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How do joint supplements help older pets?

Last Updated: December 7, 2021


Support joint care and mobility for your furriest family member. Learn what to look for in hip and joint supplements for older dogs and cats from the pet lovers at Grove.

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Your dog or cat is an important member of the family, and joints play a major role in your furry friend’s ability to run, leap, and play. Just like your joints, your pet’s joints experience a ton of wear and tear over the years.


That’s where the right joint supplements for dogs or cats can be helpful. Here’s what you should know about your pets’ hip and joint health — and supplements that can help keep them mobile and reduce their pain as they age.


This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a vet or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options.

So, what age is a senior pet?

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, small dogs and cats are considered “seniors” at 7 years of age and older. Although it varies, larger breeds of dogs sometimes have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds, so they may be considered to be a “senior dog” at age 5–6 years old.


The most important thing to remember is that age isn’t a disease. With the right nutrition and care, your pet can live a thriving and happy life well into their senior years!

Image of a person shaking a dog's paw.

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What ingredients in hip and joint supplements work?

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Certain natural cat and dog vitamins and supplements can reduce pain and inflammation and slow the progression of arthritis or joint damage. Before giving your furriest family member a natural supplement for dogs or cats, it’s always a good idea to check in with your veterinarian first.


Some of the best natural cat and dog products that protect joints and hips include ingredients like:


  • 1. Glucosamine: This naturally occurring compound can alleviate pain and inflammation while slowing the progression of joint and hip pain.
  • 2. Chondroitin: A natural substance often used in combination with glucosamine, chondroitin improves joint mobility and function.
  • 3. Green lipped mussel: Dog and cat supplements containing GLM enjoy beneficial ingredients like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that may help preserve joint function and reduce inflammation.

Grove Tip

What joint supplements do vets recommend for dogs and cats?

Check out this helpful YouTube video from veterinarian Dr. Becker to find out what to look for in a pet joint support supplement!


Recognizing osteoarthritis or joint issues in your pet

Cat laying on a person's lap looking up at them.

Osteoarthritis is mainly seen in older pets, but any dog or cat can develop these issues at any age.


Here are a few signs and symptoms of pet osteoarthritis to watch for:


  • Stiffness or limpness after laying down
  • Changes in appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Refusal to run, play, or go up or down stairs
  • Unusual irritability when they’re touched

What brands have the best joint supplements for dogs and cats?

Talk to your veterinarian to find out what supplements your dog or cat needs. Just like with supplements for humans, keep a close watch on your pets’ supplement dosages and reactions.


Here are just a couple of natural joint supplements and brands for dogs and cats that we love:

Image of Now Pets Joint Support bottle

Now Pets Joint Support Supplement for Dogs & Cats


Formulated for healthy aging and joint support, Now Pets Joint Support Supplement for Dogs & Cats helps with joint flexibility and mobility problems. These chewable (and yummy) tablets provide a healthy dose of glucosamine and MSM to keep your furry critter healthy and thriving.


Grove member Candee R. writes about this supplement, “My older dog bounces around like a whirling dervish now. Great stuff!”

Find it here
Image of a dog laying down next to Kin+Kind Healthy Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs and Cats.

kin+kInd Healthy Hip+Joint for Dogs and Cats


Send some extra love and care to your pets with kin+kInd Healthy Hip+Joint for Dogs and Cats.


Made with no artificial ingredients, GMOs, grains, or preservatives, this supplement contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like black pepper, turmeric, and organic coconut.


Grove member Michelle B. says “Bella, aged 7, has been dealing with arthritis for a few years now, especially in her hind leg. We've been giving her this kin+kind joint supplement for about a year, and her limp is completely gone. Plus, she loves the taste and will lick her dish clean to get every last bit.”

Find it here
Image of Finn Hip & Joint orange container on blue background

Finn Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs


Made with organic ingredients and flavored with natural cheese and real bacon and beef liver, Finn Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs are tasty soft chews packed with joint-loving ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric, and essential vitamins.


They’re made for dogs of all ages, including geriatric dogs and young, active pups.


Grove member Laurie K. wrote “My dog as almost 14 and has arthritis in her neck and hips. She loves these supplements. We've noticed that she is moving and jumping better after taking for 3 weeks! The groomer also noticed that she did better during her last grooming session. Highly recommend these supplements.”

Find it here
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