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How dogs’ joints are put together

Joints in dogs

The same goes for both people and for dogs: healthy joints are essential for mobility. If their function is limited, there are far-reaching consequences that can cause lasting damage.


You will learn in this article how joints are put together, as well as the individual components that they consist of. In addition, you will also learn how to prevent joint conditions and how existing complaints can be helped to heal much more effectively.

Construction of the joints

The construction of the joints varies, depending on the precise joint in question. However, the main, fundamental components are always the same.

Every joint consists of:

  • Condyle and socket
  • Articular cartilage
  • Synovial fluid
  • Joint capsule
  • Ligaments

The terms “condyle” and “socket” refer to the ends of the two bones that meet at the joint. Each of these bones is covered in a layer of articular cartilage, while the synovial fluid is also found between the cartilage layers. In turn, the joint capsule surrounds the entire joint, and the ligaments allow for mobility within a defined radius an work with the muscle tissues to ensure strength and stability.

Role and composition of articular cartilage 

Articular cartilage consists mainly of what is referred to as an extracellular matrix, which contains the cartilage cells, and which in turn produce collagen, hyaluronic acid, glycosaminoglycan and chondroitin sulphate. These substances are further required to create the extracellular matrix.


The role of the articular cartilage consists of creating a smooth surface and minimizing friction in the joints. As the cartilage is significantly more elastic than the bones, it also serves as a shock absorber, absorbing forces that may arise when running or jumping.

Structure and composition of synovial fluid

Synovial fluid, also called synovia or joint lubricant, consists mainly of hyaluronic acid, glucose, and water. Synovial fluid also helps to absorb shocks, while it is also responsible for preventing cartilage coming into direct contact with other cartilage to reduce friction still further.


A joint without adequate quantities of synovial fluid can be compared to a car that is driven without any oil in the engine. There is a lack of lubrication, so that individual components (in this case, the cartilage and bones) wear out very quickly due to friction.

Healthy joints don’t always come naturally

It is necessary for the substances contained in both synovial fluid and cartilage to undergo a process of constant renewal. Ideally, this would all work without any problems.


Nonetheless, this ability declines with age, which can lead to a variety of problems and illnesses over time.


There are also other factors to take into account, such as excessive exertion or strains, poor diet, and excess weight. These also represent a risk to joint health, while some joint conditions can also be more likely to occur in certain individuals due to hereditary conditions. 


As well as acute conditions such as arthritis, chronic joint conditions such as osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are also common. If left untreated, illnesses of this kind will lead to increasingly restricted movement and, under certain circumstances, can cause paralysis in the affected joints.

Being overweight puts a strain on the dog's joints

Of course, the genetic make-up of a dog cannot be influenced. However, as the owner, you can help keep your dog's joints healthy.


A balanced diet and the prevention of becoming overweight are particularly important in this context. If your dog is too fat, a diet makes sense not only with regard to the joints.


A combination of a reduced amount of food and a dietary supplement with our dietary powder Shiimun Slim ensures that your four-legged friend soon returns to his ideal weight.

Joint diseases often result in a long suffering

Unfortunately, many dog owners know first hand what consequences sick joints can have for affected dogs. Particularly with chronic complaints, the four-legged friend often expects a long and painful ordeal, in the course of which the functionality of the joints is increasingly reduced and the quality of life of the dog is increasingly restricted.


It is not always possible to treat the complaints successfully, so that the veterinarian's therapeutic measures are partly limited to alleviating the symptoms and only an attempt is made to prevent further damage to the dog's joints.

Dog with Joints & Bones

Bellfor expert tip for healthy joints in dogs

To prevent joint problems or to support veterinary treatment of existing conditions, we recommend that you supplement your dog's diet with Bellfor Joints & Bones.


The digestible food supplement is available in the form of capsules or biscuits and contains the unique active ingredient complex Ovopet, which is extracted from the eggshell membrane of hen's eggs.


Ovopet provides your four-legged friend with more than 500 valuable ingredients. These include important nutrients for the joints such as hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulphate and collagen. This means that Bellfor Joints & Bones can reliably support your dog's joint health and contribute to optimal well-being.


Get to know about Bellfor Joints & Bones.

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