For pet parents who have large breed dogs, they can be an excellent companion for you. They can also be an excellent member for a family like yours. While larger breeds like Great Danes or German Shepherds are like any other dog that enjoys life to the fullest, they also face risks of numerous health concerns. One such in particular are joint problems - likely due to their size and weight.
Issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, arthritis, and mobility issues are common in larger breeds. However, you can stay one step ahead to ensure your larger breed dog is mobile even if they’re slightly older. This guide will discuss the best joint supplements for large dogs and how they can be effective. Let’s begin with what you need to know.
Why Are the Best Joint Supplements for Large Dogs Necessary?
Larger breeds including German Shepherds, Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers face joint issues because of the amount of stress they tend to put on them. As a result, it will lead to wear and tear. The effects will include decreased mobility, stiffness, and general discomfort. That’s why finding the best joint supplements for large dogs will be essential, if not, necessary for their overall health needs.
Joint issues can even lead to a decrease in their quality of life. For this reason and more, here are some of the benefits joint supplements for large dogs provides:
- Prevents joint degeneration: A regular supplement will ensure that the deterioration of cartilage is slowed. Meanwhile, these supplements can also help prevent early onset arthritis.
- Pain relief: Supplements that contain glucosamine and MSM are formulated to reduce inflammation and stiffness. As a result, your large breed dog will deal with little to no pain.
- Support for active lifestyles: Larger breed dogs are not limited for active lifestyles because of their size. They still like to run and play like dogs of any other size. You can engage your dog in regular agility training to ensure their joints remain strong. Higher activity levels will be ideal to ward off any mobility issues. On top of that, it can also help a dog maintain a healthy weight. Overweight dogs will face increased joint issue risks if the issue goes unchecked. This can lead to limited activity levels, increased joint pain, and a reduced quality of life among other issues.
- Excellent for senior dogs: Indeed, it’s common for aging dogs to deal with joint pain and arthritis as it’s typical for the aging process. For this reason, including supplements in their daily life will help slow down the development of joint issues or mitigate them in the best way possible.
It is important to make sure that you consider your options when it comes to your dog’s joint health. Larger breeds will have an increased risk but no dog regardless of size or breed is immune to such issues. Under The Weather offers supplements that you can give to your dog to help prevent joint issues like our Collagen Chews for Dogs - not only great for healthy joints but also useful for boosting their immunity and digestion.
Key Ingredients to Look for in Joint Supplements
As you look for the best joint supplements for large dogs, it is important to make sure you look for active ingredients that will be effective. Already, we have mentioned glucosamine and MSM - but we will revisit them again in the list below along with other ingredients so you know what makes them so effective. Here’s what you need to look for and why they are important:
Glucosamine
This ingredient is considered one of the best building blocks against joint issues. It’s known for lubricating your joints while rebuilding damaged joint cartilage for healthy joints that can last a long time. For larger breed dogs, this can be an excellent ingredient that you should not skip on when it comes to finding a dietary supplement. One good reason why you should always check the active ingredients on every label of supplements you look at.
Chondroitin Sulfate
When paired with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate is an effective common ingredient that will really help with cartilage. That’s because chondroitin sulfate is formulated to retain water so that the joint cartilage itself is cushioned and flexible. The result is that your dog’s joints won’t deal with deterioration and joint pain that is often associated with arthritis is greatly reduced.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
MSM is considered one of the key ingredients to joint supplements because of its anti-inflammatory properties. As such, it will do its job by reducing joint swelling and overall pain. You’ll notice that your larger breed dog will move a little easier, even if they are already dealing with existing joint issues. Like glucosamine, MSM is one ingredient that we think is non-negotiable when it comes to finding supplements for your furry friend.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Typically found in fish oils, high quality ingredients like Omega-3s are an excellent inflammatory that can help combat joint stiffness. Yet, they go beyond that. It will help with your dog’s overall health along with providing excellent benefits for their skin, coat, and heart. While supplements are an excellent source, consider adjusting their diet to where they can get a good amount of Omega-3 fatty acids on a regular basis. Omega-3 supplements can also be one of the best options for your dog's supplement regimen that will be applicable to their joints and their overall health.
Hyaluronic Acid
This is an ingredient that will help with joint lubrication and improved movement. It can also aid in flexibility and reduce discomfort that your large breed dog could experience. Nevertheless, it can prove itself useful when mixed with other beneficial ingredients.
Turmeric (Curcumin)
This natural ingredient is considered one of the best anti-inflammatories out there. Even better, it happens to have plenty of antioxidants that will be useful for relieving joint pain and stiffness for arthritic dogs. Of course, it has plenty of general health benefits as well. By the way, it also happens to be found in Under The Weather’s “Turmeric & Curcumin Soft Chews for Dogs”.
That’s right, we are well aware of what kind of wonders turmeric and curcumin can do for dogs. We’ll discuss more about this supplement and more shortly.
Green-lipped Mussel
If you are looking for something that has three of the aforementioned ingredients on this list (specifically omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin), look no further than green-lipped mussels. Nonetheless, this ingredient in particular will provide excellent joint function while also reducing inflammation. Cartilage repair will be possible with this ingredient as well as slowing down any development of arthritis.
Best Joint Supplements for Large Dogs: What We Recommend
With the key ingredients to look for listed, it’s time to find the best joint supplement best suited for your large dog. If in doubt, you can always refer to your dog’s veterinarian to see what they recommend for your dog’s joint health. Not all joint issues are created equal as some dogs may not be experiencing them yet while others might already have. Knowing when to start such supplements will be important. Regardless, here are some supplements to consider:
Under the Weather’s “Turmeric & Curcumin Soft Chews for Dogs”
One of the top supplements for joint support for larger dogs, our Turmeric & Curcumin Soft Chews for Dogs can help prevent and reduce inflammation thanks to its main ingredient. Nevertheless, your dog will also enjoy a healthy digestive system, better skin health, and improved cardiovascular functionality. Let’s not forget that this supplement is also jam-packed with antioxidants that can ward off free-radicals that can cause your dog to feel less than ideal healthwise.
Depending on your dog’s weight, you’ll need to make sure they are given 3 to 4 chews per day (which is common for larger sized dogs). Be sure to confirm your dog’s actual weight prior to giving them the proper amount. This can be great for dogs with arthritis or other joint issues. If you are looking for the best joint care supplement from a reputable manufacturer, who better than us?
Under the Weather’s Collagen Chews for Dogs
Collagen is an ingredient we didn’t mention in our key ingredients list. But we will give them an honorable mention while we discuss this supplement in particular. Aside from the joint support your dogs will get, they will also notice their spine and disc health improving as well. Yes, while we’ve discussed joints and mobility for a good part of this guide, we do not want to ignore the potential back issues your dog could deal with as a larger breed.
Nevertheless, these supplements are a blessing for larger and smaller breed dogs and for good reason. They are great for joint health, recovery and healing, and so much more. You’d be hard-pressed to find any other supplement on the market that matches the benefits that these chews provide for your dog.
Your dog will experience better digestion, a boosted overall health outlook, and a shiny coat. For senior dogs, they might look and feel like their younger selves again. Even if your dog is dealing with existing joint health issues, you can consider this supplement as one of the best options to ensure they are feeling their best from their joints and beyond. For larger dogs, 3 to 4 chews per day will be sufficient for their needs.
It is important to make sure that your furry friend receives regular veterinary care. Not just for their overall health but also any joint care as well, especially if it's considered chronic. A regular checkup can also detect how far along the progression of osteoarthritis might be if treated properly with regular supplements.
Final Thoughts
Larger dogs can suffer joint issues because of the stress they naturally place on them. However, you can help slow down the process and help them live their best lives without worry. Consider the two supplement options we have listed above. Whether your dog is developing early-onset issues or if they are already progressing, it is always ideal to find a supplement that will help improve mobility, reduce pain, and feel their best.
Under The Weather knows that your dog should experience life at their fullest. Don’t let joint issues slow them down and reduce their quality of life. Be sure to check out what’s in stock today including our joint support supplements and more.
