Dog joint supplements are given to dogs by vets and their owners for a number of reasons. The main reasons are to prevent and treat arthritis in a dogs joints. Some dogs such as larger breeds and overweight dogs are at a higher risk of developing the unfortunate condition, which is why a lot of vets suggest dog joint supplements to reduce the likelihood of arthritis developing.

So to really find the best dog joint supplement it's important to know what substances the best dog supplements contain. Two of the most effective and active ingredient's that are included in the best dog joint supplements are glucosamine and chondroitin. These have their specific functions within the joint of your dog and if they are lacking can lead to severe osteoarthritis.

Arthritis in a dogs joint's is caused by a breaking down of the cartilage in your dogs joints. The purpose of this cartilage is protect the delicate ends of the bones in a dogs joints and also to lubricate the joints to make movement free and easy.

So glucosamine makes up a large amount of the substances that actually make and regenerate the cartilage in your dogs joints. Chondroitin has a slightly different function of acting as the scaffolding within the cartilage holding everything together, and keeping the cartilage rigid and hard.

So if either or both of these substances are in low supply, which tends to happen in old age in dog's then the cartilage is a lot easier to break down. This is why it is essential that any supplement you buy your dog contains both of these substances as they have their own separate important functions within the joint's of your dog.