Arthritis in Senior Dogs – A Holistic Approach to Comfort & Mobility

Arthritis in Senior Dogs – A Holistic Approach to Comfort & Mobility

Arthritis is one of the most common challenges facing senior dogs, often showing up as stiffness, slowed movement, or reluctance to exercise. While aging joints naturally change over time, targeted nutrition, inflammation control, and supportive therapies can significantly improve comfort and quality of life. By focusing on anti-inflammatory diets, joint-protective supplements, hormone balance, and whole-body support, pet parents can help their senior dogs stay mobile, engaged, and enjoying life well into their golden years.

Below I'd like to take a look at 15 products and methods that will support your fur-baby through their golden years.

1. High-quality proteins (preferably raw)

Provide essential amino acids for muscle maintenance, joint stability, and tissue repair. Raw diets are naturally lower in inflammatory compounds and may help reduce systemic inflammation, which can ease arthritic pain and stiffness.

2. Remove inflammatory carbohydrates

Highly processed carbs can drive chronic inflammation, worsen joint swelling, and contribute to weight gain—extra stress on aging joints. Reducing them helps support lean muscle and joint comfort.

3. Homeopathic Hormone Replacement & Homeopathic Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

In spayed and neutered dogs, loss of sex hormones can affect bone density, muscle tone, ligament strength, and joint integrity. These remedies aim to gently support endocrine balance, which may indirectly improve mobility and resilience in seniors.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA/DPA)

Powerful anti-inflammatory fats that help reduce joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain while also supporting the heart, brain, skin, and coat.

Options:

• Canned sardines – Whole-food source of omega-3s plus vitamin D and selenium
• SEAL OIL – Naturally rich in EPA, DHA, and DPA for enhanced anti-inflammatory support

5. Bone Broth

Rich in collagen, gelatin, glycine, and minerals, bone broth supports cartilage health, joint lubrication, and connective tissue repair. It’s also gentle on senior digestion and encourages hydration.
Check out 'Five Benefits Of Bone Broth For Dogs' in this blog post, where there's also a recipe!

6. Adored Beast – Jump for Joynts

A homeopathic formula designed to support ligament and tendon repair, which helps stabilize joints and improve overall mobility and comfort in arthritic dogs.

7. Cannabis Oil (where legal)

May help reduce pain, inflammation, and anxiety associated with arthritis while supporting relaxation and sleep. Always discuss use, dosing, and legality with your veterinarian.

8. Adored Beast – Phyto-Synergy

A whole-food, cell-available antioxidant blend that helps neutralize oxidative stress, a major driver of joint degeneration and inflammation in aging dogs.

9. Green-Lipped Mussels

Clinically shown to reduce osteoarthritis pain and stiffness. A natural source of:

• Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) for cartilage support

• Omega-3s for inflammation

• Zinc & selenium for tissue repair and immune balance

Targeted Joint & Tissue Supplements

10. SAMe (S-Adenosyl-Methionine)

Supports joint comfort, liver detoxification, and cellular repair. Helps reduce inflammation and oxidative damage associated with arthritis.
General dose: ~18–20 mg per lb body weight once daily

11. Boswellia

A botanical anti-inflammatory that helps reduce joint swelling and pain by inhibiting inflammatory pathways without the side effects of NSAIDs.
General dose: ~5–10 mg per lb body weight daily

12. Organic Curcumin

A potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that supports joint flexibility and pain reduction. Best absorbed when paired with fats.
General dose: ~15–20 mg per lb body weight daily (bioavailable forms preferred)

13. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

Provides sulfur needed for connective tissue strength, helps reduce pain and stiffness, and supports joint elasticity.
General dose: ~50–100 mg per lb body weight daily

14. Collagen

Supports cartilage regeneration, ligament strength, and joint cushioning. Particularly beneficial for seniors with muscle loss or connective tissue weakness.
General dose: ~20–40 mg per lb body weight daily

15. Head to Tail Canine Nutrition – Cognitive Blend (Medicinal Mushrooms)

• Lion’s Mane: Supports brain health and nerve regeneration, helpful for mobility coordination

• Tremella: Boosts hydration and collagen production for connective tissues

• Cordyceps: Enhances cellular energy and endurance, supporting overall vitality in seniors

Together, these mushrooms help protect aging joints, tissues, and neurological function.

Let Head To Tail Help

Arthritis may be common in senior dogs, but it doesn’t mean we have to accept discomfort as “just part of aging.” With the right support, many dogs can move more freely, rest more comfortably, and continue enjoying their daily routines well into their later years.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every dog’s body, history, and needs are different, and that’s why thoughtful nutrition and targeted support matter so much. Small changes—made intentionally and with the whole dog in mind—can add up to meaningful improvements in comfort and mobility.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, this is exactly where Donna Middleton, ACCN of Head to Tail Canine Nutrition can help. I work one-on-one with guardians of senior dogs to build realistic, individualized plans that support joints, inflammation, and overall vitality—without guessing or throwing everything at the wall and hoping something sticks.

If your dog is slowing down, struggling to get comfortable, or just not feeling like themselves anymore, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Reach out here at Head To Tail Canine Nutrition and let’s create a plan that supports your dog through their golden years with care, intention, and respect for the life they’ve shared with you.