If you share your life with a Portuguese Water Dog, you probably know the scene. The ball goes in the water, the dog goes in after it, and long after you are ready to head home, they are still asking for one more go. It is a joy to watch, and it can make it hard to notice when a dog is quietly getting a little stiff.
Owners often ask us which joint supplement is best for a Portuguese Water Dog. There is no single answer for every dog. The most helpful approach is to choose a well-formulated supplement that suits your dog's weight, age and activity, then treat it as one part of a wider routine. That routine includes a lean body, sensible exercise and regular vet checks.
This guide covers what makes the breed distinctive, which ingredients you will see on labels, how to compare products fairly, and when a supplement is not the right next step.
Choosing a joint chew for a dog who never stops retrieving
A Portuguese Water Dog will happily fetch, swim and sprint long after a sensible person would call it a day. That is why the formula behind a joint supplement is worth a close look. Here is how MedPaw, our own product, compares with five well-known UK options.
The table opens with a score for the six key joint actives, then covers format, guarantee and what each product leaves out.
MedPaw is the only one of the six with all six key joint actives
| Ingredient | MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max | NutraPaw Joint Support | YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS Max | Seraquin Joint | Synoquin EFA | Nutraquin+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key joint actives | 6 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 6 (+1 via mussel) | 2 of 6 | 2 of 6 | 3 of 6 |
| Glucosamine | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Chondroitin | ✓ | ✗ | Via mussel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| MSM | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Green-lipped mussel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Hyaluronic acid | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Boswellia | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Omega-3 | Mussel, flax | Mussel | Mussel, fish oil | ✗ | Krill oil | ✗ |
| Turmeric | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Collagen | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Antioxidants | Vit C, Vit E, zinc | Manganese | Vit C, Vit E, manganese | ✗ | Vit C, zinc | Vit C, zinc |
| Format | Soft chew | Tablet | Tablet | Chewable tablet | Tablet or capsule | Capsule |
| Guarantee | 60 days | 90 days | 6 weeks | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
✓ = included, ✗ = not listed. Key joint actives: glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia. Taken from each manufacturer's published information, September 2026.
The first row tells most of the story. MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max is the only one of the six to list all six key joint actives: glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia serrata. NutraPaw lists four, YuMOVE and Nutraquin+ three each, and Seraquin and Synoquin EFA two each.
For a medium-sized, athletic breed that spends its life leaping, twisting and swimming, having that full range in one daily chew is a real advantage. MedPaw supports joints, mobility and comfort alongside your vet's care, with omega-3 from green-lipped mussel and flax seed, plus vitamins C and E and zinc.
It is also a soft chew, which most dogs take readily, and the 60-day money-back guarantee lets you try it with confidence. Subscribe & Save is available if you want it to become part of the daily routine.
See MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max Take a look at the full formula and feeding guide to see how it fits your Portuguese Water Dog's weight.
Why the Portuguese Water Dog's working background matters
The breed was developed on the Portuguese coast to work alongside fishermen, retrieving gear and swimming for long stretches. That heritage still shows. Many Portuguese Water Dogs are high-drive, athletic and tireless, and they will happily keep retrieving, swimming and sprinting well past the point of comfort.
This matters because a dog that carries on is not necessarily a dog that feels great. Subtle early changes are easy to miss when your dog still bounds to the water's edge. Think of a slightly slower first few steps in the morning, or a bit less spring on the stairs. If you notice anything like this, mention it at your next vet check.
Portuguese Water Dogs are medium-sized and often live well into their teens. That is a long time to ask a pair of hips and elbows to work hard, so it makes sense to think about joint comfort early rather than waiting for a limp.
Known breed risks and why screening matters
Hip dysplasia is a recognised concern in the breed, and some sources also name elbow dysplasia. In plain English, these are conditions where the joint does not develop as neatly as it should, which can affect comfort and movement over time. Only your vet can diagnose them.
Responsible breeders screen their breeding dogs for these conditions. In the UK, that usually means the BVA/Kennel Club hip and elbow schemes. If you are buying a puppy, ask to see the parents' scores and ask the breeder to talk you through them. A good breeder will be glad to.
The breed literature also mentions eye and storage conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and GM1 storage disease. These are not joint problems, but they are a helpful reminder that breed health is worth discussing with your vet and your breeder.
Is swimming the problem?
Not usually. Swimming is gentle on the hips, and hydrotherapy is a common part of rehabilitation. The trouble tends to come from the high-torque moments around it:
- Leaping off a dock or a steep bank.
- Twisting mid-air to catch a retrieve.
- Scrambling up a slippery edge to get out of the water.
A ramp or gentle exit point, shorter sessions and a five-minute walking warm-up beforehand can all help reduce the strain on your dog's joints.
Common joint supplement ingredients, explained
Joint supplement labels can look like a wall of long names. A handful of ingredients appear again and again, and it helps to know what each is generally included for.
Common joint supplement ingredients and why they are used
| Ingredient | What it is | Why it is included |
|---|---|---|
| Glucosamine | A building block of cartilage | To support the cushioning matrix in joints |
| Chondroitin | A building block of cartilage | To support joint structure and comfort |
| MSM | A source of sulphur | To support connective tissue |
| Green-lipped mussel | A marine source of glucosamine and chondroitin | Also provides omega-3s, including ETA |
| Marine omega-3s (EPA and DHA) | Fatty acids from fish or krill oil | To support comfort and mobility |
| Hyaluronic acid | A natural component of joint fluid | A common addition in joint formulas |
| Boswellia, turmeric, collagen | Botanical and structural ingredients | Used in some products as extras |
For guidance only, not a diagnosis.
Two points are worth keeping in mind. First, ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin are gradual, daily support rather than a quick fix. If you expect a change in a week and do not see one, you may wrongly decide a product has failed. Second, glucosamine comes in different forms, such as sulphate and hydrochloride, so it is worth checking which form a product uses.
Freshness and "kitchen-sink" formulas
Fish and krill oils can oxidise and lose quality, so storage matters. Follow the label, keep the pack away from heat and damp, reseal it after each use and stick to the use-by date. A hot garage beside the dog food is a poor spot.
Be a little wary of very long ingredient lists. A product can list a great many ingredients and still contain very little of each. Look for a clear ingredients list and a feeding guide scaled to body weight.
How to compare joint supplements fairly
Rather than relying on a brand name, compare the same few things side by side: the format, the ingredients, the dosing guide and the guarantee. Here is how some well-known UK products differ, based on each manufacturer's published information from September 2026.
- NutraPaw Joint Support is a tablet. It contains glucosamine, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, turmeric and collagen, with omega-3 from the mussel and manganese. It does not list chondroitin or Boswellia. It has a 90-day guarantee.
- YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS Max is a tablet. It contains glucosamine, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and fish oil, with chondroitin only via the mussel, plus vitamins C and E and manganese. It does not list MSM, Boswellia, turmeric or collagen. It has a 6-week guarantee.
- Seraquin Joint is a chewable tablet. It contains glucosamine, chondroitin and turmeric. It does not list MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, Boswellia, omega-3 or collagen. A guarantee is not stated.
- Synoquin EFA comes as a tablet or capsule. It contains glucosamine, chondroitin and krill oil, plus vitamin C and zinc. It does not list MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, Boswellia, turmeric or collagen. A guarantee is not stated.
- Nutraquin+ is a capsule. It contains glucosamine, chondroitin and Boswellia, plus vitamin C and zinc. It does not list MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, omega-3, turmeric or collagen. A guarantee is not stated.
Each of these takes a different approach, and none is automatically right or wrong for every dog. What matters is whether the ingredients, format and dose suit yours.
Format is worth a thought too. A dog that dislikes tablets may be much easier to supplement consistently with a soft chew. Consistency matters more than the format on paper, because a supplement can only support your dog if they actually take it every day.
Where MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max fits
MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max is a daily soft chew, a complementary feed for dogs. Its key joint ingredients are glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia serrata. It also provides omega-3 from green-lipped mussel and flax seed, plus vitamins C and E and zinc, and it is made with rapeseed oil and glycerine.
It is designed to support joint comfort and mobility as part of a balanced routine, alongside good veterinary care. It is not a treatment for any condition.
Dosing for a Portuguese Water Dog
The feeding guide scales with weight: 1 chew a day up to 4 kg, 2 chews for 5 to 17 kg, and 2 to 3 chews for 18 kg and over. The amount is doubled for the first three weeks.
Adult Portuguese Water Dogs vary in size, so weigh your dog rather than guessing. A lighter dog may fall in the 5 to 17 kg band, whilst a sturdier one may be in the 18 kg and over band. If you are unsure which applies, your vet can help.
Patience and the guarantee
We recommend daily use for 2 to 3 months, because joint nutrition works gradually. If you would like to try it with some reassurance, there is a 60-day money-back guarantee, and Subscribe & Save is available if you prefer not to run out.
If your dog is on prescribed medication, is a puppy, or is pregnant or nursing, check with your vet before starting any supplement.
Everyday habits that matter as much as the supplement
A supplement works best as one piece of a bigger picture. These habits do a great deal for a working breed.
Keep your dog lean
A healthy body weight is one of the simplest and most helpful things you can do for your dog's joints. Extra weight puts extra load on every joint, and the Portuguese Water Dog's dense, curly coat can hide it. Even a small amount of extra weight is worth taking seriously.
Weigh your dog monthly and check body condition with your hands. Run them along the ribs: you should be able to feel them easily without pressing hard. If you are unsure, ask your vet or nurse for a body condition score.
Adjust the exercise, not just the supplement
- Use ramps or gentle entry and exit points for water.
- Avoid repeated jumps off docks or banks.
- Walk for a few minutes to warm up before swimming.
- Build up exercise gradually rather than going from quiet weeks to a full day at the beach.
- Dry your dog and let them settle in a warm, comfortable spot after a swim.
Start early and keep it simple
Owners often wait for visible stiffness. For an active, high-drive breed, it can be sensible to think about joint support before any signs appear. Ask your vet what suits your dog's age and lifestyle rather than following a fixed rule.
One sensible daily joint supplement is easier to keep up than a cupboard full of products. If your dog has a specific problem, ask your vet before adding anything else.
When to see a vet
A supplement is not a substitute for a diagnosis. If you notice any of the signs below, book an appointment rather than waiting to see whether a chew makes a difference.
How quickly to act on changes in your dog
Subtle changes
Less enthusiasm for swimming or retrieving, unexplained weight gain or loss, or a little hesitation before jumping into the car. Mention it to your vet and review weight and exercise.
Stiffness and gait changes
Stiffness after rest, slowness getting up, bunny hopping, an unusual gait, or difficulty settling after exercise. Book a vet check.
Pain or sudden problems
Sudden lameness, yelping, flinching when touched, swelling or heat around a joint, a hunched posture, pain when picked up, or weakness. Contact your vet promptly.
If you do not see any change after a sensible trial at the correct dose, the best next step is usually a veterinary assessment rather than simply switching brands. Supplements support joints day to day, but they cannot replace veterinary care, and every dog is different.
Your Portuguese Water Dog was bred to work hard and love every minute. With a lean body, thoughtful exercise, regular vet checks and a daily routine you can actually stick to, you give those joints good, steady support for all the swims still to come.
What is the best joint supplement for a Portuguese Water Dog?
There is no single best option for every dog, so it helps to compare the format, the declared ingredients, the dosing guide and the guarantee. MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max is a soft daily chew that combines glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia serrata in one product. If your dog has any signs of stiffness, speak to your vet before choosing anything.
How many MedPaw chews does a Portuguese Water Dog need each day?
The printed label says 2 chews a day for dogs weighing 5-17kg, and 2-3 chews a day for dogs of 18kg and over. The amount is doubled for the first three weeks. Weigh your dog rather than guessing, as adult Portuguese Water Dogs vary in size, and ask your vet if you are unsure which band applies.
How long does one tub of MedPaw chews last for a Portuguese Water Dog?
A tub holds 60 chews. For a dog in the 2-chew band, that is 30 days at the standard rate. For a dog in the 18kg and over band, it is 20 to 30 days at 2 to 3 chews a day. In the first three weeks the amount is doubled, so the first tub will not last as long.
How long should I give a joint supplement before judging whether it suits my dog?
Joint nutrition works gradually, so we recommend daily use for 2 to 3 months. A week or two is rarely long enough to judge. If you are worried about your dog's comfort or movement at any point, book a vet check rather than waiting to see whether a supplement makes a difference.
Are tablets, capsules or soft chews better for a Portuguese Water Dog?
None is better on paper. The best format is the one your dog will take every day, because a supplement can only support them if they actually have it. Some dogs happily eat a soft chew, while others take tablets hidden in food without fuss. Always follow the feeding guide on the pack you choose.
Is swimming bad for a Portuguese Water Dog's joints?
Swimming is generally gentle on joints, and hydrotherapy is often used in veterinary rehabilitation. The strain tends to come from jumping off docks, twisting mid-air for a retrieve or scrambling up slippery banks. Ramps, shorter sessions and a short walking warm-up can help. If your dog seems stiff or sore after a swim, speak to your vet.
