Keeping Pets Moving: A Veterinarian’s Approach to Canine Hip and Joint Health 

While many pet parents associate joint discomfort with senior dogs, the truth is that joint health should be top of mind throughout a dog’s life, starting well before signs of stiffness or slowed movement appear. 

Joint health challenges like age-related degeneration are more common than most realize. In fact, it’s estimated that one in five adult dogs may show signs consistent with joint issues when screened. These problems can emerge due to a combination of genetics, activity levels, prior injuries, or even body condition, and often go unnoticed until their mobility is noticeably affected. 

The good news is that pet parents can easily take some proactive, evidence-informed steps to support their dog’s joint health and mobility, both now and in years to come. 

Healthy joints function much like shock absorbers, with smooth cartilage protecting bones and synovial fluid helping them glide comfortably. Over time, wear and tear or injury can occur and the cartilage becomes worn or inflamed, and dogs may experience reduced range of motion, stiffness, or discomfort, though many won’t show obvious signs at first. 

Because dogs are so resilient and often mask their discomfort, it’s important to watch for subtle shifts in behavior. Hesitating to jump, lagging behind on walks, or taking longer to rise after rest may indicate that your dog’s joints need a little extra support. Even young or middle-aged dogs can show early signs of joint stress, especially after injury or in breeds that are predisposed to orthopedic issues. 

As a veterinarian, I advised pet parents to start a joint health routine well before mobility became a challenge because early action can make a meaningful difference in their pet’s quality of life. There are simple daily practices for join support: 

Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts added strain on joints and can accelerate the  normal wear and tear. Measuring out portions, swapping calorie-dense treats for lower-calorie options like green beans or carrots, and discussing your dog’s ideal weight with your veterinarian are great starting points.  

Encourage gentle, regular movement: Daily activity is helpful to nourish joints and strengthen supporting muscles, but high-impact exercise isn’t always necessary. Leisurely leashed walks, swimming, and short, frequent play sessions are ideal. Be mindful of signs of overexertion, and consult your vet about the best activity level for your dog’s age and health status. 

Start a joint supplement early in life: Even before signs of stiffness appear, introducing a high-quality joint supplement can support long-term mobility. Look for products that contain clinically studied ingredients like Omega-3s, green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, and chondroitin, and are manufactured by companies that follow NASC quality standards.  

There’s a growing body of science-backed research that supports the role that nutritional ingredients play in maintaining joint health and mobility in dogs. While supplements are not a cure or treatment for diseases, they can be a valuable part of a broader wellness strategy when used appropriately to help your pet thrive for life. 

Look for ingredients like Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) from marine sources to help support a healthy inflammatory response in joints. Clinical studies suggest improvements in mobility and comfort when dogs receive appropriate levels of EPA and DHA. 

One ingredient that is uniquely positioned to support joint health is green-lipped mussel. This ingredient delivers not only EPA and DHA, but also a rare Omega-3 called stearidonic acid, which supports the body’s natural inflammation response. Green-lipped mussel has gained attention for its efficacy, but remains underutilized in the U.S. market due to costs, complexity of sourcing, and stabilization.  

Glucosamine and chondroitin are other helpful ingredients that are naturally present in joint cartilage and have been used for decades to support the structural integrity of joints. While results vary from dog to dog, I’ve seen many pets benefit from long-term use of these nutritional ingredients, particularly when they are part of a multi-modal supplement routine. 

When selecting a joint supplement, transparency and quality matter. You want to look for products that are made in facilities following good manufacturing practices (GMP), with clear ingredient concentrations and veterinarian-recommended formulations. And as always, talk to your veterinarian before adding any supplement to your pet’s routine. 

Changes in joint health are a normal part of aging, but by supporting your dog with good nutrition, thoughtful exercise, weight management, and a supportive home environment, you can help maintain joint health throughout every life stage. Whether your dog is just leaving puppyhood or enjoying their golden years, it’s never too early — or too late — to make joint health a priority.  

Veterinarian-turned-entrepreneur Dr. James Bascharon, DVM, is the CEO and founder of Vetnique Labs. Driven by his product innovations and veterinary expertise, the company now provides a full nose-to-tail portfolio of products in 25 countries.