If you’re researching supplements for your dog’s bone and joint health, you’ve likely heard of Cosequin.
Cosequin (available to buy here) is a brand of joint health supplements manufactured by Nutramax Laboratories, which is considered one of the leading brands and is supported as a top product by veterinarian studies.
There are many joint supplement formulas on the market, including competitive brands that contain glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid to support your pet’s joint health.
In this guide, we’re going to take a look at the pros and cons of Cosequin for dogs.
Does it really work?
Cosequin For Dogs

Cosequin offers a variety of high-quality formulas to specifically meet your dog’s health needs, including active ingredients that support aging dogs with chronic pain and inflammation due to hip dysplasia, arthritis, osteoarthritis, and connective tissue damage.
When dogs grow older, they are prone to developing various joint issues, impacting their mobility and quality of life.
As you review your pet’s bone and joint supplements, you’ll want to consider Cosequin as a mobility aid that can make a positive difference for senior dogs. Here’s why:
The Benefits of Choosing Cosequin for Your Adult Dog
One of the primary goals of Cosequin is to support adult dogs as they advance into their senior years of life.
They are prone to developing a host of age-related issues at this life stage, including arthritis, weakened connective tissues, hip dysplasia, joint inflammation, and loss of mobility.
Older dogs tend to move slower as they cope with chronic pain and swelling, leading to excessive weight gain, low physical activity, and other health conditions.
Cosequin combines the active ingredients required to support cartilage production and your dog’s joints while providing a quality nutritional supplement throughout the adult and later stages of life.
There are some notable benefits to consider when choosing Nutramax’s Cosequin formulas, including:
- Each formula’s ingredients are tested to meet the strict guidelines for quality and results, which is done in certified, high-quality facilities
- Cosequin supports cartilage production and metabolism, which can help your dog heal after joint surgery, or in cases where your pet suffers from hip dysplasia or other chronic illnesses
- Each formula is designed to meet the needs of different pets, including dogs, cats, horses, and various breeds of animals, which makes it easy to find the right option for your pet
- Cosequin includes the top active ingredients to support your dog’s joints and bones, including MSM, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, omega 3 fatty acids, and various extracts to enhance your pet’s nutrition further
- There are various supplement options, including Cosequin DS chewable tablets, Cosequin maximum strength for senior dogs, and mini-sized supplements for small dog breeds
Veterinarians often recommend Cosequin due to its powerful combination of natural ingredients that demonstrate solid results based on peer-reviewed studies.

This line of products is considered a robust blend of natural pharmaceuticals and may provide the support your dog needs before a more stringent medical treatment, including surgery, is recommended.
If your dog begins to show signs of arthritis or joint stiffness, Cosequin helps reduce the severity of pain and swelling in your pet’s ligaments and joints.
Nutramax Laboratories is a well-established manufacturer specializing in health products and supplements for humans and pets.
The Cosequin formulas support the musculoskeletal system, which is imperative for supporting your body’s movements and flexibility, consisting of muscles, bones, tendons, and connective tissues.
It is similar to Dasuquin – made by the same company (reviewed here) – but it comes without ASU, which is avocado and soybean unsaponifiable.
Adding Cosequin Supplements Into Your Dog’s Diet
While many pet owners may wait until their adult dog shows signs of connective tissue damage or joint issues, Cosequin may be implemented into your dog’s diet earlier to prevent arthritis, hip dysplasia, and related joint conditions as they age.
This preventative regime is especially crucial for puppies and young dogs that are physically fit and enjoy an active lifestyle.
Some dog breeds are at higher risk of developing hip dysplasia and arthritis, which your vet can determine through details of your pet’s health and history.
Why Choose Cosequin Over Other Joint Supplements?

For pets, joint supplement products typically include the required nutrients to support healthy joints, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and essential vitamins.
One of the top reasons veterinarians recommend Cosequin over other brands is the substantial research and consistent results supporting this formulae line.
Many other supplements for joint problems and bone health claim to provide quality results, without any evidence or proven studies to support these statements.
As joint diseases become a significant risk for older dogs, Cosequin offers a solid foundation of proven studies and research to back its claims for all its products. Nutramax Laboratories and Cosequin have a strong reputation for quality, so expect good results consistently and notable improvements in your dog’s health and mobility.
There are other reasons why Cosequin offers the best solution for your pet’s bone and joint health:
- Every bottle contains all the information you need, including dosage requirements, ingredients, and their proven benefits
- Excellent quality control is performed in small batches to ensure all products are produced with the same potency
- It’s a safe, effective product with a global reputation for top quality
- Cosequin creates formulas for specific pets in various life stages and with more substantial needs, including senior dogs and pets recovering from surgery
Potential Side Effects of Cosequin
Cosequin is hailed as one of the best bone and joint supplements for dogs, and pets in general, though there are some essential factors to consider before purchasing this brand.
Cosequin is safe for most dogs, though some pets may have existing health conditions or a sensitive digestive system that can cause gastrointestinal issues, headaches, fatigue, and insomnia.

In some cases, dogs may experience allergic reactions, resulting in skin itchiness, dryness, and overall discomfort.
While most of these symptoms are mild, they can be severe if your dog suffers from other conditions that increase these side effects. Cosequin is safe for all dog breeds and sizes, though it’s not recommended for puppies, especially if they are under six months.
Interactions With Prescription Drugs
If your dog takes prescription medication or other supplements from your veterinarian, there may be interactions and sensitivity to Cosequin.
The most notable drugs that may require an alternative supplement for joint health include Warfarin, Etoposide, anti-diabetic medications, and Heparin.
Your veterinarian can provide a thorough analysis to determine if Cosequin is the right option and if the symptoms are expected to be mild. Your vet will carefully monitor your dog’s progress is vital to ensure they receive the benefits of all treatments they require for healthy, long-term living.
The severity of your dog’s overall conditions is often how your vet will determine if Cosequin is worth taking, especially if your pet suffers from other conditions that require intensive treatment and ongoing care.
Since Cosequin doesn’t require a prescription, it’s easy to purchase online, at a pet store, or veterinarian clinic. There are many formula options to choose from, which require research and advice from your pet’s veterinarian to determine which option is the best fit for your dog.
Final Thoughts on Cosequin
If you’re considering Cosequin as a supplement for your dog’s joint health, it’s worth discussing with your veterinarian to determine which formula is best for your pet.
Joint disease is one of the most common issues that affect dogs, and preventing injury with a well-balanced, healthy diet and an active lifestyle is crucial in maintaining healthy joints.
While some notable side effects may cause mild digestive issues and allergic symptoms, Cosequin is one of the safest joint supplements due to its scientific research-backed claims and consistently excellent results.