Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How dog supplement use varies by age and joint problems
By Janice S O'Brien et al.·Published in American Journal of Veterinary Research·2025·View original on Semantic Scholar →
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Original publication title: Supplement use is common in Dog Aging Project participants, especially among dogs with orthopedic conditions, and varies by life stage.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
About half of the dogs in a large study were given supplements, especially those with joint problems or older dogs. The most popular supplements included omega-3 fatty acids, which can help with inflammation, and joint supplements that support mobility. This suggests that many pet owners are looking for ways to improve their dogs' health and comfort through supplements. If you're considering supplements for your dog, especially if they have health issues, it's a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about what might be best for them.
People also search for: dog joint supplements · omega-3 for dogs · senior dog health supplements
Abstract
Objective To analyze the use of supplements reported by owners of dogs enrolled in the Dog Aging Project (DAP) to examine (1) the types of supplements being given to dogs within the DAP cohort and (2) the extent to which dogs diagnosed with specific conditions are being given supplements that are thought to improve those conditions. Methods Supplement use, demographic variables, and owner-reported health conditions of interest were extracted from DAP survey responses collected from January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2022, from dog owners. Prevalence estimates were calculated in this cross-sectional design using survey responses from owner survey at enrollment. Free-text analysis of "other" responses was completed using Atlas.TI software to categorize additional responses. Results Half of the dogs in this study (20,993 of 40,367 [52%]) received supplements. Of those receiving supplements, the most common supplements administered were omega-3 fatty acids (11,934 [57%]) and joint supplements (11,810 [56%]). Dog demographic characteristics were more strongly associated with differences in supplement use than owner demographic characteristics. Conclusions Supplement use is common among dogs in the DAP cohort, with approximately half of owners reporting supplement administration. Given the frequency of their administration, veterinary professionals should discuss supplement use with dog owners. Clinical Relevance Veterinary team professionals should consider spending more time discussing supplement use and efficacy with dog owners, especially for owners of senior pets.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Semantic Scholar: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/41237493