Regular use of supplements can also relieve chronic pains, but they are best used as preventative measures against chronic pains caused by arthritis.

Glucosamine/chondroiton and MSM supplements are effective in dogs for the relief of arthritis symptoms. Visit Glucosamine for Dogs and MSM for Dogs to read more on these supplements. High doses (1000 mg/10 lb) of fish oil can be given to dogs with arthritis. The oil’s anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial for arthritis.

When giving your dog fish oil, make sure to give him extra vitamin E, as increased levels of oil in the diet increase the body’s need for that vitamin. High doses of vitamin C (up to bowel tolerance — increase the dosage every few days until the dog develops loose stools, then use the last dosage level that did not cause this) have also been reported to help some dogs with arthritis.

When giving your dog vitamin C, use an ascorbate form of vitamin C, such as Calcium Ascorbate or Ester C, rather than Ascorbic Acid, which is more likely to cause stomach upset.