Joint Health

Backed by Dr. Meghan Barrett, Dr. Danielle Conway & 4 others...

Introduction Risk Assessment Prevention Diet Management

INTRODUCTION

Joint disease is one of the leading causes of chronic pain in dogs today. Inflammation in the joints is extremely common with age, but it is not exclusive to senior dogs. 20% of dogs have arthritis by the age of 1, 40% by the age of 4, and 80% of dogs over the age of 8. Being proactive with nutrition, controlled exercise, and lifelong joint support is far more effective than waiting until your dog is already showing signs of stiffness or lameness.

The single most impactful intervention for a dog with joint disease is maintaining or achieving a lean body condition. Every excess kilogram (2.2 lbs) of body weight adds approximately four kilograms (8.8 lbs) of force to the joints with each step. For overweight dogs with joint disease, no supplement will compensate for the mechanical load that excess body weight places on damaged cartilage and inflamed joints every single day.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Pain often doesn’t look like limping or crying out. It may look like behavioral changes, slowing down, or subtle weight shifts. These are ways that dogs learn to cope with their pain. Investigating any potential pain or discomfort should be part of every dog’s care, and should be revisited often:

Symptom	Observed?	How Often?	How Severe?
Slowing down on walks, sleeping more, decreased activity and playtime	check_box_outline_blank	arrow_drop_down	arrow_drop_down
Taking longer to go from laying down to standing, or standing to laying down	check_box_outline_blank	arrow_drop_down	arrow_drop_down
Changes in sleeping positions (can't curl into a ball anymore, stops lying on their back)	check_box_outline_blank	arrow_drop_down	arrow_drop_down
Muscle loss, particularly in thigh muscles	check_box_outline_blank	arrow_drop_down	arrow_drop_down
Restlessness, can't get comfortable, shifts positions in bed, has difficulty settling down	check_box_outline_blank	arrow_drop_down	arrow_drop_down
Shaking or trembling (not from cold), reluctant to move	check_box_outline_blank	arrow_drop_down	arrow_drop_down
Hesitating before stairs, jumping on furniture, or getting into car	check_box_outline_blank	arrow_drop_down	arrow_drop_down
Behavior changes (anxiety, hiding, loss of appetite, aggression, resource guarding)	check_box_outline_blank	arrow_drop_down	arrow_drop_down
Slipping on floors, such as losing their footing on hardwood, tile, or slick floors	check_box_outline_blank	arrow_drop_down	arrow_drop_down

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PREVENTION & EARLY DETECTION

Joint health problems often develop silently long before dogs show obvious signs of discomfort. By the time your dog hesitates on stairs or shows stiffness after laying down, significant cartilage damage may already be present. Early intervention allows you to protect joints while they're still healthy and responsive to preventative measures. You can significantly influence both the severity and timing of your dog's joint problems through proactive care:

Why It Matters:
Weight management is the primary, foundational intervention. Excess weight puts additional mechanical stress on joints, increases inflammation throughout the body, accelerates cartilage breakdown, and significantly worsens arthritis progression. In overweight arthritic dogs, even modest weight reduction, such as moving from a body condition score of 6 to 5 out of 9, produces measurable improvements in pain free mobility and quality of life.

What You Can Do:

Learn to assess Body Condition Score (BCS) at home using the 9-point scale: check ribs, waist, and tummy for excess fat.
Check Muscle Condition Score (MCS) to avoid "skinny fat" dogs who appear lean but lack muscle tone. Feel spine, shoulders, skull, and hips for muscle loss.
Establish your dog's ideal weight with your vet, especially during growth phases and senior years.
Weigh your dog monthly to catch weight gain early, but remember that body weight alone doesn't reveal how weight is distributed as fat versus muscle.
Adjust diet based on activity level and age, as nutritional needs change throughout life stages.
Limit treats to less than 10% of daily calories and account for all extras including training treats and table scraps.

Why It Matters:

Your puppy's bones are not fully developed until up to 18 months in large breeds. During the first year of life, growth plates of cartilage at the ends of bones support rapid growth, making this a critical period for safe joint development. Too much exercise can harm proper development and closure of these growth plates, increasing the risk of diseases like hip dysplasia and injuries like cranial cruciate ligament disease later in life. A study of 500 dogs found that daily stair use in the first 3 months of life increased hip dysplasia risk significantly, while outdoor exercise and off-leash activity on soft ground actually decreased the risk.

What You Can Do:

Keep your dog off stairs during their first 3 months. Until your puppy learns to safely use stairs with control at a walking pace, limit access. Jumping up and down stairs or running before walking increases injury risk.
Choose consistent, low-impact activities on soft surfaces like grass (not pavement or asphalt) and encourage off-leash play when safe.
Avoid forced exercise like jogging or long-distance activities until growth plates close. If you know your dog is predisposed to joint issues, avoid high-impact activities with fast turns, such as fetching a ball or frisbee, that create compression and require quick directional changes.
Follow the 10% rule. Increase activity by no more than 10% per week in frequency, duration, or intensity to prevent overuse injuries.
Start core-strengthening exercises early, such as sit-to-stands, backwards walking, and side stepping, and continue practicing them daily throughout your dog’s life.
For dogs advancing to agility or competitive sport, work with a certified trainer or rehabilitation therapist to build strength, endurance, conditioning, and coordination before intensive activity.

Why It Matters:

Early spay/neuter can compromise skeletal maturation and increase the risk of joint disorders and osteoarthritis later in life. The traditional "one-size-fits-all" spay/neuter recommendations around 6 months are being challenged by newer research from UC Davis. Their 2024 research studied 30 different breeds and found that optimal timing varies by breed and sex, with considerations for cancer risks, joint disease, weight issues, behavioral changes, and other health factors including urinary incontinence.

What You Can Do:

Delay spay/neuter procedures until after growth plates close and your dog reaches skeletal maturity, if possible.
Consult UC Davis's breed-specific guidelines and work with your veterinarian to determine optimal timing for your individual dog.
Consider alternative approaches like ovary-sparing spay or vasectomy that preserve hormone function when appropriate and available.
For rescue dogs already spayed/neutered at young ages, start joint support supplements (omega-3s, green-lipped mussel extr, etc.) at 6 months of age as a proactive measure.
Learn about responsible management of intact dogs if choosing not to spay/neuter.

Why It Matters:

Starting joint supplements early can help prevent cartilage damage before it becomes irreversible. Omega-3 fatty acids (particularly EPA and DHA) work at the cellular level to decrease inflammation and improve joint fluid quality. Green-lipped mussel extract provides omega-3s along with glycosaminoglycans and contains compounds that block the enzyme responsible for breaking down cartilage.

What You Can Do:

Start joint support during puppyhood for high-risk candidates: breeds prone to joint issues, dogs with conformational abnormalities, or early spay/neuter.
Source omega-3s from marine sources such as oily fish or high-quality fish oil supplements. Plant-based omega-3s (ALA) from flaxseed or hemp oil do not provide useful quantities of EPA or DHA, as dogs cannot efficiently convert ALA into these beneficial forms.
Consider green-lipped mussel extract. Unlike green-lipped mussel oil, the cold-pressed extract retains the bioactive compounds that help prevent cartilage breakdown.

Why It Matters:

Dogs experiencing joint discomfort develop compensatory movement patterns to cope with pain. If your dog’s hind end is weak or uncomfortable, they will shift their weight forward and work the front legs harder. If sitting in a square pose is painful, they may round their spine to keep the back legs straight. If the movements involved in a trot are painful or fatiguing, your dog may switch to a pacing gait. Having baseline documentation of your dog's normal movement patterns and posture when they're young and healthy gives you an objective reference point to look back on.

What You Can Do:

Capture baseline videos of your dog walking from the side, front, and back views.
Document baseline posture with side-view photos to track any posture changes over time.
Regularly analyze their gait and posture. Watch for compensatory movements including weight shifts, changes in how your dog sits or stands, or changes in their normal gait pattern (trot vs. pace).
Keep note of subtle signs, such as muscle loss in the thighs, altered gait patterns, or changes in activity preferences.
Get help from a professional such as a certified canine rehabilitation therapist to assess and improve your dog’s posture and gait.

Why It Matters:

Harnesses that sit straight across the front of your dog's shoulders, like an Easy Walk or Sense-ation, restrict shoulder extension and limit natural movement. This restriction alters gait patterns and creates compensatory stress on other joints. Restrictive walking equipment that forces heeling or unnatural movement patterns can worsen joint stress, particularly in dogs who are already experiencing pain. Dogs with hind limb weakness or pain may naturally pull forward to shift their weight onto the front legs, reducing the work required from painful joints. Forcing these dogs into heel position or using equipment that restricts natural movement can increase discomfort and accelerate joint damage.

What You Can Do:

Choose a well-fitted Y-harness that avoids placing a strap straight across the front of your dog's shoulders, allowing for easier movement and full shoulder extension.
- Dr. Barrett's preference is a harness with a D ring on the chest and the back so that a double leash can be used.
Avoid restrictive walking equipment that forces rigid heel position or prevents natural weight distribution, or pulls your dog to one side frequently.

Why It Matters:

Overgrown nails reduce paw traction and change the angle your dog's paws contact the ground, creating abnormal forces on the joints, tendons, and ligaments that lead to pain and long-term degeneration. Overgrown nails are also at a higher risk of becoming snagged or injured. All of these factors become especially important in our senior dogs that may be already dealing with frailty, arthritis, and balance issues.

What You Can Do:

Start nail trim training early in puppies to get them used to the process and paw handling. Keep sessions short and use positive reinforcement such as treats or breaks.
Trim your dog’s nails regularly. The nails should not touch the ground when your dog is standing normally. One clue that your dog’s nails are overgrown is if you can hear a “clicking” sound when they walk on hard ground.
Improve their paw traction by also trimming the hair between your dog’s pads if it’s long.
Consider investing in cooperative care or a scratchboard if your dog is older and is having a hard time with nail trims.

Why It Matters:

Assess your home proactively before mobility issues develop rather than waiting for an injury. Environmental modifications can prevent slips, trips, and falls that cause acute injuries or worsen existing joint problems. This is especially important in breeds prone to joint issues, such as Dachshunds, German Shepherds, etc.

What You Can Do:

Add non-slip surfaces, such as yoga mats, runners, or non-slip rugs on slippery floors, especially in eating areas, frequently used pathways, and in the bathtub.
Install baby gates to control stair access if your dog is prone to running or jumping up and down stairs, or if they show any signs of mobility changes.
Add ramps or steps to help dogs access furniture, cars, or elevated areas they normally jump onto.

Why It Matters:

While your dog may love to play fetch or frisbee, repetitive high-impact activities create cumulative microtrauma to joints, tendons, and ligaments. The repetitive nature of these activities accelerates joint wear and increases injury risk over time.

What You Can Do:

Maintain consistent activity rather than “weekend warrior” patterns where your dog is sedentary during the week then suddenly very active on weekends.
Focus on controlled movement, such as leashed walks, swimming, and moderate-intensity play sessions. Add fitness exercises to your dog’s daily routine.
Avoid repetitive high-impact activities like excessive ball throwing or frisbee, especially on hard surfaces. Limit activities that combine high velocity with quick turns and explosive jumping.
Include variety with different terrains, speeds, and movement patterns to build balanced strength.
Monitor for signs of fatigue, changes in gait, or reluctance to exercise. This is often when injuries happen, so be sure to stop when you notice these signs.
Warm up prior to heavy activity and allow adequate rest and recovery between exercise sessions.

Why It Matters:

Digital thermal imaging can detect inflammation and circulation changes before they become visible to the naked eye or cause obvious symptoms. It can reveal issues your dog may be compensating for without showing obvious lameness. Red and white colors indicate increased heat and blood flow from inflammation, while blue indicates lack of circulation often seen with neurological issues, nerve impingement, or intervertebral disc disease. It allows veterinarians to identify early joint problems, detect compensation patterns, monitor treatment progress, and screen healthy animals for developing issues that might not yet be causing pain or lameness. While thermal imaging won't provide a diagnosis, it tells you where to look more closely.

What You Can Do:

Ask about thermal imaging availability at veterinary clinics in your area, especially specialty or rehabilitation practices. The screening takes only 3-5 minutes and requires no sedation or exposure risk.
Consider proactive screening every 6-months for high-risk breeds, athletic dogs, working dogs, or dogs with previous injuries.
Use thermal imaging to validate whether diet changes, supplements, or other interventions are reducing inflammation over time.

DIET

Nutrition cannot reverse cartilage damage, but it can meaningfully reduce inflammation, slow disease progression, and in many cases reduce the amount of pain medication a dog requires. Knowing which nutritional interventions are evidence-based, and which are not, is essential.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The Strongest Supplement Evidence

Among all nutritional supplements evaluated for canine osteoarthritis, EPA and DHA from marine sources have the most robust and consistent evidence base. A landmark 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed 57 published studies across 72 trials and found that omega-3 enriched diets and supplements demonstrated clear clinical pain relief in dogs and cats with osteoarthritis. It was the strongest positive finding among all supplement categories examined.

The anti-inflammatory mechanisms of EPA and DHA follow the same biochemical pathway targeted by NSAIDs (nonsteroidal ant-inflammatory drugs), but through diet rather than medicine. Clinical studies have demonstrated that some dogs with osteoarthritis on omega-3 supplementation require reduced NSAID doses, a clinically meaningful outcome given the gastrointestinal and renal side effects associated with long-term NSAID use.

warning

Target dose for anti-inflammatory effect

The anti-inflammatory dose of EPA and DHA in dogs is generally estimated at 120 mg combined EPA+DHA per kilogram of body weight per day. This level typically requires supplementation beyond standard dietary intake. Discuss specific dosing with your veterinary nutritionist, as dose needs to be calibrated to your dog’s size, diet, and other health factors.

Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and Green-Lipped Mussel

That same 2022 systematic review found a “very marked non-effect” for chondroitin-glucosamine nutraceuticals, with 88.9% of trials showing no efficacy. This is a significant finding that is at odds with the widespread recommendation of these products, and it is important for pet parents to understand that the marketing around glucosamine and chondroitin substantially outpaces the clinical evidence.

Green-lipped mussel from New Zealand contains a unique combination of omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA) not found in fish oil, along with glycosaminoglycans and other bioactive compounds. The evidence is more promising than for glucosamine/chondroitin, with some studies showing improvements in objective mobility measures. However, green-lipped mussel was often grouped with omega-3 supplements in the systematic review rather than evaluated independently.

Selecting Supplements

If cost is a consideration, a high-quality fish oil providing EPA and DHA has stronger evidence and is generally less expensive than green-lipped mussel products. Other more promising nutrients to support joint health include cannabidiol (CBD), UC-II collagen (different from regular collagen) and egg shell membrane protein.

When choosing a joint supplement or any nutritional supplement, it’s important to look beyond the ingredient list and focus on how the product is actually formulated.

Why It Matters:

A well-designed supplement uses therapeutic dosing, meaning the nutrients are included at levels that have demonstrated clinical benefit in dogs. This is very different from simply including an ingredient because it sounds beneficial. Many products rely on extrapolated dosing from mouse studies or laboratory (in vitro) research. While that type of research can be useful for early understanding, it does not always translate to real-world effects in dogs.

What To Look For:

If a company is relying only on extrapolated data and has no plans to evaluate efficacy in dogs, that should give you pause. Marketing claims such as “X% of users report improvement” are not the same as controlled clinical research and should not be used as a substitute for it.

For example, a joint study can look at force plate analysis, gait patterns, range of motion, and more. Skin supplements studies can look at validated itch scoring scales developed by dermatologists and statisticians, and skin barrier tests. Studies should also compare against the gold standard therapies as a positive control and have no intervention or placebo as a negative control.

Why It Matters:

Supplement companies should follow rigorous manufacturing and testing standards similar to those used in pet food production, including ingredient verification, contaminant screening, and consistency between batches.

What To Look For:

One helpful benchmark is the National Animal Supplement Council Quality Seal. Companies that carry this seal have agreed to meet certain standards around manufacturing practices, labeling, and adverse event reporting.

However, it’s important to understand what this does and does not mean. The NASC does not test supplements for efficacy, and it does not verify that a product will work as intended. It reflects a commitment to quality and accountability, not proof of clinical effectiveness.

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Golden Paste

CBD

Bone Broth

PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide)

Turmeric

MANAGEMENT

Once cartilage is significantly damaged, the goal shifts from prevention to managing existing arthritis. The goal of managing a joint disease is not just to extend your dog's life, but to improve their quality of life. This means keeping them comfortable enough to engage in activities they enjoy, maintaining their independence and mobility, and reducing the daily burden of pain and inflammation.

If your dog has joint disease and is carrying excess weight, addressing that is the priority. No single medication, supplement, or therapy can address all aspects of joint disease on its own. A multimodal approach that combines multiple treatment strategies is the most effective in supporting both your dog’s physical pain and the emotional toll that chronic discomfort creates.

Why It Matters:

Exercise therapy is the cornerstone of physical rehabilitation. It involves intentional movement to strengthen muscles, improve range of motion, build endurance, prevent injury, heal injuries, condition your dog for their work or activities, improve their heart health, and more. A rehabilitation plan can be designed and taught in-clinic, and paired with key at-home exercises you can perform with your dog daily. Not only does this give you an active role in their health, but it allows your dog to receive the care they need on the many days you’re not in the clinic.

What You Can Do:

Start early, even before obvious problems appear. Fitness training is beneficial for dogs at all stages of life, even puppies.
Find a certified veterinary rehabilitation therapist who can customize a program for you to do at home.
Be aware of the common injuries that can occur in dogs for whatever activities you do, whether that’s hiking, retrieving, running, obedience training or agility training.
Do not start physical rehabilitation if your dog is in active pain. Make sure you speak to your veterinarian first.

Why It Matters:

Slippery flooring presents a unique challenge for many dogs, especially those with musculoskeletal pain, long nails, and/or furry paws. It takes strength to hold their legs underneath them when the flooring is slippery. Your dog may avoid certain areas of your home because of this, reducing their ability to safely navigate their space. Simple changes to your dog’s environment reduce the risk of traumatic joint injuries and make daily activities easier for dogs with mobility challenges, supporting their independence and quality of life.

What You Can Do:

Add non-slip surfaces, such as carpet, rugs, grip tape, or even yoga mats, particularly in areas where they will be moving quickly and jumping on/off furniture.
Consider raised food and water bowls to reduce strain on your dog’s neck, back, shoulders, and elbows. Ideally, these raised feeding surfaces should land at the level of your dog’s neck so that they can stand tall with normal posture while eating.
- In large and giant breed dogs, you may want to consider using a slow feeder or feeding multiple, smaller meals. This added precaution is due to a potentially elevated risk of gastric dilation and volvulus (commonly called bloat) in this size of dog when taking meals from an elevated position.
Provide orthopedic bedding with adequate support and cushioning for joints. Egg crate foam can help disperse weight so it's not concentrated on one joint area. For smaller breed dogs, beds with large side-walls may challenge their ability to get in and out of bed if it requires joint range of motion they no longer have.
Add subtle lighting like nightlights to help dogs navigate safely in low-light conditions.

Why It Matters:

Applying ice to acutely inflamed joints reduces swelling, decreases pain, and provides immediate relief. It’s particularly effective immediately after activity or exercise to prevent inflammation from building up. Applying heat to stiff areas can improve circulation and comfort, especially for senior dogs. It’s important to be aware that unattended heating pads can cause thermal burns. Always use a low heat setting, and check the skin frequently.

What You Can Do:

Apply ice to arthritic joints for no longer than 10-15 minutes at a time, several times per day during flare-ups, or soon after exercise for maintenance.
- Use ice massage cups for dogs who don’t tolerate ice packs.
- Never leave ice or heat unattended on your dog, especially on senior or weak dogs who can’t easily move away on their own.
Use a barrier (thin towel) between the ice pack and your dog's skin to prevent ice burn. If you are using any microwaveable or electric heating pads or blankets, ensure that there is a barrier between your dog and the product and that you are checking on them and the temperature frequently.
Ask yourself: Would I be able to tolerate this temperature? If it is hotter or colder than you would tolerate for 10 minutes, it is not appropriate for your dog either.

Why It Matters:

Adequan is the only FDA-approved disease-modifying agent for arthritis. It doesn't just manage pain, it actively works to protect and heal the joint itself. Adequan inhibits the enzymes that break down cartilage, stimulates cartilage cells to produce more cartilage, and improves the quality of joint fluid. It supports healing and enhances blood flow to affected joints. One of the key benefits is its lingering positive effect, meaning the benefits continue even between treatments.

What You Can Do:

Ask your veterinarian to teach you how to give subcutaneous injections at home. While your vet can perform intramuscular injections, subcutaneous injections at home are still effective and allow for more consistent treatment without the stress and cost of frequent vet visits.
Adequan starts with an initial loading dose protocol of two injections per week for one month.
Continue with maintenance injections once or twice monthly, depending on your dog's individual response and your veterinarian's recommendation.
Different protocols exist. Subcutaneous injections of Adequan are considered off-label and not recommended by the company, but are done that way routinely.

Why It Matters:

Acupuncture stimulates nerves, muscles, and connective tissue to diffuse localized pain. It works by triggering your dog’s body to release its own natural painkillers and increases blood flow. Beyond pain relief, acupuncture decreases inflammation directly at the affected joints and can stimulate healing while speeding up post-operative recovery. Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with pain medications to reduce the dose or even eliminate the need for daily medication in some cases.

What You Can Do:

Expect at least four sessions to notice an improvement in your dog. Some cases show almost immediate results, while others may take longer.
Find an experienced acupuncture practitioner in your area. Rehabilitation facilities often have acupuncture on staff or can point you toward qualified practitioners nearby.
- Refer to the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (AAVA) for local recommendations.
Consider combining acupuncture with other modalities like electro-stimulation, laser therapy, manual therapy, or PEMF therapy for enhanced results.

Why It Matters:

NSAIDs have an important place in pain management. They can be a necessary addition to managing pain humanely, especially after a surgery or acute injury. Some vets warn against their long term use as research has shown that chronic NSAID use can shut down the enzyme that protects the stomach, leading to ulcers. There are steps a dog parent can take to minimize this risk. Combining NSAIDs with omega-3s or other medications and modalities may help lower the dose of NSAIDs needed for pain management.

What You Can Do:

Monitor for GI side effects such as diarrhea, decreased appetite, changes to stool color, or vomiting.
Get bloodwork done before prolonged use to make sure your dog is internally healthy as NSAIDs can impact the kidneys and liver. NSAIDs are not recommended for dogs with existing kidney disease.
Add marine-based Omega-3 fatty acids as they may help lower the dose of NSAIDS.

Important: Dogs taking steroids should not take NSAIDs.

Why It Matters:

PEMF is a technology that establishes an electromagnetic field to stimulate cellular activity. Stimulating cellular activity helps promote healing and improve your dog’s overall wellbeing. The electromagnetic fields created by these devices penetrate tissues in the body and enhance the production of Nitric Oxide (NO). NO influences mitochondrial function by modulating oxidative phosphorylation, enhancing ATP production, as well as relaxing blood vessels and improving circulation. By supporting the mitochondria, we boost cellular repair and performance. NO’s anti-inflammatory properties are also harnessed by the PEMF to modulate immune response, reducing chronic pain and swelling.

What You Can Do:

Consult with your vet to determine if PEMF therapy is appropriate for your dog’s specific health needs. Some dogs should not use this therapy. PEMF is contraindicated for those with pacemakers, in pregnancy, or certain electronic implants.
See if your insurance will cover the cost when prescribed by a veterinarian.
Choose the right device. Select an at-home PEMF device that suits your dog’s size and health requirements:
- Assisi Loop: A portable, targeted device designed for pain and inflammation reduction.
- - Pros: Portable and lightweight. Targeted therapy to one area. Easy to use with only one button.
  - Cons: Not rechargeable. Cannot tell how many charges remain. Must wait 2 hours between uses. No adjustable protocols.
- Respond Systems: Various PEMF beds for at-home use.
- - Pros: Rechargeable beds. Rent to buy options. Great customer service. Durable.
  - Cons: Higher initial cost.
- Petspemf: PEMF mats in two size options.
- - Pros: Rechargeable. Bluetooth connected with four set programs through an app. Affordable entry price.
  - Cons: The largest mat is not very big. Weaker magnetic field.

Why It Matters:

Paw Sha is a technique based on the ancient Chinese Medicine modality of Gua Sha. Gua Sha uses a small, flat stone as a tool to glide over your dog’s skin in a series of strokes. This supports the body by improving the health of fascia (connective tissue in the body), tendons, ligaments, and muscles. It helps release tight, restricted fascia so muscles and tissues can glide more freely, increases circulation to bring oxygen and nutrients into the area, and clears out inflammation and waste. This, in turn, relaxes overworked muscles, supports underused ones, calms the nervous system, and improves overall movement. Paw Sha helps your dog move more comfortably and with less pain and stiffness.

What You Can Do:

Start with a few minutes a day so it fits into your routine easily. Being consistent with the sessions is much better than long, drawn out routines.
Glide the tool with the direction of your dog’s fur, sticking with muscular areas and avoiding bones.
Start with light pressure and gradually increase the pressure to the comfort of your dog! You can try it out on yourself first to see how it feels.
Don’t stress. This is meant to be a great bonding experience for you and your dog, with the benefits of relaxing muscles and soft tissue, smoothing out fascia, and improving their pain and mobility.
For a basic tutorial video, check out https://pawsha.com/paw-sha-routine/

arrow_rightReferences

Anderson, K.L., O’Neill, D.G., Brodbelt, D.C. et al. (2018). Prevalence, duration and risk factors for appendicular osteoarthritis in a UK dog population under primary veterinary care. Scientific Reports, 8, Article 5641. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-23940-z

Krontveit, R. I., Nødtvedt, A., Sævik, B. K., Ropstad, E., & Trangerud, C. (2012). Housing- and exercise-related risk factors associated with the development of hip dysplasia as determined by radiographic evaluation in a prospective cohort of Newfoundlands, Labrador Retrievers, Leonbergers, and Irish Wolfhounds in Norway. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 73(6), 838–846. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.73.6.838

Zink, C. (2018). Gonadectomy – Rethinking long-held beliefs. https://caninesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/CSP-Gonadectomy-Rethinking.pdf

Hart LA, Thigpen AP, Hart BL, Willits NH, Lee M, Babchuk MM, Lee J, Ho M, Clarkson ST and Chou JW (2024). Assisting decision-making on age of neutering for German Short/Wirehaired Pointer, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Siberian Husky: Associated joint disorders, cancers, and urinary incontinence. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11, Article 1322276. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1322276

Martello, E. et al. (2022). A systematic review and meta-analysis of enriched therapeutic diets and nutraceuticals in canine and feline osteoarthritis. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9, Article 931797. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.931797

Canine Arthritis Resources and Education. (n.d.). Do joint supplements for pets actually work? https://caninearthritis.org/do-joint-supplements-for-pets-actually-work/

Wooten, S. J. (2017). Joint supplements for dogs: The helpful vs. the hype. dvm360. https://www.dvm360.com/view/joint-supplements-dogs-helpful-vs-hype

Fritsch, D.A. et al. (2010). Effect of a diet enriched with green-lipped mussel on pain behavior and functioning in dogs with clinical osteoarthritis. PMC. PMC3525174.