Quick answer: none of the drug information we checked lists an interaction between the common joint supplement actives and non-NSAID pain relief such as gabapentin, amantadine or Pardale-V (a paracetamol and codeine medicine licensed for dogs). That isn't the same as proof they've been studied together, so tell your vet before you add anything, and never use a supplement in place of the pain relief they prescribe. These medicines are sometimes chosen because a dog can't have anti-inflammatories, for example because of kidney or liver problems, and those conditions matter more than the supplement does. If your vet agrees, show them the label of MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews and ask whether it suits your dog.
Transparency note: this page is written by MedPaw, which makes a joint supplement. It is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan, and it doesn't replace your vet's advice. Sources are linked so you can check them. Checked 9 October 2026.
What the drug information says about interactions
We checked the published drug information for each medicine against the main joint supplement actives (glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, Boswellia and omega-3). No medicine doses are given here: your vet sets those.
Non-NSAID pain relief and joint supplements: what the sources say
| Medicine | Interactions listed in the source | Points to discuss with your vet |
|---|---|---|
| Gabapentin | VCA lists antacids, hydrocodone and morphine. Joint supplement actives aren't listed | Can cause sleepiness and wobbliness; some liquid forms contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs; use with caution in kidney disease |
| Amantadine | Davies Veterinary Specialists says interactions are uncommon and names none | Not licensed for pain in dogs; usually added to other pain relief; blood tests every six months |
| Pardale-V (paracetamol and codeine) | Its data sheet says to avoid other potentially kidney-damaging drugs. Supplements aren't mentioned | Prescription only; for dogs only, never cats; not for dogs with heart, liver or kidney disease |
| Glucosamine and chondroitin (the supplement side) | VCA lists certain NSAIDs, doxorubicin, heparin, warfarin, insulin and sertraline. None of the three medicines above is listed | Mild stomach upset is the most common side effect |
Sources: VCA Animal Hospitals, Davies Veterinary Specialists' pain clinic, Pardale-V official data sheet, VCA's glucosamine and chondroitin guidance. Checked 9 October 2026.
VCA's advice applies here too: tell your vet about every medicine "including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies" your dog takes. That matters most for herbal products such as devil's claw or turmeric, which are not the same as a standard joint supplement.
Why your dog might be on these medicines
Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) are usually the first choice for arthritis, and the Davies pain clinic describes amantadine as something added to a multimodal plan, typically alongside NSAIDs, or used alone in dogs that can't tolerate them. Its fact sheet also says the clinic prefers amantadine to gabapentin-type drugs for progressive arthritis pain, which it describes as not effective for osteoarthritis pain. Other vets do use gabapentin, particularly where nerve pain is suspected, and our guide to gabapentin for dogs with joint pain covers how it works and its side effects.
If your dog is on these medicines because of kidney, liver or stomach problems, read our guides to joint supplements for dogs with kidney disease and joint supplements for dogs with liver disease too. If your dog has the Librela injection, see joint supplements with Librela.
Practical tips if your vet agrees
- Start one thing at a time. Wait until your dog is settled on a new medicine before adding a supplement, so any change is easier to trace.
- Keep a simple diary of medicines, supplements, mobility and side effects, and take it to check-ups.
- Don't hide tablets in human foods or liquids without checking they're free of xylitol.
- Never give human painkillers, and never change a dose or stop gabapentin suddenly without your vet's advice, especially in dogs with epilepsy.
- Watch for wobbliness on gabapentin: rugs and ramps help prevent slips.
When to see your vet
- Very sleepy, wobbly or falling over
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, or not eating
- Agitation or restlessness after starting amantadine
- Pain that isn't controlled, or new lameness
- Yellow gums or eyes, or drinking and peeing more
- Any change after starting a supplement: stop it and call your vet
What else helps
Medicines work best within a wider plan: a lean body weight, short and steady daily walks (see low-impact exercise for stiff dogs), hydrotherapy or physio, non-slip floors and a ramp for the car. Our guide to what you can give a dog for joint pain explains the main options vets use.
Which supplement ingredients have evidence?
A 2022 review of 72 trials graded the common actives for dogs with arthritis:
How the main joint supplement ingredients compare on evidence for joint pain in dogs
| Ingredient | What the 2022 review of 72 trials found |
|---|---|
| Omega-3 (fish oil, green-lipped mussel) | The strongest evidence of the supplements reviewed |
| Glucosamine and chondroitin | Did not relieve pain |
| MSM, hyaluronic acid, Boswellia | Too few good trials to judge on their own |
Source: Barbeau-Grégoire et al., International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022.
Omega-3 has the strongest evidence of the supplements studied. Our guide to omega-3 fish oil for dogs' joints explains the options.
MedPaw's label, to show your vet
MedPaw is a complementary feed, not a painkiller, and we don't claim it suits every dog on pain relief. It contains Boswellia serrata, a plant resin extract, so point that out to your vet. Here are its published actives and allergens:
MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews: the main amounts per chew on the label, to show your vet
| Ingredient or fact | Per chew, as published |
|---|---|
| MSM | 185mg |
| Glucosamine | 170mg |
| Chondroitin | 70mg |
| Green-lipped mussel | 70mg |
| Boswellia serrata | 30mg |
| Hyaluronic acid | Included (amount not published) |
| Vitamin C | 33mg |
| Vitamin E | 24 IU |
| Zinc | 3mg |
| Format | Soft chicken and bacon flavour chew, 60 per tub |
| Allergens | Mollusc (green-lipped mussel) and gluten (brewer's yeast) |
| What it is | A complementary feed, not a medicine or painkiller |
The full composition and analytical constituents are printed on the tub.
Our recommendation: keep your vet's pain relief plan first. If they're happy for your dog to have a joint chew too, MedPaw combines glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia in one soft chew, so it doesn't add another tablet to the day, and it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. Show your vet the label and ask whether MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews suits your dog. Feeding amounts by weight are on the product page.
Joint supplements with gabapentin and other pain relief: common questions
Can I give my dog glucosamine with gabapentin?
Often, with your vet's agreement. Neither VCA's gabapentin information nor its glucosamine information lists the other as an interaction, but they haven't been studied together, so tell your vet before starting.
Can dogs take a joint supplement with amantadine?
Usually, if your vet agrees. A UK specialist pain clinic describes interactions with amantadine as uncommon and doesn't name supplements. Amantadine is normally part of a wider pain plan, so keep your vet informed of everything your dog takes.
Can I give my dog paracetamol with a joint supplement?
Only give paracetamol if your vet prescribes it, as a licensed dog medicine such as Pardale-V. Its data sheet doesn't mention supplements, but it isn't for dogs with heart, liver or kidney disease and must never be given to cats.
Can a joint supplement replace my dog's gabapentin?
No. A joint supplement isn't a painkiller. Never stop or reduce gabapentin without your vet's advice, especially if your dog has epilepsy.
Is it better to give the supplement at a different time from the medicine?
We aren't aware of a reason to separate them, but follow your vet's advice. Giving the chew at the same time every day helps you keep track.
My dog is on gabapentin and still stiff. What should I do?
Speak to your vet. They may adjust the plan or add other treatments. Our guide to arthritis medication not working explains the options vets consider.
See also: when arthritis medication isn't working and joint supplements alongside medication.
