The Best Supplements For Older Dogs

This article was updated on August 12th, 2021

Choosing one of the best supplements for older dogs is a popular way to help alleviate some of the most common senior dog health problems.

But there are SO many different manufacturers, products, claims and hype that it can be very tricky to know how to choose the right, and best, product for your golden oldie.

On this page I only feature products from what I believe to be four of the top manufacturers of pet supplements in the USA.

The Importance of Getting A Correct Diagnosis

Before treating any symptoms or condition in your older dog with supplements or OTC products, please be sure to get a proper veterinary diagnosis first! There are many symptoms which can be indicators of a range of illnesses/conditions, and only your vet will be able to figure out what is at the root of the problem! Once you know what you’re dealing with you’ll be in the best position to choose products which will help get your golden oldie up and running again 🙂

Before you check these out, you might like to visit this page – Senior Dog Supplements.

It gives you the ‘big picture’ view of dietary supplements, information on the manufacturers of featured products, and more.

Click on the links below to jump to the product section which best fits your needs or scroll down to see all recommended products.

Dog Supplements for:

• Arthritis & Joint Problems
• Immune System Health
• Urinary Tract Issues
• Skin & Coat Health
• Anxiety – link takes you to another page on my website

Best Supplements For Older Dogs with Arthritis & Joint Problems

Many older dogs suffer from arthritis, back problems, or issues with their elbows, knees or hips.

Although traditional veterinary medications or even surgery may be needed in some cases, there is also a place for dietary supplements and natural products in alleviating symptoms.

Look for supplements which contain Glucosamine, Chondroitin or Methylsulfonylmethane (aka MSM) or a combination of them.

On average, dogs need around 20mg of Glucosamine per pound of body weight per day.

Supplements will have their own dosage recommendations which you should follow, but this calculation helps you know roughly what you should be aiming for.

Here’s a look at the best supplements for older dogs with bone or joint problems:

Nutramax Dasuquin Soft Chews, Large DogsNutritional supplement containing both Glucosamine and Sodium Chondroitin. Scored tablets.Designed to support joint function and protect cartilage. This product does not contain added MSM   Also available for dogs under 60lbs

Nutramax Cosequin DS Chewables Plus MSMThe #1 Vet recommended dog joint health supplement. Chewable tablet.Contains Glucosamine & Chondroitin plus MSM (as does Dasuquin w/MSM) but in lower dosages.   Formulated to be safe and effective for dogs of all sizes.

Vetri-Science GlycoFlex Plus Hip and Joint SupplementA blend of nutrients which helps cushion joints, promote healthy cartilage growth, and reduce pain/discomfort. Chewable tablets.Clinically proven to increase hind leg strength and improve mobility. Designed for working/competitive breeds and senior dogs.   Formulated for dogs of all sizes.

Virbac MovoFlex Joint Support Soft ChewsA unique, innovative (and proprietary) blend of ingredients designed to improve mobility and flexibility of joints. Chewable tablets.An alternative to Glucosamine & Chondroitin. Gluten free, also free of salt, sugar and shellfish.Also available for dogs over 80lbs

PetWellbeing Agile Joints – Arthritis & Joint Support Gentle yet potent blend of herbs designed to support healthy joint tissue and improve flexibility, mobility and reduce discomfort. Contains certified organic herbs. Drops can easily be added to meals. *Do not give to dogs who are receiving blood thinners.

If your golden oldie is suffering from painful, stiff joints then arthritis may well be to blame. Learn all about Arthritis in Older Dogs

Best Dog Supplements for Immune System Health

As dogs age their immune system can weaken… chronic disease, poor appetite, limited mobility and more can all affect overall immune function.

Adding certain supplements, especially probiotics which strengthen and support the digestive system, can help your pet’s body handle daily stresses more easily.

Here are some options which I believe are among the best:

VetriScience Laboratories-Probiotic Everyday for Dogs, Digestive Health Supplement-60 Bite Sized Soft Chews

A blend of ingredients (including probiotics and digestive enzymes) which support a healthy immune function and digestive system.Chicken-liver flavored chewable tablets. Can help soothe and settle tummy upsets, regulate bowels and reduce gas

Vetri-Probiotic BD for DogsA blend of ingredients (including probiotics and digestive enzymes) which support a healthy immune function and digestive system.Chicken-liver flavored chewable tablets   Can help soothe and settle tummy upsets, regulate bowels and reduce gas.

Vetri-Science Cell Advance 440Each capsule contains 23 antioxidants, including vitamins A, B6, C and E, Coenzyme Q10, a range of minerals and a variety of other powerful ingredients.Protects your dog’s immune system at a cellular level and can be used alongside other treatments/products (NOT with blood thinners!).

Vetri-DMG 125 mgThis liquid strengthen’s the immune system by enhancing circulation, helping to remove toxins from the body, supporting stamina and increasing antibody production (among other things!).A simple yet very effective way to support immune, cardiac and liver function.   Also available as Gluta-DMG tablets

PetWellbeing Immune SURE A blend of natural, holistic and herbal ingredients (including zinc, vitamin C, Echinacea and many more) which boosts and supports a healthy canine immune system. Helps to increase your dog’s ability to fight viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections as well as allergies. Also helpful for dogs who have parasites, fungal infections and allergies. Can be given preventatively. This is NOT an antibiotic or cure for any disease, but instead helps increase natural immune system response and increase the effectiveness of other treatment options.

Best Supplements for Dogs with Urinary Problems

Urinary tract problems affect dogs of all ages.

Female dogs are more likely than males to experience urinary infections or hormone-related bladder issues, especially as mature adults.

You can learn more about the loss of bladder control and incontinence in dogs HERE.

Problems can be minimized, or improved, by using certain supplements to maintain healthy UT systems (but a vet visit is essential for new problems as infection requires antibiotic treatment.)

Here are what I think are some of the best supplements for older dogs (or dogs of any age) who have urinary tract issues:

Nutramax Crananidin ChewablesScientifically formulated tablets which contain powerful cranberry extracts.Unique action helps to prevent bacteria from adhering to bladder walls and allows them to be flushed from the body much more effectively.   This isn’t an antibiotic and can’t kill the bacteria, so UTI’s may also require medication, but it can lessen the severity of the infection and help prevent persistent re-infection (common in older dogs).

VetriScience Bladder Strength TabletsTablets containing an advanced combination of ingredients which support good bladder health and function.Increases bladder strength & tone, balances hormone levels and supports healthy kidney function.   Ideal for dogs with post-spay urinary control problems or hormone related incontinence. Can be used long-term for chronic issues. Not helpful for urinary tract infection issues.

Vetri-Science UT Strength STAT for Dogs, 90 CountUnique and powerful formula designed to support urinary tract, kidney and immune system function.Contains ingredients which may reduce crystal/stone formation and maintain a healthy urine PH balance.   For short-term use in dogs with urinary tract problems or kidney/bladder stones – in conjuction with veterinary care/medications.

PetWellbeing Urinary Gold This holistic blend of 9 herbs is formulated to support healthy urinary tract function. Gentle, safe and all natural designed to maintain a healthy PH balance in the urine and strengthen immunity to bacteria and infection in the bladder/urethra. For use as a preventative measure on an on-going basis, not as a remedy for infection or stones.

Best Supplements for Dogs with Skin or Coat Problems

It’s not unusual for an older dog to develop minor skin and coat problems as he ages.

This might happen because of less-efficient circulation, loss of muscle tone, weaker immune system and thinning skin/hair.

Although most of the skin issues you might see are fairly minor, they can cause discomfort or be unsightly. I’m only talking about mild skin irritation, thinning coat, itching and so on.

More serious problems such as red, swollen or irritated skin, lumps/bumps, bald patches or areas which are a constant source of irritation to your dog need to be examined by your vet as soon as possible.

The best supplements for older dogs with skin and/or coat problems will help improve the suppleness and tone of his skin, and keep his coat thick, and shiny.

Here are some that you might want to check out:

VetriScience Derma Strength Dog Skin & Coat CareVegetable flavored chews packed full of essential Omega-3 fatty acids from sources such as salmon oil, safflower oil, flax seeds and linoleic acid PLUS vitamins E (which neutralizes free radicals), B1, B2, C and a range of minerals.Promotes healthy skin tone and texture, full shiny coat and normal shedding patterns.

Nutramax Welactin 3 Canine SoftgelsThese minty-flavored soft gels are a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids (including EPA & DHA).This high-potency fish oil blend not only promotes healthy, supple skin and a thick, shiny coat but helps support healthy joint, immune, cardiac and organ function.   Also available in liquid form.

PetWellbeing Omega Mender Itch Ender A blend of Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids. Can help reduce/prevent dry, irritated or scaly skin while nourishing and improving coat texture and volume. Great for dogs with allergies which result in skin or ear inflammation.

PetWellbeing Derma Support Gold This wonderful herbal product was developed by a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat dogs with yeast-related skin problems. By reducing the unnatural overgrowth of yeast which causes problems, the unique formula restores a healthy balance of organisms on your dogs skin and in his/her ears. Great for older dogs, those with compromised immune function or chronic disease, and breeds pre-disposed to skin yeast problems such as Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Maltese and many more.