Devil's claw in dogs – herbal support for joints and mobility?

As our dog gets older, we sometimes notice small changes in their daily life. It takes them longer to get up, their first steps after sleeping seem stiff, or their enjoyment of long walks declines. There can be different causes behind such changes. Joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, which can be associated with pain and restricted mobility, are particularly common.
In addition to veterinary treatment, physiotherapy, and adapted exercise, many dog owners are interested in herbal supplements. One of these is African devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens).

But what significance does this plant have for dogs, and what does science actually say about it?

What is devil's claw?

African devil's claw is a plant that originally comes from southern Africa. It owes its name to the hook-shaped appendages of its fruits. For the production of herbal products, the secondary storage roots are primarily used. They contain various natural plant compounds, including so-called iridoid glycosides.
Particularly well known is harpagoside, which is considered one of the characteristic active ingredients of devil's claw.
Devil's claw is often used in supplement products for dogs in connection with joints and mobility.

Why is devil's claw interesting for dogs?

Joint problems can affect dogs of all ages. Older dogs are particularly prone to developing degenerative changes in the musculoskeletal system.
In osteoarthritis, joint cartilage and surrounding joint structures change, among other things. At the same time, inflammatory processes and pain can occur. 

Typical signs are:

• Stiffness after periods of rest

• Difficulty getting up

• Reduced enjoyment of movement

• Problems climbing stairs

• Lameness or an altered gait

In veterinary research, therefore, it is being investigated whether certain plant-based active ingredients can make a complementary contribution to the management of joint complaints.

Devil's claw is also part of this.

Can devil's claw support dogs' mobility?

Due to its plant-based active ingredients, devil's claw is an interesting component of supplement products for the musculoskeletal system. For dogs with joint complaints, a holistic approach is particularly important. This includes an adapted diet, a healthy body weight, regular joint-friendly exercise, and, if necessary, targeted physiotherapy measures.
Herbal supplements can be considered as part of such a care concept. However, their use should always be based on the individual health status of the dog.

What should be considered when feeding it?

Even natural plant compounds are not automatically suitable for every dog. When using devil's claw, the composition of the product, the amount contained, and possible co-existing conditions should be considered in particular. For dogs that are simultaneously taking medication, consulting a veterinarian is particularly important.

Conclusion: Devil's claw in dogs – what do we really know?

African devil's claw is an interesting plant that is also used in supplement products for dogs. Initial veterinary studies have examined plant combinations containing devil's claw in dogs with osteoarthritis. For dog owners, it is especially important to recognize joint complaints early and specifically promote the mobility of their four-legged friend. A combination of adapted exercise, a healthy body weight, physiotherapy, and veterinary care forms the basis. Because long-term quality of life for our dogs means one thing above all: being able to move as pain-free as possible and with joy.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

1. Can devil's claw help dogs with osteoarthritis?

Devil's claw is often used as a herbal supplement for joint complaints. It can help alleviate the symptoms as part of a multimodal therapy approach.

2. How long can a dog take devil's claw?

It is recommended to administer it for 6-8 weeks and then pause for approx. 4 weeks. If necessary, administration can then be repeated. A longer-term administration should be discussed with a veterinarian.

3. Does devil's claw have side effects in dogs?

Even plant-based active ingredients can cause adverse reactions. Careful with sensitive dogs or simultaneous medication intake.

Author

This article was created by Isabella Gollner, BSc, based on veterinary literature, nutritional science findings, and the references listed below. The aim is to provide dog owners with well-founded, understandable, and practical information about gastrointestinal health in dogs and to clearly explain the connections between gut flora, digestion, metabolism, and general well-being.

For the content, veterinary specialist sources, standard scientific works on animal nutrition, and current findings on dog health were considered. Despite careful research, this article does not replace a veterinary diagnosis or individual consultation.

Scientific Sources

1. A pilot study examining a proprietary herbal blend for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis pain (2021).
2. Barbeau-Grégoire et al. (2022). A 2022 Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Enriched Therapeutic Diets and Nutraceuticals in Canine and Feline Osteoarthritis.
3. Vandeweerd et al. (2012). Systematic Review of Efficacy of Nutraceuticals to Alleviate Clinical Signs of Osteoarthritis.

Note: This article is for informational purposes and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis or treatment.