8 Home Remedies for Healthy Dog Joints

Did you know that every one in five dogs has issues with their joints? ¹ Read on for eight science-backed methods to help support your furry friend at home.

Key Takeaways

Joints are important, complex body parts used for a wide range of physical activities.
Many dogs will need extra support for their joints, especially as they age.
Exercise and a balanced diet are both important for supporting joint health.
Various supplements can also support and enhance joint health, including Hemp Extract or CBD Oil and antioxidants.

See More: Can Cats Have Colostrum? Benefits, Uses, & More

Understanding Your Dog's Joints

Dogs, like humans, rely on their joints. Whenever you see your dog sit, run, fetch, walk, play, or move in general, they are using their joints!

Joints are the structures that connect different bones together. Some are formed like a ball-and-socket to allow for some rotation. Others are more like hinges, and can only bend and straighten.²

Some joints don't move at all.

Joints are made of a few different components. There are the bones. These are usually capped with cartilage, a protective tissue that absorbs shock and reduces friction caused by movement.³

A lubricant called synovial fluid also helps reduce friction in joints.⁴

Joints also often contain tendons. These are made of collagen, an important protein. They attack muscles to bones.⁵

Ligaments, another kind of connective tissue, help stabilize joints and connect bones together.⁶

The health of each of these components contributes to the overall health of a joint. Ideally, you want plenty of high-quality cartilage and synovial fluid, plus strong muscles and connective tissues.⁷

Early Signs You Should Help Your Dog's Joints

As you can see, joints can be quite complex. They are also often subject to considerable strain and stress.

A weakening of any single part of a joint can cause your dog problems. It's therefore important to support your dog's joint health to avoid that happening.

But how can you tell if something's wrong? Dogs can't talk, but we pet parents know they can still communicate with us. If your dog's joints are giving them trouble, they'll likely display some behavioral changes.

The most obvious sign your dog is struggling is if they slow down. Now, some dogs are naturally less active than others, so the important thing to look for is a change in your dog's activity levels.

Have they suddenly lost interest in walks, when before they couldn't wait to go outside? Are they reluctant to fetch their ball, when before they would beg to play? Do they struggle to get up stairs or onto the sofa, when before these presented no obstacle?

If your dog is suddenly less willing to do physical activities they used to love or had no problem with, the issue may lie in their joints.⁸

Sometimes, the signs may be a little less obvious. Your dog's gait may change; stiffness, shuffling, and general weakness are all symptoms of joint issues. Similarly, they may hold out an affected body part (like the hind legs) in an awkward manner.⁹

Another thing to look out for is your pup's mood. As you can likely understand, dogs often become more subdued or tired if their joints are acting up. They may also excessively groom the joint (or joints) that are giving them trouble.¹⁰

Bonus: Can Dogs be Allergic to CBD or Hemp?

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Natural Joint Degeneration as Your Dog Ages

Unfortunately, it's very common for joint health to decline with age. For example, older dogs often have weaker muscles or lower overall muscle mass, which can reduce the stability of their joints.¹¹

Similarly, studies have found that cartilage in older dogs is often damaged, including from long-term wear and tear.¹²

Ultimately, then, joints often need more support the older they get.

8 At-Home Remedies for Healthy Dog Joints

If your dog shows signs of needing more joint support, there are plenty of ways you can address that need at home.

Broadly speaking, the two techniques to support joint health are diet and exercise. Of course, dogs need a balanced diet and enough exercise for their health in general. But there are a few other things that can specifically support the joints.

#1. Hemp Extract

Hemp Treats and extracts are made from hemp plants, which are packed with powerful compounds that contain plenty of potential health benefits. There are many different extracts available, often tailored to meet specific needs, including supporting joint health.

For example, Mobility Hemp Extract contains a blend of CBDa and CBD, two cannabinoids that have been shown to help support and even enhance bone and joint health.¹³

CBDa is not as studied as CBD, but it shows promise for both pets and humans. In one 2025 study, a paste containing CBD and CBDa enhanced joint health in cats.¹⁴

“Why CBDa?” says Dr. Ruth Roberts, a veterinarian and pet health coach. “It has a really marked impact on pain and pain control,” she explains.

#2. CBD Oil

You might also consider grabbing a high-quality CBD Oil. CBD is widely used to help support joint, bone, and connective tissue health in dogs. According to one survey, over six million dogs have been given CBD in the US alone, and many of them received it specifically to help support their joint health.¹⁵

In one Cornell study, over 80% of dogs demonstrated enhanced joint health after receiving CBD.¹⁶ Another study found that CBD generally enhanced the functions of connective tissues, helping to maintain mobility in dogs with joint issues.¹⁷

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#3. Antioxidants

Antioxidants are powerful molecules that protect the body's cells from oxidative stress, which refers to damage caused by free radicals. Research shows that antioxidants have various potential health benefits, including supporting bone, joint, and connective tissue health.

For example, one study found that a supplement rich in antioxidants enhanced joint health in dogs.¹⁸ Research has also found that antioxidants are crucial for maintaining cartilage, a key component of joints.¹⁹

One potent antioxidant is glutathione. It's sometimes called the "master antioxidant," but glutathione levels often decline with age and exposure to toxins.

Our Liposomal Glutathione is the first supplement of its kind to encapsulate glutathione, delivering it to your dog's cells more effectively. The unique blend also includes other powerful ingredients, like milk thistle extract and L-glycine.

#4. Glucosamine

Glucosamine is an amino sugar. It's often derived from shellfish.

Research suggests it can support and enhance joint health in dogs.²⁰ It may do this, in part, by supporting collagen.²¹

It's often combined with chondroitin, a crucial component of cartilage that may help dogs maintain cartilage and connective tissue.²²

#5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have all kinds of potential health benefits, many of them linked to joint health. For example, they help decrease normal inflammatory pathways, which in turn help support joint health.²³

#6. Green-Lipped Mussels

Green-lipped mussels are packed with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Little wonder, then, that studies have shown they can support and enhance joint health in dogs.²⁴

In one study, a group of dogs was fed a diet enriched with green-lipped mussels for two months. At the end of the time period, the researchers measured peak vertical force, the "gold standard method" of analyzing joint health. The peak vertical force of the dogs fed the mussels-enriched diet markedly improved.²⁵

#7. Turmeric

This one might surprise you. Turmeric is actually one of the most-studied natural ingredients when it comes to joint health.²⁶

The secret lies in curcumin, a bioactive ingredient in turmeric. It's what gives turmeric its recognizable yellow color.²⁷

Multiple studies have found that curcumin can support and enhance joint health in dogs. That doesn't necessarily mean you should give your dog turmeric from the kitchen, though; dogs absorb it quite poorly, so dedicated supplements with enhanced delivery systems are usually more effective.²⁸

#8. Exercise

Exercise is a vital component of overall health, joint health included.

However, not all exercise is equal. Gentle exercise, like walking or swimming, is best for joint health. You can also combine exercise with specific stretches or exercises to help maintain your dog's joint mobility.²⁹

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Conclusion

Joint health is crucial for overall health. Your dog relies on their joints to move, eat, play... joint issues can cause discomfort and significantly lower your dog's quality of life.

That's why it's so important to support your pup's joint health. Exercise is key, as is a balanced diet, and there are plenty of Senior Supplements that can help.

Keep Reading: Phytocannabinoids for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do Older Dogs Get Bony?

Dogs naturally lose muscle mass as they age. That can make them seem bonier than they were when they were younger.³⁰

This might be natural, but it can make joints more vulnerable, because muscles are what provide joints with support and strength.

That's why it's crucial to support your dog's joint health as they age. Supplements like CBD oil are a great, science-backed option for supporting and enhancing joint health.

What Is the Best Supplement For Senior Dogs Joints?

There are many different supplements that can support and even enhance joint health. Which is the best for your dog will depend on various things, including their age, diet, and even their personal preferences.

For example, one dog might love Duck & Apple CBD Chews, while another may prefer Beef & Pumpkin.

Overall, hemp extract is an excellent choice for supporting joint, bone, and connective tissue health. You could grab a Mobility Tincture with a blend of CBDa and CBD, two cannabinoids that have been shown in studies to support joint health.

When in doubt, we offer a Senior Support Pack with two of our best supplements for older dogs: Maxx Life and Focus + Immune.

Is Turmeric or Glucosamine Better For Dogs?

Both turmeric (or rather, its bioactive component curcumin) and glucosamine are powerful supplements that have been shown in studies to support joint health. They're both great options.

That said, they achieve slightly different things. Glucosamine may help support collagen and helps maintain synovial fluid that lubricates joints, while turmeric may help with occasional discomfort.

Which you decide to use may therefore depend on how you want to support your dog's joint health. Some people even use both. If you're unsure, ask your vet for guidance.

What can I give my dog for joint wellness at home?

The most effective at-home options for supporting healthy joint function include CBD or CBDa oil, glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, and gentle exercise like walking or swimming. Full spectrum CBDa or CBD oil is particularly effective - studies show over 80% of dogs demonstrated enhanced joint wellness after receiving CBD. Antioxidants like glutathione and natural ingredients like turmeric and green-lipped mussels also support natural joint function. Always consult your vet before starting new supplements.

Is CBD or glucosamine better for supporting dog joint wellness?

Both CBD and glucosamine are excellent for supporting healthy joint function, but they work slightly differently. Glucosamine helps support collagen and maintains synovial fluid that lubricates joints, while CBD oil (especially combined with full spectrum with CBDa) supports overall joint wellness and comfort. Many pet owners use both together for comprehensive joint support. The best choice depends on your dog's specific needs - ask your vet which is right for your pup.

How quickly does hemp extract support joint wellness in dogs?

Most dogs start showing improvements in joint health within 20-30 days of consistent CBD combined with CBDa oil use. Earth Buddy's study found that dogs using Mobility 500mg (CBDa/CBD blend) showed 60% improvement in quality of life within 20 days. However, results vary by dog, dosage, and product quality. For best results, use full spectrum CBDa with CBD oil (not broad spectrum or isolate) and give it time to engage and activate your dog's natural cannabinoid pathways.

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Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our colostrum supplements, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.

8 Home Remedies for Healthy Dog Joints

Key Takeaways

Understanding Your Dog's Joints

Early Signs You Should Help Your Dog's Joints

Natural Joint Degeneration as Your Dog Ages