The following are tried and true joint helpers that work to lower inflammation, lubricate joints, and build cartilage. Note that joint supplements work best to protect joints. Don’t wait to start until your dog has end-stage bone-on-bone osteoarthritis in every joint get started now to reap the benefits. Start as early as possible in large-breed dogs or dogs predisposed to the development of osteoarthritis, says Dr. Matt Brunke, DVM, CCRP, CVPP, CVA.