Supplements for senior pets: focus on improving mobility and joint health

Senior pets much like older humans can experience impaired mobility with age. The extent and nature of mobility issues can vary based on the pet’s species, breed, size, and overall health. Common reasons for impaired mobility in senior pets may include osteoarthritis and joint pain, muscle weakness or atrophy, and obesity. Many pet owners turn to dietary supplements with the goal of improving mobility and quality of life in older dogs and cats.  Healthy senior pets on complete diets may not need additional supplements if they are already eating high-quality pet food formulated for seniors, as these foods typically contain appropriate nutrient levels. The first step when considering a supplement is to work with your veterinarian to develop a targeted supplementation plan based on your pet’s specific health status, rather than adding supplements preventively. Here we review clinical trial evidence for two common supplements that may impact mobility in dogs and cats with osteoarthritis (OA) and joint pain: glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids. 

Clinical trials with glucosamine in dogs and cats:

A 2006 randomized double-blind, positive-controlled trial assessed the efficacy of a combination of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate (Glu/CS) in dogs with osteoarthritis (OA). Dogs treated with Glu/CS showed statistically significant improvements in scores for pain, weight-bearing, and severity of the condition by day 70; however, the onset of a significant response was slower compared to dogs treated with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug carprofen (Vet J 2007 Jul;174(1):54-61). Another study in 2022 assessed a dietary supplement containing glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate in dogs with OA. The supplement was found to be beneficial in alleviating pain and reducing clinical signs over a 60-day period (PLoS ONE 17(2): e0263971).  Clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of glucosamine in cats have yielded mixed results, varying by condition. A 2021 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated a glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate supplement in cats with pain due to OA.  Both the supplement and placebo groups showed significant improvements in pain and quality of life scores, with the placebo group exhibiting greater improvement in certain measures (J Feline Med Surg. 24(10):962-974).  A 2021 systematic review of preclinical studies on glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate therapies for knee OA in animals including cats concluded that, while some studies reported positive effects, the evidence was inconsistent. The review highlighted variability in study designs, dosages, and formulations, making it challenging to draw definitive conclusions about the supplements’ efficacy (Animals 2021, 11(6), 1608). 

Importantly, a comprehensive review in 2022 covering 57 articles and 72 trials examined supplements administered to dogs and cats affected by osteoarthritis. The overview indicated that supportive evidence existed for positive outcomes with omega-3-enriched diets and omega-3 supplements. Their analysis did not show supportive evidence for chondroitin-glucosamine nutraceuticals, leading the authors to recommend against chondroitin-glucosamine products for pain management in canine and feline osteoarthritis (Int J Mol Sci 2022 vol 23(18):10384).

Clinical trials with omega-3 fatty acids in dogs and cats:

Clinical trials have investigated the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in dogs, largely focusing on eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids has been associated with enhanced weight-bearing capacity in dogs suffering from OA, indicating reduced pain and improved joint function (Am Vet Med Assoc 2010 vol 236:67-73).  A recent study supplementing dogs with EPA and DHA daily for 16 weeks reported significant reductions in pain scores, particularly in small and medium-sized dogs (Animals 2024 vol 14(21):3108). These data suggest that supplementation with EPA and DHA may offer benefits for dogs in areas such as joint health, skin conditions, and overall quality of life.  One clinical trial in cats with OA found that supplementation with long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids led to improvements in activity levels, reduced stiffness during gait, increased interaction with owners, and higher jumps compared to those on corn oil supplementation (J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr 2013 vol 97(5):846-53). Likewise, a recent trial with omega-3 and collagen supplementation reduced functional impairment in cats with OA (Animals 2024 vol 14(22), 3298). Finally, while the comprehensive review referenced earlier did not reveal supportive evidence for chondroitin-glucosamine nutraceuticals in animals with OA, supportive evidence did exist for omega-3-enriched diets and omega-3 supplements in animals with osteoarthritis (Int J Mol Sci 2022 vol 23(18):10384).

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Important Considerations:

• Dosage and Monitoring: Determining the appropriate dosage is crucial to maximize benefits and minimize potential side effects. Consulting with a veterinarian is recommended to establish an optimal supplementation regimen tailored to an individual dog’s needs.
• Veterinary Guidance: A veterinarian can assess your pet’s health and recommend appropriate supplements.
• Balanced Diet: Ensure the pet’s regular diet meets its nutritional needs before adding supplements.
• Safety and Efficacy: Always choose supplements formulated specifically for pets and from reputable manufacturers. Some cats and dogs may experience gastrointestinal disturbances, such as diarrhea, when receiving omega-3 fatty acid supplements. Monitoring for adverse effects is recommended. 

*Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and doesn’t constitute veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian for personalized guidance on your senior dog’s specific needs.
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