Glucosamine for Dogs

As dogs age, they become prone to defects in their joints, ligaments, tendons and joint fluids, which gradually lead to arthritis. Dogs given the proper level of exercise and diets, however, stay healthy despite the inevitability of old age while others develop poor joint health as they hit a certain age.

In addressing this issue, dog owners should be aware of available nutrients that can help maintain good health and joint management to one’s pet. As many dog owners may not know, certain types of food being fed to dogs, such as red meat, are big contributors to many forms of arthritic-type diseases due to its high content of uric acid. This is the reason why, it is important for dog owners to learn of available agents that can avoid and address any future issues of joint defects and immobility in one’s dog.

One such agent that can provide and sustain a limping dog’s joint health, and can guarantee that a dog remains mobile and active is Glucosamine. This is a natural dietary supplement given to dogs that is found in cartilage and synovial fluid, which is already present in joints. Glucosamine is a basic ingredient of a dog’s glycosaminoglycans, which form part of the ground substance of connective tissue found inside a dog’s body.

When do dogs need glucosamine? Once dog owners detect any sign of a developing arthritis in dogs, glucosamine may be needed and be recommended by a veterinarian. Signs such as favoring one limb or a gradual onset of lameness, reluctance to jump, rub or climb stairs, less interest in play and difficulty in sitting or standing to name a few, it is best for dog owners to address these changes earlier to avoid any grave threat of an ailing arthritis in dogs.

The best part in giving Glucosamine is that there is no placebo effect in dogs. As studies show, a high percentage of dogs, especially larger breeds of dogs that are more prone to these arthritic-type diseases respond particularly well to Glucosamine. This is because swallowed Glucosamine is absorbed and distributed to joint tissues. It has an anti-inflammatory component and joint regenerating property that benefits and relieves osteoarthritis in dogs. Other than just addressing conditions such as osteoarthritis, Glucosamine also responds well against several types of arthritis present in dogs. Rheumatoid arthritis, disc degeneration, cartilage, tendons or ligaments repair are some of the few conditions that Glucosamine deals with.

There are several products of Glucosamine available in the market today. Dog owners should be careful in choosing the right content in products that would be suitable to one’s dog. There are six aspects to consider before deciding to purchase a certain Glucosamine product that would be beneficial for one’s dog. These include the type of Glucosamine (sulfate, HCL, or 2KCL), quality of the ingredients used in a certain product whether it is produced in a GMP certified facility, method of delivery, amount of glucosamine needed per day which will depend on the state a dog is in. Moreover, the additional ingredients used in a certain product besides Glucosamine and the daily cost the product would entail.

In conclusion, introducing Glucosamine supplement can provide great benefits for dogs suffering from a developing arthritic disease and joint pains. Since dogs deal with pain by changing their normal habits and behavior, dog owners should be alert in detecting these changes and address these issues right away. By providing the right combination of diet and the proper need of Glucosamine supplement, dog owners would be able to see progress in their dog’s condition in just a matter a short period of time.