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4 min read

How I Helped My Aging Dog Run Again After Months of Limping

Written by a lifelong dog lover & Caninely founder who refused to give up, when one of his best friends was starting to struggle with mobility.

Freyja The English Mastiff Outside Laying Next to Uhtred the English Mastiff

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Finna and Jason Profile Picture

Jason Wilson

Last updated: October 16, 2025

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When my English Mastiff, Freyja, turned seven, something changed. She was still the same gentle giant who followed us everywhere, but I could tell she was hurting. Getting up took effort. Her hips looked stiff. Sometimes she’d limp after a short walk.

Our other dogs would run circles around her, but Freyja stayed off to the side, frustrated. She wanted to play, but I could see the hesitation in her eyes. I could tell she was afraid of the pain that might follow.

That’s when I realized something most dog owners don’t want to face: joint issues can start long before a dog reaches old age.

A Rough Start for a Big Heart

Freyja had two TPLO surgeries by the time she was four, one on each rear knee. Her recovery inspired everything that came next.

Freyja has always been a fighter. By the time she was four, Freyja had undergone TPLO surgery on both rear knees. Our veterinarian told us it was the best option for her long-term health, and we agreed.

She bounced back strong. For years, she ran, jumped, and played like nothing ever happened. But around her seventh birthday, her body started showing signs of wear.

That’s the thing about big dogs. They give everything they have. Their loyalty, their love, their weight on your couch. Sometimes, their joints pay the price.

The Hard Truth About Dog Joint Pain

Dogs Outdoors Laying in Grass, large english mastiffs with black masks.
Unfortunately dogs can’t really tell you when they are dealing with discomfort.

Dogs are tough. They don’t always whine when something hurts. They adjust how they move to hide it. That’s why so many owners miss the early signs.

If your dog hesitates before jumping, takes longer to get up, or licks their joints more often, it’s not always “just getting older.” It can be the start of joint wear — the kind that quietly builds over time until one day you realize your dog isn’t keeping up anymore.

For me, that realization was gut-wrenching. Watching Freyja struggle to stand, or avoid the other dogs when they played, was heartbreaking.

I tried everything. Different joint chews, powders, and tablets. Most ended up in the trash because Freyja refused to eat them. She’s 170 pounds of stubborn love and an intelligent pill detective. She can quite literally detect anything hidden in her food. Our other Mastiff Uhtred is less picky, but can still find and spit out anything he doesn’t like. While he didn’t need joint support as urgently as Freyja, I wanted to get him on something preventive.

That frustration is what led to Caninely’s flagship product, our Hip & Joint formula.

How it Started

English Mastiff outdoors in grass looking off into the distance. Fawn coat with black mask.
We knew that the supplement not only needed to work, but it had to taste great.

I wanted a joint supplement that did two things right.

  1. It had to work.
  2. It had to taste awesome, so even picky eaters would love it.

That’s it. Simple, but apparently for our dogs, it was impossible to find. So, I teamed up with experienced formulators and worked on creating a soft chew that used high-quality, proven ingredients but tasted good enough to pass the “Mastiff test.”

The goal wasn’t to start a brand. It was to help Freyja feel like herself again.

What Happened Next Surprised Me

Here you’ll learn all about Caninely’s hip & joint formula, and why we created it.

Within a few months, the difference was obvious.

Freyja still takes her time getting up, but once she’s up, she moves so much easier. She plays again. She runs in short bursts with the younger dogs and even wags her tail during their backyard sprints.

Our other Mastiff, who had no previous mobility issues, also became more flexible and energetic. You can tell he just moves better. He runs smoother and more confident.

And the taste? That’s the part I’m most proud of. When they hear me shake the container, they come running. Freyja drools. That moment, every single day, makes it all worth it.

What’s Inside Each Chew

Bone Broth Hip and Joint Supplement in Each Chew
We solved our own problem by including ingredients that work, but also making sure the supplement passes the taste test with picky eaters.

We kept things simple. Each Caninely Hip & Joint Chew combines five primary ingredients that support comfort, flexibility, and healthy joints.

  • Glucosamine HCL: Supports smooth, cushioned joints
  • MSM: Helps maintain mobility and comfort
  • Chondroitin Sulfate: Keeps cartilage hydrated and resilient
  • Green Lipped Mussel Powder: Helps manage inflammation
  • Mixed Collagens: Helps reduce joint pain & strengthen bones

They’re made in the USA with premium globally sourced ingredients including bone broth to produce a flavor dogs actually crave. No junk, no shortcuts. Just clean, natural support designed by dog parents who were tired of wasting money on products their pets wouldn’t eat.

A Difference You Can See

Within 6 weeks, Freyja was out there running around with all our 2-3 year old dogs.

If your dogs are like ours, you’ll start to notice changes within a few weeks:

  • Week 1–2: Your dog gets up more easily and walks more smoothly.
  • Week 3–4: They move with more confidence.
  • Week 5–6: Playfulness returns. The spark comes back.

It’s not a magic pill, but when you give your dog something that tastes good and works with their body, consistency finally becomes easy.

From Our Family to Yours

Feeding Dogs Hip and Joint Supplements
All of our dogs absolutely love our Hip and Joint formula – even Freyja who is extremely picky!

We’ve had all our dogs on the supplement for several months now, and seeing them happy, mobile, and playful again is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever experienced.

That’s why I decided to share it with others.

Every jar of Caninely Hip & Joint Chews comes with a 60-day money-back promise. If your dog doesn’t love it or you don’t see the difference, you get a full refund.

Because for me, this isn’t just about selling chews. It’s about giving dogs like Freyja a chance to move freely again, and giving their owners hope when it feels like nothing’s working.

Improve Your Dog’s Mobility or Your Money Back

Caninely Hip & Joint Chew

Feeding Dogs Hip and Joint Supplements

Our Rating

  • Supports joint flexibility
  • Promotes healthy cartilage
  • Eases discomfort from aging
  • Reduces stiffness
  • Boosts mobility
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Manufactured in the USA
Check Availability

If your dog is starting to slow down, or you just want to protect their joints before problems start, try Caninely Hip & Joint Chews risk-free today. We offer a 100% money back guarantee you’ll be satisfied with our formula, no questions asked.

From one dog lover to another,

Jason Wilson, Owner & Founder of Caninely

Disclaimer

This article is written by Jason Wilson, owner of Caninely. It is for informational purposes only. It does not replace veterinary advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplement. 

Senior dog looking at camera after getting fed joint support

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