Joint Supplements for Pets: Joint Effort for Dogs, Cats, and Horses
- Amber Hinson, DVM

- Oct 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 31

Arthritis, stiffness, and sore joints aren’t just human problems — they’re among the most common health issues in pets, too. Whether it’s an older dog slowing down on walks, a cat who doesn’t jump up like she used to, or a horse that struggles after work, joint disease affects millions of animals every year.
That’s why joint supplements have become such a hot topic among pet owners. But what exactly are they, do they work, and should your pet be on one?
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀?
Joint supplements are nutritional products designed to support cartilage, reduce inflammation, and keep joints moving smoothly. They don’t replace prescription medications, but they can be a safe, effective way to improve comfort — especially when used early.
The most common active ingredients include:
𝗚𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲 — maintains cartilage and joint lubrication
𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻 — supports elasticity and slows breakdown
𝗠𝗦𝗠 (𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝘆𝗹𝘀𝘂𝗹𝗳𝗼𝗻𝘆𝗹𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗲) — a natural anti-inflammatory
𝗢𝗺𝗲𝗴𝗮-𝟯 𝗳𝗮𝘁𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗱𝘀 — fight inflammation and support mobility
When Should I Start My Pet on Joint Supplements?
Even before your pet shows obvious signs of arthritis or stiffness, supplements can protect their joints and delay future problems. Think of it as investing in their comfort down the road. All dogs, cats and horses would benefit from proactive joint care.

𝗗𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸?
While they won’t “cure” arthritis, research shows that joint supplements can:
Improve mobility
Reduce stiffness
Slow cartilage breakdown
Support overall comfort and activity
That’s why many veterinarians recommend them as part of a larger wellness plan — alongside weight management, controlled exercise, and, when needed, prescription medications.
" Joint supplements won’t hurt anything — and they may really help!"
𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝘀
When most people think about joint supplements, they think about dogs. But they’re not the only ones who suffer from joint disease. Cats and horses need joint support too.
Here’s what to know for each species:
🐶 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝘀
Dogs are the most common candidates for joint supplements, especially large breeds or seniors. Early supplementation can also help working and athletic dogs stay active longer.
One product we recommend is Dasuquin® with MSM. It combines the proven power of glucosamine and chondroitin with MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) — a natural anti-inflammatory. MSM is especially valuable for dogs with arthritis or stiffness, as it can ease discomfort and improve mobility.
Learn More: https://tinyurl.com/VetsourceDasuquinMSM

🐱 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝘀
Arthritis in cats is one of the most under-recognized health issues in veterinary medicine. Studies show that over 60% of cats over age six have some degree of degenerative joint disease — yet owners often miss the signs. Instead of obvious limping, cats tend to show subtle changes: sleeping more, avoiding high perches, or grooming less.
The supplement with the strongest evidence in cats is omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown in clinical studies to improve mobility, jumping ability, and overall comfort. That’s why we often recommend YuMOVE® for Cats.
YuMOVE is formulated with:
Green-lipped mussel — rich in high-quality omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA, ETA) that help reduce inflammation, ease stiffness, and support long-term joint mobility.
Hyaluronic acid — a key component of joint fluid that helps cushion and lubricate joints for smoother, more comfortable movement.
Antioxidants — which help protect cartilage and joint tissues from ongoing damage caused by oxidative stress.
YuMOVE combines safe, well-researched ingredients with a palatable formula cats will actually take, it’s a supplement we trust for feline arthritis management.
Because YuMOVE is listed as an Rx item in our Vetsource pharmacy, it does require veterinary authorization. Don’t worry — if you order through our store, I will personally review and approve it for your cat. This way, you can be confident the product is safe, appropriate, and backed by veterinary oversight.
Find It Here: https://tinyurl.com/VetsourceYUMOVE

🐴 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀
Athletic horses, working horses, and seniors all place heavy demands on their joints. Supplements can help maintain mobility, reduce stiffness, and support long-term soundness.
One product we recommend is Equithrive Joint, which contains:
Resveratrol — a natural antioxidant shown to reduce inflammation at the cellular level, supporting joint health and overall wellness. Research indicates it helps regulate the inflammatory pathways that contribute to arthritis progression.
Hyaluronic Acid — a key component of joint fluid and cartilage that helps maintain cushioning, lubrication, and flexibility in hardworking equine joints. Studies show it supports smoother joint motion and reduces stiffness.
Together, these ingredients work to help horses stay more comfortable in training, competition, or simply enjoying pasture life.
Check it Out Here: https://tinyurl.com/VetsourceEquithrive

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
Here’s something many pet parents don’t know: joint supplements are not regulated the same way prescription medications are. That means no government agency is checking every product to make sure it contains what the label promises.
Some supplements contain little or none of the active ingredients they list. Others may have poor-quality fillers, contamination, or even counterfeit ingredients. This is why some pets respond well to one brand but not another — the quality can be dramatically different.
Because of this, choosing a trusted source isn’t optional — it’s essential.
When you purchase through us, you know:
✅ The products are safe, tested, and vet-approved
✅ You’re getting the right dosage for your species
✅ You have professional guidance if you have questions
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
Joint supplements aren’t miracle cures — but they can make a real difference in your pet’s quality of life. Starting early, choosing wisely, and combining them with good nutrition and exercise can keep your pets moving comfortably for years.
Whether you share your life with a dog, a cat, or a horse, a little joint effort goes a long way.

👉 Explore safe, vet-approved joint supplements in our official store: https://tinyurl.com/WorldTailsVetsoure
𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀?
Not sure which supplement is right for your pet? Wondering when to start joint support, or how to tell if your dog, cat, or horse might benefit? We’re here to help.
📩 Send us a message anytime — we’ll guide you toward safe, effective options that fit your pet’s unique needs.




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