Joint Pain in Small Dogs
Many people associate big dogs with bad joints. While it's true that many large breeds have joint problems because of their size, plenty of smaller dogs deal with joint issues too — including breeds like Dachshunds, Pugs, Basset Hounds, Chihuahuas, and Terriers. There are a lot of factors behind this, often tied to a breed's unique build. For example:
- Dachshunds, with long bodies and short legs, have spines that take a lot of pressure going up and down stairs or jumping on and off furniture.
- Pugs can be more prone to hip dysplasia than other dogs, with 62% of pugs showing the condition.
- Basset Hounds, according to PetMD, are prone to conditions like elbow dysplasia and patellar luxation.
- Degenerative arthritis affects as many as 20% of Chihuahuas, with another 10% experiencing patellar luxation.
- Terriers are among the small breeds that can experience patellar luxation as well as cranial cruciate ligament issues.
If you have a smaller dog with joint issues, what's the best course of action? First, always take your dog to a vet for any injury or medical concern — conditions like dysplasia, arthritis, and luxating patella should be diagnosed and managed by your veterinarian. It's also important to make sure your dog gets the right amount of exercise and a proper diet. Beyond that, there are some important do's and don'ts around medications and supplements.
A Note on Pain Medications
Some medications are prescribed by a vet, such as Tramadol and Prednisone. Certain over-the-counter products like aspirin are sometimes discussed as well (for detailed information on aspirin for dogs, including concerns, see Aspirin for Dogs – Is it Safe?). Before giving your dog any medication — prescription or over-the-counter — please read up on the safety risks and talk with your veterinarian first. Some common human pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can be dangerous or even fatal to dogs.
Daily Joint Support for Small Dogs
More and more pet owners are looking into joint supplements as part of a daily routine, often because they'd rather not give foreign substances to their dogs unless needed. Supplements differ from medications in that they're typically all-natural; the FDA treats them like food — products taken to supplement the diet. Supplements cannot legally claim to treat or cure specific diseases, and they aren't a substitute for veterinary care. What a daily joint supplement can do is provide nutritional support for the joints. Our product, FlexPet, is not a medication — it's a daily supplement formulated to nourish the joints, support healthy cartilage, support a healthy inflammatory response, and help maintain comfortable movement and an active lifestyle. Many of our customers simply add FlexPet to their dog's daily routine as ongoing joint support.
The All-Natural Ingredients in FlexPet
- CM8® (Cetyl Myristoleate) — the key ingredient that sets FlexPet apart; a naturally occurring fatty acid studied for its role in supporting joint comfort and a healthy inflammatory response.
- Glucosamine — occurs naturally in the body and plays a key role in building cartilage, the connective tissue that cushions the joints.
- Hydrolyzed Collagen Type II — a building block of the cartilage that cushions joints, providing tissue-oriented nutritional support.
- MSM — a naturally occurring sulfur compound that supports connective tissue.
- Bromelain — a plant enzyme that supports a healthy inflammatory response and plays a supporting role in the formula.
- Enzyme Blend — helps the body absorb larger molecules like CM8® so your pet gets the most from each serving.
Serving Guidelines
- Small Dogs (under 25 lbs): 1–2 FlexPet tablets daily
- Medium to Large Dogs (25–75 lbs): 2–3 FlexPet tablets daily
- Larger Dogs (75+ lbs): 3–4 FlexPet tablets daily
About FlexPet: FlexPet is a joint supplement for dogs built around CM8® (cetyl myristoleate) — made in the USA and trusted since 1999. See what makes CM8® different →