Did you know that 1 in 5 dogs suffers from osteoarthritis?

A figure that shows this joint disease is not just a matter of a few, but a silent problem that affects the well-being, mobility and quality of life of millions of dogs.🐾

Osteoarthritis in dogs is one of the most common joint diseases and, at the same time, one of the most invisible.👀 How many times have you seen your dog companion move a little slower, or refuse to jump on the sofa like before, without an obvious reason? It is possible that they are in the initial phase of osteoarthritis.⚠️

At KUNKAY we help you take care of the health of your furry companion in a natural and preventive way. That’s why today we tell you everything you need to know about osteoarthritis in dogs: what exactly it is, why it appears, its most frequent symptoms, and how you can help your dog stay active and happy with the support of natural supplements like Arthrokun and Arthrokun Chews🌿.

What is canine osteoarthritis and why does it appear?

From a technical-veterinary point of view, osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative osteoarthritis, is a chronic joint disease characterized by progressive degradation of the articular cartilage, remodeling of the subchondral bone, alteration of the synovial membrane and low-grade inflammation.🔬

The cartilage is an avascular tissue whose main function is to cushion and allow smooth sliding between joint surfaces. When the cartilage wears down, fissures form, synovial lubrication decreases, friction between bones increases, and an inflammatory response (“synovitis”)⚠️ is triggered that accelerates the wear.

Factors that favor this process include:

• Advanced age: the cartilage regenerative process slows down.
  

• Large and giant breeds, with greater joint load.
  

• Overweight or obesity, which increases pressure on the joints.
  

• Trauma or previous surgery, which alter biomechanics.
  

• Seasonal changes, humidity or cold can worsen stiffness symptoms.
  

In short: it is not just about “having arthritis” as an inevitable age issue, but understanding that articular cartilage wear is a multifactorial process that we can modulate💪🐾.

Most common symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs

Although the signs vary depending on the affected joint, these are the most frequent:

• Difficulty getting up or lying down (especially after resting).
  

• Morning stiffness or after periods of inactivity.

• Mild or intermittent limping (sometimes only visible when climbing stairs).
  

• Less interest in playing or running, especially if they used to do it enthusiastically.
  

• Licking affected paws or joints.
  

• Mood changes, irritability or resistance to touch in joint areas.
  

• In advanced stages, muscle mass atrophy may be associated.
  
  

If you detect any of these symptoms in your dog, especially after the cold or humid months, it is highly recommended to consult your veterinarian.🩺

How do glucosamine and chondroitin act on articular cartilage?

To help your dog, many natural formulas include ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin.🌿 These compounds, along with other cofactors (such as type II collagen, omega-3 fatty acids or turmeric🌱) can contribute in the following ways:

• Glucosamine💊: is an amino-monosaccharide that acts as a precursor of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and proteoglycans of cartilage. Studies in dogs have shown that a combination of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate improved clinical signs of osteoarthritis (pain, weight bearing) by day 70 in a double-blind trial✅.
  
  

• Chondroitin sulfate💧: contributes to the structure of cartilage tissue, acts by preventing GAG degradation and promoting water retention in the extracellular matrix, which maintains cartilage elasticity.
  
  

• Synergistic mechanism⚡: in combinations with type II collagen or turmeric, greater efficacy has been observed than when used alone. A study in dogs with moderate osteoarthritis showed that the combination UC-II + glucosamine + chondroitin reduced pain more than glucosamine/chondroitin alone.📊 
  

Although the evidence is not uniform (a 2021 systematic review highlights heterogeneity in results), there is a positive effect in several studies, especially when supplementation is early and combined with other treatments.

In summary: these supplements do not “cure” osteoarthritis, but they can slow cartilage degeneration, relieve pain, and improve mobility if used within a comprehensive approach.🐶✨

Natural and preventive treatment

Although there is no definitive cure for osteoarthritis, it is possible to improve the dog’s quality of life through a combined strategy:

• Body weight control and adapted diet.
  

• Moderate, regular exercise without overload.
  

• Warm environment, non-slip surfaces and orthopedic beds.
  

• Natural supplementation:

1. Arthrokun, formulated with chondroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant ingredients, designed to support joints and contribute to cartilage regeneration complementarily.🌱.

1. Arthrokun chews, a supplement that helps keep joints healthy and flexible💪. Thanks to its natural synergistic ingredients —such as MSM, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects— it helps reduce discomfort, prevent cartilage degeneration, and support mobility, strength, and flexibility.
   
   

• Regular veterinary check-ups🩺 to radiologically evaluate the joint and adjust treatment if necessary.
  

Living with osteoarthritis: small gestures that make a difference

• Place their bed in a warm spot, away from drafts.
  

• Avoid slippery floors and excessive stairs.
  

• Replace sofa jumps with ramps or supports.
  

• Switch from a long play session to several short walks.
  

• Observe their posture and attitude: you will notice if something changes before limping becomes evident.
  
  

Osteoarthritis does not have to mean the end of their vitality.✨ With proper care, a good diet, and smart supplementation, your dog can continue enjoying many more years of walks, pets, and moments together.❤️🐶

Bibliography

• Johnston S.A. (1997). Osteoarthritis. Joint anatomy, physiology, and pathobiology. Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract., 27(4): 699-723. PubMed

• Fernández-Martín S., González-Cantalapiedra A., Muñoz F., García-González M., Permuy M., López-Peña M. (2021). Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate: Is There Any Scientific Evidence for Their Effectiveness as Disease-Modifying Drugs in Knee Osteoarthritis Preclinical Studies? Animals, 11(6): 1608. PubMed+1

• Martello E. et al. (2022). Efficacy of a dietary supplement in dogs with osteoarthritis: A randomized placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial. PLoS One, 17(2): e0263971. PMC

• Eleotério R.B. et al. (2015). Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine in the cartilage and subchondral bone repair of dogs − histological findings. Agris, 2015.