Great conversation--our 12 y-o Rhodesian mix was experiencing some pain and stiffness in his neck. [he is only 55 pounds] The vet gave me some pain meds to use when it gets bad. He had trouble bending down to his food dish. On a whim I bought Cosequin chews maximum strength from Costco online [also on Amazon] The label says includes Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and Omega 3. Supposedly these take some time to work but we give him 2 a day and he seemed improved after just a couple of days. I have continued providing these, also set the food and water on an overturned rectangular baking pan 3 inches tall to raise the dishes.
Plus 1 on giving the dogs some help loading into the truck, I always have lifted my dogs in even when they are young, much easier to have them used to it than trying to change only when they are older and they have the habit of trying to jump ingrained.
