Optimising Joint Health for Active & Ageing Dogs

Arthritis 101: Understanding Joint Disease in Dogs

Arthritis is among the most common chronic health conditions in dogs, affecting around 20% of dogs over the age of one, with prevalence rising steeply as they age. While seniors are most commonly affected, young active dogs, large breeds, obese dogs, and those with injuries or genetic predispositions can also be at risk.

The most typical form is osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), a progressive condition where the protective cartilage within joints gradually deteriorates. This leads to pain, inflammation, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Though arthritis cannot be cured, early recognition and intervention can help slow its progression and greatly improve comfort.

How to Recognise the Early Symptoms

Spotting arthritis early is vital, as the first changes are often subtle and easy to overlook. Keep an eye out for the following signs:

• Stiffness after rest or following exercise
• Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or get into the car
• Limping or favouring one leg
• Slowing down on walks or showing reduced stamina
• Difficulty rising from lying down

Recognising these indicators early and supporting joint health can help slow disease progression and maintain your dog’s comfort and quality of life.

Supporting Joint Health Naturally

Once the early signs of arthritis or joint discomfort are recognised, the next step is supporting your dog with strategies that reduce inflammation, protect cartilage, and maintain mobility. Natural joint supplements are increasingly popular as part of a holistic approach, with each of the products below offering unique benefits to address different aspects of joint disease.

Antinol® Plus: A marine lipid extract rich in highly bioavailable omega-3 fatty acids, helping to reduce inflammation, support cartilage health, improve joint lubrication, and promote overall mobility.

CanineCeuticals® Collagen Forte: Contains Fortigel®, a clinically studied collagen peptide that stimulates cartilage regeneration and improves joint function, particularly valuable for dogs already showing stiffness or wear and tear.

CanineCeuticals® P.E.A Plus: Palmitoylethanolamide (P.E.A) works on the endocannabinoid system to modulate inflammation and help relieve discomfort associated with joint strain or arthritis.

VETACTIV8 Joint Health Plus: A multi-nutrient blend of rosehips, curcumin, MSM, type II collagen, and hyaluronic acid, targeting multiple pathways involved in joint health, including inflammation reduction, cartilage repair, and lubrication.

Used individually or in combination, these supplements can help protect joints, reduce inflammation, and support recovery from activity-related strain, keeping active dog’s mobile, comfortable, and enjoying life for longer.

Antinol® Plus vs. Fish Oil: What’s the Difference?

While both Antinol® Plus and standard fish oil provide omega-3 fatty acids, the difference lies in potency, purity, and bioavailability.

• Antinol® Plus is a patented extract of green-lipped mussels and krill oil, providing a broader spectrum of beneficial fatty acids and phospholipids in a highly bioavailable form.
• Fish oil often contains only EPA and DHA, and oxidation can reduce its effectiveness if not processed and stored properly. Fish oil supplements are also available in two primary forms: triglyceride (TG) and ethyl ester (EE). TG is the natural form found in fish and is generally more bioavailable and stable, while EE is a processed form created during manufacturing that can allow for higher concentrations but is typically less well absorbed. The choice of form, as well as the freshness and handling of the oil, greatly impacts the effectiveness of fish oil supplements.

For dogs with joint issues or those needing targeted anti-inflammatory support, Antinol® Plus offers a more concentrated and clinically tested option, with the added benefit of phospholipid-rich compounds that support superior bioavailability and stability compared to most fish oils.

Can Joint Health Supplements Help with Arthritis Management in Dogs?

Yes. While supplements cannot reverse structural damage once arthritis is advanced, they can:

• Reduce inflammation and associated pain
• Improve joint lubrication
• Support cartilage repair and slow degeneration
• Enhance mobility and quality of life

In many cases, combining supplements with appropriate exercise, weight control, and physical therapies, such as hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and acupuncture, can significantly improve comfort in arthritic dogs.

Can Joint Health Supplements Support Active or Sporting Dogs?

Joint health supplements aren’t just useful for managing arthritis; they can also be an excellent preventative strategy for active or sporting dogs. High-impact activities such as agility, flyball, dock diving, or even regular off-lead running and chasing can place significant strain on joints, ligaments, and connective tissues. Over time, this wear and tear can increase the risk of micro-injuries, inflammation, or early cartilage breakdown.

Using targeted canine joint supplements proactively can help minimise the long-term consequences of this activity. For example, Antinol® Plus supports joint lubrication and reduces inflammation after strenuous exercise, while Collagen Forte provides the building blocks for cartilage repair, helping maintain resilience in joints exposed to repetitive strain. P.E.A Plus can help with pain modulation and inflammation following heavy activity, while Joint Health Plus offers a multi-nutrient blend that supports mobility and flexibility across multiple pathways. For pet parents wanting an affordable option, the Active Dog Bundle is a great choice. It combines Collagen Forte, Joint Health Plus and Cognition Care to provide multi-targeted support for joint strength, mobility and overall resilience.

By incorporating supplements alongside a well-structured exercise program and balanced diet, owners can help keep their sporting or highly active dogs performing at their best while reducing the risk of early joint deterioration and extending their mobility well into the senior years.

Breeds Prone to Joint Issues and How to Support Them

Some breeds have a higher risk of developing joint problems, including:

• Golden Retrievers
• Labrador Retrievers
• German Shepherds
• Rottweilers
• Bernese Mountain Dogs
• Mastiffs
• Boxers

For these breeds, proactive joint care is vital. Starting joint supplements early, maintaining a lean body weight, and providing low-impact exercise like swimming or controlled leash walks can help delay or minimise joint deterioration.

Keeping Your Dog Moving Well Into the Future

Supporting your dog’s joints is about more than treating arthritis once it’s advanced; it’s about taking early, proactive steps to protect their mobility, comfort, and quality of life. By recognising the subtle signs of joint strain, incorporating targeted supplements like Antinol® Plus, and the Joint Support Pack, and tailoring their exercise and diet to suit their individual needs, you can help keep your dog active, comfortable, and happy for years to come.

If you’d like personalised guidance on creating a joint support plan - whether your dog is an energetic youngster, a breed predisposed to joint issues, or a senior starting to slow down - our team is here to help. Contact us at info@canineceuticals.com.au for advice tailored to your dog’s unique needs.