Joint Medicine for Dogs

There are two main types of joint pain in dogs: degenerative and developmental joint pain. With degenerative joint issues, a dog’s cartilage wears down over time, resulting in the bones rubbing against each other, leading to joint pain. Degenerative joint pain can be caused by stress, arthritis, and injury. In addition, large breeds are more prone to joint pain because of their additional weight. 

Meanwhile, developmental joint issues are congenital birth defects; puppies are born with developmental joint issues due to genetics. Again, this type of joint pain is more common in larger dogs, but it can happen to any breed. 

Causes of joint pain in dogs include the following:

• Age: Dogs are more likely to develop joint pain as they age, with it primarily affecting senior dogs. 
• Weight: Overweight or obese dogs put more pressure on the joints, making them more likely to experience pain. 
• Breed: Certain breeds are at a higher risk of joint problems, including large breeds like Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds. 
• Underlying health issues: Some underlying health issues, such as hip or knee dysplasia, can affect the joints. 

Joint pain in dogs is fairly easy to spot. Even though your dog can’t tell you they’re in pain, there will be subtle signs in their movements and behaviors. For example, dogs with joint pain may be lethargic because moving around hurts. In addition, they may experience limping and stiffness or frequently slip when moving around the house. Some dogs may also wince or make sounds when trying to lie down or stand up. 

The most common joint and arthritis medicine for dogs is NSAIDs, which can be prescribed to alleviate joint pain, treat inflammation, and reduce swelling that contributes to pain. Popular options for dog joint medicine include the following:

• Galliprant: Galliprant is an NSAID to control pain and inflammation associated with the early stages of osteoarthritis. 
• Carprofen: Carprofen, brand name Rimadyl, is another NSAID that can treat joint inflammation in dogs with osteoarthritis. 

Yes, there are dog joint supplements that can improve mobility and support healthy joints. A few of our recommendations include the following:

• NutraMax Cosequin DS Joint Health for Dogs: NutraMax Cosequin helps maintain optimal joint function by protecting existing cartilage from breaking down. 
• Movoflex Soft Chews: Movoflex joint supplements for dogs are a one-a-day treat to improve mobility in dogs. 

In addition to hip and joint supplements for dogs, veterinarians may recommend surgery, weight loss, or massage therapy, depending on the severity and cause of your dog’s joint pain. 

If you think your dog has joint pain or arthritis, talk to a Dutch vet. Dutch telemedicine for pets can help you find joint medicine or supplements for dogs depending on your pup’s needs. In addition, we can provide a variety of medications to improve your dog’s quality of life, ranging from itching and urinary issues to arthritis medicine for dogs. Try Dutch today.