The honest answer
Not every senior dog needs a supplement. But if your dog is 7 or older, a large breed, or showing early signs of stiffness after walks, the evidence for glucosamine and chondroitin is reasonable enough that most vets consider it low-risk and worth trying.
The key word is dose. Most over-the-counter chews include these ingredients at levels too low to matter. When reading labels, look for at least 500mg of glucosamine per serving for a medium dog (50-70 lbs), and 400mg of chondroitin.
What to watch for
A genuine response to a joint supplement takes 4-8 weeks to appear. If you see no change after 8 weeks at the correct dose for your dog's weight, the supplement probably isn't helping for this dog. Stop and talk to your vet about alternatives.
The one we recommend for senior dogs
Our SeniorFlex Hip and Joint Chews are formulated at clinically studied doses — not sprinkled in for label value — and are vet-reviewed. Most dogs see a noticeable difference in 4-6 weeks.
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