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My dog's leg makes knuckling sounds. Is glucosamine the right fix?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Dalmatian | Female | unspayed | 9 years and 10 months old | 38 lbs
Hello doctor, my dog mary is having knuckling sound coming from her front left leg. My vet suggested me to give her ‘Actijoint’ tablet (Ingredients: GLUCOSAMINE 500mg, CHONDROITIN 400mg, MSM 400mg) once a day to resolve her knuckling sound. What do u suggest me? I wanted a second opinion. And is it anything to be worried about? She is active right now and her health is fine too
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on October 2nd, 2017
The knuckling sound you hear is likely the sound of bone on bone in the joints which is a common sign of osteoarthritis. The Chondroitin, Glucosamine, and MSM tablet you are giving her is a great supplement to her normal diet. While the tablet will not cure the arthritis, it will help prevent and slow down the breakdown of further joint cartilage. Sometimes the signs of osteoarthritis are subtle and may not be obvious until it becomes more advanced, however it appears you are on top of it with Mary.
The other supplement I would recommend is omega 3 fatty acids which are also very good for the joints. Most of these come in gel capsules or liquid. You may ask your veterinarian if they carry any Omega 3 Oils for Mary.
Swimming is also excellent for joint health and is great low impact exercise with dogs with osteoarthritis.
I don't believe there is anything to worry too much about right now unless you notice the knuckling sounds gets worse or her symptoms become more pronounced. You may watch out for decreased appetite, walking slower, disinterest in going up and down stairs, disinterest in walking, running, or her usual activities. These can be signs her arthritis is advancing. As osteoarthritis advances, pain medication may be given to help by your veterinarian.
I hope this helps and best wishes to you and Mary!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This is a very good start, but it can take 4-6 weeks before it really kicks in. Did your veterinarian suggest radiographs? At 9 years of age, your Mary probably has some arthritis. Make sure she is not overweight, & give her routine & gentle exercise. To augment the Actijoint, I sometimes also recommend Adequan injections which contain hyaluronic acid which helps the joints quicker. If she limps, she may need some pain medication. Stay in close contact with your vet if this becomes necessary. But if she is not limping, you can give the Acitjoint some time to see if it helps with the knuckling sounds. Take care.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on October 4th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
I agree 100% with the supplements your Vet put Mary on! Glucosamine is great for arthritis and fish oils do well to reduce inflammation all over the body and have many other helpful properties.
I recommend giving the supplements a month to see if they improve Mary's condition. If there is no improvement I recommend a recheck exam and possibly X-rays of the limb. If arthritis is still the top diagnosis then I would have her blood work done and start her on a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (like Rimadyl, Previcox, Deramaxx, Galliprant).
I hope this helps and I wish Mary the best!2Pet Parents found this answer helpful