You’ve probably heard supplements for people containing glucosamine for joints. The same goes for dogs, too! Glucosamine naturally exists in joint cartilage. Adding a glucosamine supplement to your dog’s diet will help slow the deterioration of that cartilage as they age. And while glucosamine can’t cure or reverse the damage arthritis has caused on your aging dog’s joints, it can help replenish some of the cartilage. This can help reduce inflammation, irritation, and pain.

Like human supplements, chondroitin is popular in dog joint supplements, too. Chondroitin has been known to retain water and elasticity in joint cartilage. It also helps provide shock absorption to the joints. Your dog benefits from less pain caused by arthritis and increased mobility. When your dog is mobile again, they will start to strengthen limbs affected by lameness from arthritis. When paired with glucosamine, chondroitin works better.