At some point, I think all dog owners have seen it. Your dog does not get up as fast as they used to. They are not as rambunctious when playing. Limping occurs after a game of fetch. Hip and joint supplements can help prolong their youthfulness and liquid joint supplements are a good way to get your dog to ingest them.
**Always talk to your veterinarian before starting your dog on a joint supplement regimen. Discuss the ingredients and concentrations of each to be sure it is the right fit for your dog and their condition. **
What Are Liquid Joint Supplements?
Joint supplements are supplements dogs take to help relieve joint pain and discomfort. Liquid joint supplements have the same active ingredients as a tablet or soft chew, but in liquid form.
Who Are Liquid Joint Supplements Good For?
Liquid joint supplements are good for all dogs, but especially:
- Dogs with medical conditions, like hip dysplasia or spinal conditions.
- Some dogs just won’t take pills. It is like they can sense them, no matter how well you hide the pill in a piece of cheese or some peanut butter, or another favorite treat.
- Others may have a medical issue where it is difficult for them to take a pill, i.e., missing teeth.
- Still, there are those that may only eat a portion of the pill and therefore, they don’t get the full dosage.
- Old age. As dogs get older, their movements get slower and they may develop arthritis in their joints, causing difficulty walking, playing, or even getting up from their bed.
- Prevention. If your dog is of a breed that is prone to certain hip or joint dysfunctions, joint supplements can be taken as a preventative measure.
For all of these dogs liquid joint supplements can help ease their symptoms and make getting their dosage easier.
How Are Liquid Joint Supplements Given?
Liquid joint supplements come in a bottle, with some having a cap and you pour the amount you need into the cap and others come with a pump that you use to dispense it. There are also some supplements that come in a bottle with a dropper that you administer directly into your dog’s mouth.
Usually, the liquid supplement is poured over or pumped onto your dog’s food. They generally have a flavor to them, like beef, chicken, or bacon, but you can get some that are unflavored.
How Do I Know The Correct Dose To Give My Dog?
This is based on your dog’s weight. The product you buy will have the dosage information on the bottle. It will tell you to measure in capfuls or number of pumps.
Start with half the recommended dosage to see how your dog tolerates it and gradually increase it.
How Long Does It Take To See Results?
This will vary for each individual dog. Some people see results in their dog in a few weeks, others can take a few months.
If you are using this as a preventative, you probably won’t see a blatant change in the behavior of your dog, but you may see a change if you stop administering it to your dog.
What Ingredients Are Included In Liquid Joint Supplements?
There are a few ingredients that have been shown to help improve your dog’s movement and ease their discomfort. These include:
- Glucosamine HCl. Helps in the building of collagen, which in turn helps to build and repair cartilage between joints.
- Chondroitin Sulfate. Helps to slow down the destruction of cartilage.
- Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM. An anti inflammatory.
- Hyaluronic Acid. Lubricates the joints.
- Manganese. Helps in the building of cartilage and ligaments.
What Are The Side Effects Of Liquid Joint Supplements?
Generally, liquid joint supplements are safe for your dog to take, but there are some side effects to look out for and be aware of.
- Allergies. It is possible your dog may be allergic to one or more ingredients. Check both the active and inactive ingredients to see if there are any that may affect your dog.
***Glucosamine in particular may be sourced from shellfish and your dog can be allergic.***
*** If you are allergic to shellfish, you may want to avoid giving your dog a liquid supplement and stick with a different form or avoid a product that has glucosamine sourced from shellfish as a precaution.***
- Glucosamine side effects include gassiness and upset stomach.
- Chondroitin side effects include diarrhea.
- Manganese is safe in small doses, but it becomes a neurotoxin in high quantities. If your dog has any neurological issues, or if they are already taking a manganese supplement, you may want to avoid this ingredient.
The Best Liquid Joint Supplements For Your Dog
Here are some of the top rated liquid joints supplements. As you will see, they all contain the same active ingredients except for one that does not contain manganese and one that includes eggshell membrane to help with collagen production.
All of these have the same pros in that most dog owners have seen good results when using the product and dogs like the taste of it and take it easily.
Each product is specifically made just for dogs.
If there are any additional pros or cons that owners have mentioned other than allergic reactions or upset stomach, it will be listed. These are in no particular order.
Liquid-Vet K9 Hip & Joint Advanced Formula
Features:
- 32 oz. bottle.
- Active ingredients per 1 fluid ounce include: A mix of Glucosamine, MSM, Hyaluronic Acid, and Chondroitin. This does not give a breakdown of how much is in each fluid ounce, except that there is 1800 mg. of Glucosamine.
- Pot roast flavor.
- Made in the USA.
Natural Dog Company Liquid Glucosamine For Dogs – Extra Strength
Features:
- 16 oz. bottle.
- Active ingredients per fluid oz. include: Glucosamine 1600 mg., Chondroitin 1200 mg., MSM 1000 mg., Hyaluronic Acid 10 mg., and Manganese 7 mg.
- GMO free.
- Pump bottle.
- Made in the USA.
Pros:
- There is no odor.
Liquid Health Naturals K9 Glucosamine Supplement
Features:
- 32 oz. bottle.
- Active ingredients per fluid ounce include: Glucosamine 1600 mg , Chondroitin 1200 mg., MSM 1000 mg., Manganese 7 mg., and Hyaluronic acid 10 mg.
- No sugar, wheat, gluten, yeast, milk, or soy derivatives.
- Made in the USA.
LEGITPET Liquid Glucosamine
Features:
- Available in 2 sizes: 8 oz. and 32 oz.
- Active ingredients per 1 fluid ounce includes: Glucosamine 1600 mg., Chondroitin 1200 mg., MSM 1000mg. , Manganese 7 mg., and Hyaluronic Acid 10 mg.
- No soy, grain, corn, or sugar.
- Bacon flavor.
- Made in the USA.
Cons:
- A few users had issues with the bottle leaking.
Zesty Paws Mobility Flavor Infusions
Features:
- 16 oz. bottle.
- Ingredients per 1 teaspoon: Glucosamine HCL 150 mg. Chondroitin Sulfate 50 mg., MSM 150 mg., and Eggshell Membrane 10 mg.
- No grain, corn, or soy.
- Chicken flavor.
- Made in the USA with US and globally sourced ingredients.
Cons:
- Cap leaks and the product is very sticky.
It is so hard to see your dog struggling to get up after a nap or in pain when they try to walk. Liquid joint supplements can help to ease their discomfort and quality of life.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.