Chondroprotectors (Joint Support) and Supplements for Dogs

Chondroprotectors (joint support) for dogs: what they are and when to start

A chondroprotector for dogs is a supplement that provides the building blocks the body uses to replenish joint cartilage: chondroitin, glucosamine, hydrolyzed collagen and omega-3. Ideally, you start before limping appears: from 4-6 years old in large breeds and from 7 in small breeds. It is given every day, mixed with food, and the effect on mobility is noticeable after 4 to 8 weeks.

Signs your dog's joints are hurting

Dogs don't complain: they change their habits. Before limping appears, there are other signs: they take longer to get up, hesitate before jumping onto the sofa or into the car, cut their walks short on their own, lick a particular joint and play less with other dogs. If you recognize two or three of these, wear and tear has already begun.

What an effective chondroprotector should contain

• Chondroitin and glucosamine: the raw material of cartilage.
• Hydrolyzed collagen: hydrolyzed, because it is the form dogs actually absorb.
• Omega-3 EPA and DHA: they act on the inflammation that wears down the joint. It is almost always what's missing.
• Daily, consistent intake: a jar that is only given when the dog limps won't work. A chondroprotector works as a long-term, background treatment.

Which Togo chondroprotector to choose

• TOGO Chicken COMPLEX: collagen, chondroitin and amino acids. The starting point for daily joint support, added to your dog's usual dry food.
• TOGO Seafood COMPLEX: glucosamine concentrate. For large dogs, athletic dogs or those with already diagnosed wear.
• Salmon Oil with Chondroprotectors (Joint Support): omega-3 and chondroprotectors in liquid form. The easiest one for a picky dog to accept.
• TOGO Ocean COMPLEX: omega-3 DHA and EPA from oily fish with antioxidants, to combine with any of the above.

They can be combined: a powdered COMPLEX plus salmon oil covers both the raw material of cartilage and inflammation. Keep up the daily intake for eight weeks before assessing, and watch how your dog gets up in the morning, which is the most reliable indicator.

Frequently asked questions about chondroprotectors

At what age should I give my dog chondroprotectors?

There's no need to wait until they limp. In large and giant breeds, joint wear starts between 4 and 6 years old, and in small breeds from 7. If your dog is very active, jumps a lot or has already had dysplasia, joint support makes sense from young adulthood.

How long does it take to see an effect?

Between 4 and 8 weeks of daily, continuous intake. Collagen and chondroitin are not a painkiller: they replenish the cartilage matrix, so the change shows in mobility when getting up and in enthusiasm for walks, not on the same day.

What's the difference between chondroitin, glucosamine and collagen?

Chondroitin retains water in the cartilage and keeps it elastic; glucosamine is the raw material it is made from; hydrolyzed collagen gives structure to cartilage, tendons and ligaments. A good chondroprotector combines at least two and adds omega-3.

Can they be given with my dog's usual dry food?

Yes. The powdered COMPLEX products are sprinkled over the daily portion and the salmon oil is poured on top. There's no need to change dry food to get started.

Are they also suitable for cats?

Yes. Older cats also lose cartilage, although they hide it better: they stop jumping to high places. Togo's salmon oil and food toppers can be given to dogs and cats, adjusting the amount to their weight.

Do they have side effects?

They are nutrients, not drugs, and their safety margin is wide. If your dog is undergoing veterinary treatment or has clotting problems, check with your vet first, especially regarding the omega-3 dose.

To learn more: when to start chondroprotectors (joint support) and salmon oil for dogs: what it's for and dosage.