Joint health is important for pets of all ages, not just seniors. While we often notice joint problems later in life such as stiffness, slowing down on walks, hesitation to jump but early support can make a big difference in comfort, mobility, and long-term joint function. Starting joint supplements before obvious signs of discomfort is a proactive way to protect your pet’s joints throughout life.
When Should Joint Supplements Be Started?
For large-breed puppies and active dogs, introducing joint support from around 6–12 months can help protect developing joints. Older dogs and cats may benefit at the very first hint of stiffness when they are taking longer to get up, moving less, or seeming reluctant to jump onto furniture. In cats, signs can be subtle: avoiding the windowsill, sleeping more, or grooming less. Starting early helps maintain cartilage, cushion joints, and support a healthy inflammatory response.
What to Look for in a Good Joint Supplement
A high-quality joint supplement should provide comprehensive support for overall joint health. This includes helping to maintain healthy cartilage structure, promoting natural joint lubrication for smooth movement, and supporting a balanced inflammatory response to reduce discomfort. Together, these actions help protect joint integrity while supporting comfort, flexibility, and ease of movement in dogs and cats as they age.
Many products combine several ingredients to target different aspects of joint health. Key ingredients include:
Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulphate: Support cartilage repair and help maintain joint cushioning.
Green Lipped Mussel (GLM): A natural source of omega-3 fatty acids that help soothe joints and support flexibility.
Hyaluronic Acid: Helps maintain joint lubrication for smoother movement.
Boswellia & Turmeric : Plant extracts known for supporting healthy inflammatory responses and comfort. Bioperine™ helps the body absorb curcumin more effectively.
Omega 3 oils: Supports joint comfort as well as skin and coat condition, with added benefits for heart and brain health.
Vitamin C, Zinc & Manganese: Essential nutrients for collagen formation and cartilage repair.
Protecting your pet’s joints starts with a few simple lifestyle habits. Puppies should avoid high-impact jumping while their bones and joints are still developing, as this can place unnecessary stress on growing tissues. Maintaining a healthy body weight is also key, since excess weight increases pressure on the joints and can accelerate wear and tear. For senior pets, providing non-slip flooring helps prevent slips and falls, making it easier and safer for them to move around. Regular, moderate exercise is important at every age to build and maintain strong muscles that support the joints. Four helpful supplement options by Broadreach Nature include: GLM Joint Care for gentle daily support for mobility; Joint Care Advanced for more active support and older pets; Joint+ Vitality+ Wellness Care (Curcumin 20:1 Extract + Bioperine™) which has enhanced anti-inflammatory support for overall wellness and our Omega Max Advanced Oil to support healthy joints, brain, heart and skin . With the right balance of movement, nutrition, and a high-quality joint supplement, dogs and cats can stay comfortable, mobile, and active throughout their lives. If you are not sure when to start or what to use, contact us and we can tailor a protocol for your pets needs.
Supporting Healthy Joints in Dogs and Cats
Joint health is important for pets of all ages, not just seniors. While we often notice joint problems later in life such as stiffness, slowing down on walks, hesitation to jump but early support can make a big difference in comfort, mobility, and long-term joint function. Starting joint supplements before obvious signs of discomfort is a proactive way to protect your pet’s joints throughout life.
When Should Joint Supplements Be Started?
For large-breed puppies and active dogs, introducing joint support from around 6–12 months can help protect developing joints. Older dogs and cats may benefit at the very first hint of stiffness when they are taking longer to get up, moving less, or seeming reluctant to jump onto furniture. In cats, signs can be subtle: avoiding the windowsill, sleeping more, or grooming less. Starting early helps maintain cartilage, cushion joints, and support a healthy inflammatory response.
What to Look for in a Good Joint Supplement
A high-quality joint supplement should provide comprehensive support for overall joint health. This includes helping to maintain healthy cartilage structure, promoting natural joint lubrication for smooth movement, and supporting a balanced inflammatory response to reduce discomfort. Together, these actions help protect joint integrity while supporting comfort, flexibility, and ease of movement in dogs and cats as they age.
Many products combine several ingredients to target different aspects of joint health. Key ingredients include:
Protecting your pet’s joints starts with a few simple lifestyle habits. Puppies should avoid high-impact jumping while their bones and joints are still developing, as this can place unnecessary stress on growing tissues. Maintaining a healthy body weight is also key, since excess weight increases pressure on the joints and can accelerate wear and tear. For senior pets, providing non-slip flooring helps prevent slips and falls, making it easier and safer for them to move around. Regular, moderate exercise is important at every age to build and maintain strong muscles that support the joints. Four helpful supplement options by Broadreach Nature include: GLM Joint Care for gentle daily support for mobility; Joint Care Advanced for more active support and older pets; Joint+ Vitality+ Wellness Care (Curcumin 20:1 Extract + Bioperine™) which has enhanced anti-inflammatory support for overall wellness and our Omega Max Advanced Oil to support healthy joints, brain, heart and skin . With the right balance of movement, nutrition, and a high-quality joint supplement, dogs and cats can stay comfortable, mobile, and active throughout their lives. If you are not sure when to start or what to use, contact us and we can tailor a protocol for your pets needs.