Senior Dog Joint Care: Supplements, Ramps, and Elevated Food & Water Bowls

Caring for your senior dog’s joints is one of the most important things you can do to support their comfort, mobility, and quality of life as they age.

Eddie’s Senior Joint Care Journey

In Eddie’s first year with me, when he was six years old, he strained his neck—likely from playing or jumping. Our veterinarian prescribed Dasuquin, and within just a few days, I noticed a significant improvement. He was moving more comfortably and seemed much more like himself again.

To help prevent further strain, I also switched Eddie to elevated food and water bowls, so he wouldn’t have to bend his neck downward while eating or drinking. Between the joint supplement and the bowls, the difference was noticeable.

Eddie took Dasuquin daily for six weeks, then transitioned to a maintenance dose every other day. Once the prescription course was complete, our vet recommended continuing with the over-the-counter Dasuquin to support long-term joint health.

How Joint Supplements Help Senior Dogs

Joint supplements support mobility by:

• Reducing inflammation

• Supporting new cartilage formation

• Lubricating joints

• Helping reduce pain and stiffness

I did a lot of research before committing long-term. I found a helpful comparison article from PetMD by Chewy, which breaks down the differences between Cosequin and Dasuquin. That article ultimately helped me decide on Dasuquin with MSM Hip & Joint Chews.

Key Ingredients in Joint Supplements

Most quality joint supplements include glucosamine and chondroitin:

• Glucosamine helps form new cartilage and protects existing cartilage in the joints.

• Chondroitin helps lubricate joints, nourish connective tissues, and absorb shock.

Together, they reduce inflammation and slow cartilage breakdown. These ingredients are generally considered safe for long-term use when recommended by your veterinarian.

What Makes Dasuquin Different

In addition to glucosamine and chondroitin, Dasuquin includes:

• Avocado–Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASUs): Work synergistically with glucosamine and chondroitin to reduce inflammation and support joint healing

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Support joint health, skin, heart, brain, and immune function

• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): Helps reduce inflammation and supports cellular health

• Boswellia serrata extract: A natural anti-inflammatory

• Hyaluronic acid (HA): Helps lubricate joints and improve mobility

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Eddie Today

Eddie is now 12 years old. While he’s definitely more sleepy than he used to be, he still moves with agility and even gets a little air in his hops and jumps. I break apart a Dasuquin chew each morning and sprinkle it over his food—he’s not a fan of eating it whole, but this works perfectly for us.'

Eddie can still get air in his hops and run

There are also Dasuquin formulas for cats. A close friend of mine has a cat who is over 20 years old who has been taking Dasuquin for several years and is still impressively spry.

Minx at 20 years of age- still springy thanks to Dasuquin for cats

Additional Ways to Support Senior Dog Joint Health

• Maintain a healthy weight: Extra weight puts unnecessary pressure on joints and can accelerate arthritis and mobility issues.

• Use ramps: Ramps help dogs avoid jumping on and off furniture or into cars, which reduces joint strain and lowers the risk of injury.

Eddie using his ramp

Find this ramp on our Chewy Storefront.

• Elevate food and water bowls: This helps reduce neck and joint strain, especially for dogs with arthritis or previous injuries.

• Acupuncture - reduces pain and inflammation

• if you're in the Los Angeles area, check out Five Elements Veterinary Specialty. It's a mobile vet service that provides acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatment for pets in the comfort of their homes. Get 15% off when you download the RECS 4 PETS app.

• Cold Laser Therapy - helps with inflammation, reduces pain, helps with mobility

  Los Angeles Veterinarian Offices to get cold laser therapy:

  • Arcadia Animal Hospital

  • West Main Animal Hospital

  • La Verne Animal Hospital

Important Disclaimer

This article is not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before starting or changing joint supplements or mobility aids to determine what’s best for your dog’s specific needs.