g	4g	6g	Per Soft Chew (__g)
Active Ingredient	XS-S		M	L	Unit	Derived From	Function
Glucosamine HCL (Shellfish)	135	270	600	950	mg	Crustation	Can maintain cartilage structure
Green Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus — A Natural Source of Chondroitin)	135	270	600	950	mg	Green Lipped Mussels	Supports healthy inflammatory response
Boswellia	10.5	21	47	75	mg	Boswellia serrata	Supports healthy inflammatory response
Total Omega 3 Fatty Acids (From GLMK-418 Omega BlendTM of Green Lipped Mussel & Krill Oil)	3.65	7.3	16	25	mg	Green Lipped Mussel Oil & Krill Oil	Can contribute to healthy joints Source of EPA & DHA
EPA	1.8	3.6	8.1	12	mg
DHA	0.45	0.9	2.1	3.3	mg

Shop link: Shop Dog Joint Supplements PetLabCo.

How Long Should Dogs Take Joint Supplements For?

Joint supplements are typically used long-term, with visible benefits showing in 90 days of consistent use for many dogs. Large breeds and dogs more susceptible to mobility changes often continue taking joint supplements for life. 

Timeline expectations

• Initial effects:  typically within 90 days
• Ongoing use: often long-term, or for life (particularly when a dog is large-breed, or susceptible to mobility changes)
• Individual variation is normal
• Daily consistency is critical

Tracking mobility, activity tolerance, and stiffness helps assess potential benefits. Revisit plans with your vet if other changes occur.

Further reading: Joint Supplements for Senior Dogs: What Pet Owners Need to Know

What Else Can I Do to Support My Dog’s Joint Health?

Supplements work best when combined with a holistic joint care plan that includes weight management, appropriate exercise, environmental modifications, and regular veterinary advice.

Weight management

• Every pound above your dog’s ideal weight increases joint load
• Work with your veterinarian to determine your dog’s ideal weight, daily calorie target, and if your dog needs to lose weight, create a weight loss plan
• Monitor your dog’s body condition monthly to catch weight changes early
• Adjust dog food portions based on activity

Joint-friendly exercise

• Swimming
• Controlled leash walks
• 15-20 minutes of gentle play
• Hill walking up and down
• Walking on soft surfaces, like dirt and grass
• Avoid repeated jumping and hard surfaces

Environmental modifications that Support your Dog

• Thick orthopedic bedding that cushions joints away from hard surfaces
• Non-slip flooring
• Raised bowls
• Warm sleeping areas

Key takeaways:

• Joint care is multifaceted
• Weight control reduces strain
• Exercise should support your dog’s muscles, joints, and bones
• Home changes make daily life easier
• Supplements fit into a broader plan

Frequently Asked Questions About Joint Supplements for Dogs

When should I start giving my dog joint supplements?
Most large breeds start around 2 years of age, smaller breeds around 3–5 years. Early signs or high activity levels may warrant earlier support, always consult with a veterinarian before starting any supplements.

What are the benefits of joint supplements for dogs?
They may help maintain cartilage health and support comfortable movement using ingredients like Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and Omega-3s. Improvements often appear in 90 days, though individual results vary.

Can puppies take joint supplements?
Puppies should not start any joint supplements until they reach full skeletal maturity, which varies based on the dog’s size and breed. Your veterinarian can tell you when that is for your dog.

How long does it take for joint supplements to work?
Most dogs show positive changes within 90 days with daily use. If no improvements are noted after 90 days of use or your dog’s signs increase, consult with your veterinarian.

Do joint supplements prevent mobility problems?
They support joint health but do not prevent or cure mobility problems. Supplements support normal joint health and play a role in long-term mobility, vet care.

Can I give joint supplements alongside other supplements?
Often yes, but always consult a vet before combining with any other supplements to avoid. Supplements complement veterinary care.

What ingredients should I look for in dog joint supplements?
Look for Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Omega-3s, and MSM in expert-reviewed formulas manufactured in the USA. PetLabCo. products meet these standards.

Final Thoughts: When To Start Joint Supplements for Dogs

Key takeaways:

• Early joint support helps maintain long-term mobility.
• Consult with your veterinarian before starting any supplement.
• Daily use over 90 days is essential to evaluate your dog’s response.
• Combine supplements with weight management, complete and balanced nutrition, daily exercise, and regular veterinary care.
• Work with a veterinarian to provide tailored joint support for your dog.

A proactive approach to joint health supports a dog’s comfort across every life stage. Supplements work best as part of a broader wellness plan that includes regular vet checkups and lifestyle support.

Ready to support your dog’s mobility and comfort? Explore PetLabCo. Joint Supplements

Related Reads: Dog Health & Daily Care Guides
Dog Nutrition & Care Guides	Dog Health: Signs & Symptoms	Daily Supplements: Support for Your Dog’s Wellbeing
Dog Daily Care Guide – Printable Routine Chart	5 Health Issues Your Dog Faces Each Year	Top-Rated Probiotics for Dogs
The Ultimate Dog Dental Care Guide	Healthy Vs. Unhealthy Dog Paws	Seasonal Allergy Supplements for Dogs
7 Ways To Support Your Dog’s Immune System	Dog Gut Health: 5 Reasons Why It Matters	Natural Probiotics (& Prebiotics) for Dogs
How Much Exercise Does a Dog Need?	Healthy Dog Teeth: What’s Normal	Probiotic Chews For Dogs – A Simple Hack To Boost The Benefits
Borage Oil For Dogs: Can It Support Skin & Immune Health?	Dog Gum Color Chart: Healthy Vs. Unhealthy	Can Probiotic Chews Support Dog Gut Health?
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?	How To Check if Your Dog’s Poop is Healthy	PetLab Co. Joint Care Chew Reviews: What Customers Think