In this week’s issue, here’s what we are sniffing out

A myth-busting guide for when your senior dog is actually hurting

Here’s a pattern I see all the time: a dog starts moving like something hurts - limping, slowing down, hesitating on stairs - and the first plan of attack is a joint supplement. Or two. Or a stack of powders and chews.

I understand why. Supplements feel safe. The label language (“mobility,” “comfort,” “joint support”) practically promises improvement.

But:

Pain is a medical problem, not a supplement solution.

If you’re seeing signs of pain, supplements may no longer be enough. That’s how painful dogs stay painful for too long.

What This Newsletter Is (and Isn’t)

It is:

• How to recognize when you’ve moved past prevention

• What to track

• How to talk to your vet clearly

It is not:

• A diagnosis

• A prescription

• A supplement-bashing piece

We use supplements consistently in our house - for prevention. We also use pain medication when it’s needed.

Myth #1: “Joint supplements will reduce pain.”

Reality: They are not reliable pain control.

Glucosamine, for example, has had a long run as the “gold standard.” But the evidence for glucosamine/chondroitin relieving osteoarthritis pain is weak. That’s why you can give it daily, buy a reputable brand, stay consistent, and still have a sore dog.

Practical takeaway:

If your dog is showing pain, supplements are a support tool at best. They are not a substitute for real pain assessment and treatment.

Myth #2: “Avoiding pain meds is safer.”

Reality: Untreated pain has a cost, too.

Under-treated pain often comes from fear:

• “Pain meds are hard on organs.”

• “Once we start, we can’t stop.”

• “If he feels better, he’ll overdo it.”

• “Natural is always better.”

I’m not here to push medications. But choosing not to use medication is still a medical decision - because your dog still lives with the outcome.

There’s a difference between being cautious and accidentally letting your dog hurt because you’re scared.

Your vet’s job is to help you weigh risk vs. benefit for your dog.

If you need language to start the conversation:

Past Prevention: Signs It’s Time for a Pain Conversation

If you’re seeing these, you’re likely past “prevention-only” territory:

• Disinterest in normal activities

• Stiffness after rest

• Hesitation with stairs, furniture, or the car

• New snappiness, especially around touch or handling

• Restlessness or frequent repositioning

This isn’t a diagnosis. It’s a signal: in most cases you can’t rely solely on a supplement for pain management.

Myth #3: “If it’s working, I’ll know.”

Reality: Without tracking, you really won’t.

Senior dogs have good days and bad. Weather, flooring, nail length, and activity levels all affect how they feel. A supplement can seem like it’s working when you’re just watching normal ups and downs.

If you do nothing else, do this:

The 3-Metric Tracker (10–14 days)

Score daily from 0–3 (0 = normal for your dog, 3 = clearly worse):

1. Getting up after rest

2. Hesitation with stairs/jumping

3. Evening restlessness/repositioning

Optional: Record one short weekly video of your dog getting up after a nap. Video makes vet visits far more productive.

Tracking turns “I think he’s worse” into patterns your vet can use.

Myth #4: “It has great reviews, so it’s legit.”

Reality: Quality and effectiveness are different questions.

Ask:

1. Is it made using basic quality standards?

2. Does the ingredient actually do what it claims?

The NASC Quality Seal can serve as a baseline quality filter. It does not prove effectiveness.

Be skeptical of:

• Products promising 20 benefits

• “Miracle” blends

• “Clinically proven” with no specifics

Research the ingredients. Do they actually have any known ability to manage pain?

And if your dog is showing pain, the most important step isn’t finding a better supplement, it’s involving your vet.

Reality Check: Weight Matters

Extra weight turns stiffness into pain.

For overweight dogs with osteoarthritis, weight loss alone can significantly improve lameness. Not forever, but enough that it’s one of the best investments you can make in comfort.

Treats don’t equal love. Weight management does.

Prevention Basics (If Your Dog Is Not in Pain)

Supplements can complement:

• Weight management

• Regular nail trims

• Trimmed paw pad fur

• Traction support (rugs, runners, non-slip paths)

• Daily, appropriate low-impact movement

But once pain is present, supplements shouldn’t be the entire plan.

If your dog is uncomfortable, the goal isn’t a better supplement.

The goal is comfort, function - a dog who can move and settle without fighting their own body.

🐶 Sniffing Out Senior Dog News 📰

Senior Dog Meme of the Week

About the Author

Angela Dinsmoor is the Founder of Grey Whiskers and a passionate advocate for senior dogs and the people who love them. With years of hands-on grooming experience and a deep commitment to compassionate, age-appropriate care, Angela created Grey Whiskers to raise the standard for senior dog grooming through education, certification, and community. Her mission is simple: help senior dogs live more comfortably and help their humans feel confident caring for them in every stage of aging.