Every dog owner knows the joy of watching their pup dash across the park, leap for a toy, or simply trot happily beside them on a walk. But for some dogs, joint problems can put a damper on those joyful moments. Whether your furry friend is a springy puppy or a wise old soul, taking care of their joints is essential for keeping them active and comfortable. This guide dives deep into everything you need to know about joint care for dogs—from understanding common issues to actionable steps you can take to support their joint health.

Understanding Joint Health in Dogs

A dog’s joints are the unsung heroes of their mobility. These complex structures of bones, cartilage, and lubricating fluids work tirelessly to let them chase, jump, and zoom. However, as with any hardworking system, wear and tear—or specific conditions—can take a toll.

Common Joint Conditions in Dogs

1. Ostoarthritis / Arthiritis
Arthritis is the most common joint disease affecting our pooch's, shown to affect around 200,000 dogs each year. It occurs when cartilage, which cushions the bones in a joint, breaks down over time. Without this protective layer, joints become stiff, painful, and inflamed.

2. Hip Dysplasia
This hereditary condition is common in larger breeds like Labradors and German Shepherdssmal. It happens when the ball and socket of the hip joint don’t fit together properly, causing the joint to deteriorate.

3. Luxating Patella
Most often seen in smaller breeds, this condition involves the kneecap slipping out of its normal position, leading to discomfort and mobility issues.

4. Cruciate Ligament Injuries
These injuries, affecting the knee, are common in active dogs that twist or overexert themselves during play.

Signs of Joint Issues

Is your dog not quite as sprightly as they used to be? Recognising the early signs of joint problems is crucial to keeping them comfortable and active. You might notice them hesitating before climbing stairs, struggling to jump onto the sofa, or appearing stiff after a nap. Limping or favouring one leg can also be a tell-tale sign, along with a sudden decrease in their enthusiasm for walks or playtime. Some dogs might lick or chew at sore joints, while others may become irritable or withdrawn due to discomfort. If any of these behaviours sound familiar, it’s a good idea to consult your vet to investigate further.

Factors Affecting Joint Health

Many elements play into your dog’s joint health, from their genetics to their daily activities. Here are the key factors that can play into your pooch's joint health:

• Breed and Genetics: Some breeds are predisposed to joint issues. Large breeds often face challenges like hip dysplasia, while smaller ones may experience luxating patella. We shout these out on each of our breed guides like this one.
• Age: Older dogs are more prone to arthritis and general wear and tear on their joints.
• Weight: Carrying extra pounds can strain joints and worsen existing conditions.
• Exercise: Too much or too little physical activity can impact joint health. High-impact activities can be hard on joints, while inactivity weakens muscles that support them.

Preventative Measures for Healthy Joints

Prevention is always better than cure, and when it comes to your dog’s joints, a proactive approach can make all the difference. Here are four lifestyle measures you can take to help prevent joint issues later on: 

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Extra weight means extra pressure on your dog’s joints. A balanced diet with appropriate portion control is key to keeping your dog lean and healthy.
2. Exercise Smartly: Regular, low-impact exercise like leash walks or swimming can help strengthen muscles without putting too much stress on joints. Avoid repetitive high-impact activities like jumping or chasing balls for long periods.
3. Provide a Safe Environment: Small changes at home can make a big difference. Add ramps to help your dog get onto furniture or into the car and use rugs or mats to prevent slipping on hard floors. You should also avoid letting your pooch jump off your bed. This can put a huge amount of strain on joints, especially for small dogs, and could contribute to arthritis later on. Luckily their are plenty of cute dog steps now available to prevent them having to jump, so don't worry, we're not saying bed is a no-go
4. Orthopedic Bedding: make sure your pooch has cushioned and supportive bedding to help reduce pressure on their joints as they sleep.

Nutritional Support for Dog Joint Care

Another measure for healthy joints that can be both prevention and cure is focusing on nutrition. Good nutrition isn’t just about filling your dog’s bowl and them licking it clean, it’s about fueling their body for optimal health. Thankfully Mother Nature created certain ingredients to be powerhouses for joint care, so turn your dog food around and read the ingredients list to see if you can spot them:

• Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM: These nutrients work together to maintain cartilage and lubricate joints, reducing wear and tear. We add these to recipes such as our Turkey Dry Dog Food and Salmon Dry Dog Food. 
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in high quantities in fish oils, omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that can ease joint discomfort, especially in arthritic dogs. Look our for fish-based recipes, or those with added fish oil, something we add to all our dry food recipes.
• Collagen: Collagen supports the repair of cartilage and helps maintain joint integrity. Found in higher quantities in ingredients like chicken, fish, bone broth and eggs.
• Antioxidants: Ingredients like Vitamin E can help combat oxidative stress, a contributor to joint inflammation.

Recommended Scrumbles Products for Joint Health

Looking for an easy way to introduce joint health ingredients into your dog's diet? We've got just the thing, or things should we say. All of our dry food recipes are enriched with Salmon Oil, then we also add a special joint care mix to our Turkey Dry Dog Food and Salmon Dry Dog Food. If your pooch prefers wet food, or you mix together, then opt for our Salmon Wet Dog Food, which is 70% omega-packed salmon.

Medical and Therapeutic Support

If you start to notice any of the symptoms above, like limping or stifness, it's best to book them in for a vet appointment. Catching the signs early on will give them the best chances of recovery and may help having to undertake more intensive treatments later on. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a dog’s joints need additional support though. So, after you've visited the vet, they may recommend:

• Veterinary Medications: Your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relief to help manage symptoms.
• Physical Therapy and Hydrotherapy: Controlled exercises and swimming can help improve mobility and strengthen muscles around the joints.
• Surgical Options: In severe cases, surgery might be recommended to correct issues like cruciate ligament tears or advanced hip dysplasia.
• Alternative Therapies: Treatments like acupuncture or therapeutic massage are growing in popularity for dogs with chronic joint issues.

Joint care is a vital part of ensuring your dog stays happy, healthy, and active for as long as possible. By understanding the common challenges and taking proactive steps—like maintaining a healthy weight, providing balanced nutrition, and making lifestyle adjustments—you can give your furry friend the support they need to thrive. Every wag, leap, and trot is a testament to your care and love. By prioritising their joint health, you’re giving them the best gift of all: the freedom to enjoy life to the fullest.

Whilst you're here, why not read:

1. Do Calming Dog Beds Really Work ?
2. Healthy Dog Poop Chart: In Search of the Perfect Poop
3. What Does a Tick on a Dog Look Like?