What joint supplement for my senior dog with stiff, arthritic joints?

Dasuquin with MSM and Cosequin DS Plus MSM (both by Nutramax Labs) are excellent products. I prefer these because it is the same company that makes the human product, Cosamin, and one of the few companies that submits its products for outside testing to verify ingredients. The GlycoFlex line of products would also be one to consider. These are my own personal recommendations.

Arthritis is definitely a possibility. You could start him on a joint supplement, like Dasuquin and see if that helps. Your vet could also take an x-ray to evaluate for arthritis and then start him on a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, like Deramaxx, Previcox, Rimadyl, etc. NSAIDs help relieve the discomfort associated with arthritis.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is a great question! I think the ones that are specifically designed for dogs are way more complete. I would recommend you consider Cosequin or Dasuquin as both cover all the joint supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin that are great for joint health. Both of these are over the counter. You are usually able to see a marked improvement within weeks to a few months. Best of luck!

Hello, I’m sorry to hear about Diesel. Dogs can experience arthritis as they age due to instability in their joints. One of the most common places for them to have arthritis is in their hip joints. Just as in people, arthritis leads to aches and pains with movement. Supplements can be helpful with arthritis, because they contain compounds to improve joint health. However, they will not heal the arthritis and get rid of the pain completely. If the supplements don’t seem to have a large effect on Diesel, I would recommend having him evaluated by your veterinarian. They can examined his joints and look for discomfort. They may prescribe a course of anti-inflammatory medications to help with the discomfort. Hope this helps, good luck!

My personal preference, completed unrelated to PetCoach or Petco, would be Cosequin ( http://www.cosequin.com/dogs/ ) or Dasuquin ( http://www.dasuquin.com/en/products/#dog ). Both are made by Nutromax Labs.

Studies generally conclude that the human version of arthritis supplements are not able to be absorbed by dogs. Instead look for a supplement for dogs. The two I recommend our Dasuquan and Duralactin. Starting him on an additional omega-3 fatty acid for dogs will also help with arthritis. Lastly there is a food made by Royal Canin called mobility support. It is excellent for arthritic dogs. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

I have never used standard musculoskeletal support but if the Dasuquin and fish oil seem to be working of than I don't see a reason you need to add another medication. If she is still having issues than you could try the musculoskeletal support. I usually put the arthritic dogs that I treat on a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, like Deramaxx or Previcox, and it helps tremendously. Most vets don't prescribe medications without a good reason so I doubt he is just trying to make money. However, if you have any concerns, it is always good to get a second opinion.