A Guide to Glucosamine for Dogs
Why do Dogs Have Joint Problems
Dogs have joint problems primarily based on the diet they have been fed and the injuries sustained during their lives. While we can’t do much to slow down a frisky dog, we can watch their diet, providing them with kibble that is a good balance between grains, starches and red meat.
While most dogs prefer red meat it’s not especially good for them. When digested, red meat produces uric acid – the same thing that causes gout in humans. Gout primarily attacks the joint of the large toe – caused by the uric acid softening the bone, deteriorating the joint, and causing extreme inflammation. When your dog consumes large quantities of red meat, the same thing happens to his joints.
What is Arthritis
As anyone who has developed arthritis knows – it is a very painful condition. It is defined as inflammation of a joint – usually accompanied by pain, swelling and stiffness. Arthritis can be caused by repetitive motion injury, trauma, infection, degenerative changes in the joints, metabolic disturbances and other minor causes.
Arthritis takes three forms:
1. Bacterial Arthritis – caused by a primary or secondary infection in the joint. Rapid treatment with an antibiotic is essential to preserve the joint. Some residual pain may remain even when treatment is successful
2. Osteoarthritis – is a progressive disorder of the joints caused by the loss of cartilage and the development of bone spurs. The name is a combination of three Greek words meaning bone joint inflammation. Osteoarthritis cannot be cured. It can, however, be treated. As a dog owner, it’s up to you to decide which course of treatment will be best for your dog – medications with harmful side effects or glucosamine for dogs which provides the same pain relief, none of the side effects AND aids in the production of new cartilage.
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis – is seldom seen in dogs. It is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and deformity of the joints. When seen in dogs it is found mainly in toy and small breed dogs.
What is Glucosamine for Dogs and How does it Work
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in all mammals. An amino acid is a sugar combined with some of the same building blocks as our DNA. Its importance is as a structural component in the development and maintenance of joints in mammals.
Mammals (dogs and people alike) have glucosamine in their bones. The sugar in glucosamine helps to prevent the production of uric acid and other substances that damage our joints. It also combats joint damage by:
- Stimulating the production of new cartilage
- Reducing joint inflammation
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Removing enzymes from the blood that a responsible for attacking cartilage.
Is Glucosamine for Dogs Effective
Mammals are very fortunate to share the presence of glucosamine in their bodies with shellfish. Shellfish such as shrimp, lobster, crabs, crawfish mollusks, barnacles and others have an abundance of glucosamine in their exoskeletons. Much of the manufacturing of glucosomine is a by-product of harvesting shellfish as a food source.
Mammals are very fortunate to share the presence of glucosamine in their bodies with shellfish. Shellfish such as shrimp, lobster, crabs, crawfish mollusks, barnacles and others have an abundance of glucosamine in their exoskeletons. Much of the manufacturing of glucosomine is a by-product of harvesting shellfish as a food source.
Is this glucosamine effective for dogs? Yes. There have been many studies on the use of glucosamine in dogs. These studies have shown a marked reduction in inflammation, the production of new cartilage and an improved mobility.
Is It Safe?
The remarkable thing about glucosamine for dogs is that it is probably safer than glucosamine for humans. Glucosamine for humans is considered a Food Additive and is not regulated by the FDA as to purity or concentration. Dog glucosamine on the other hand is thoroughly regulated. All glucosamine for dogs is labeled as to ingredients, purity, concentration and dosage – so you’re never left guessing when you use it as a supplement for your dog.
What Forms does it Come In?
Glucosamine for dogs comes in powders, pills, capsules, soft chewables and liquid glucosamine. We strongly recommend the use of liquid glucosamine for dogs due to the ease of administering the supplement and the improved absorption of the glucosamine into the body.
A Final Note of Caution
Glucosamine for dogs has been formulated for veterinarian use only. It should be given during or following a meal to reduce the chance of an upset stomach.
- Do not administer glucosamine for dogs without consulting a vet if they:
- Are being treated with an anticoagulant
- Have a clotting disorder
- Have diabetes
- Have a history of urinary tract stones
- Have a known allergy to shellfish
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Are pregnant
If the lameness worsens, discontinue the use of the glucosamine and consult with your vet.
In Conclusion
Giving your dog glucosamine as a dietary supplement is a great way to help them keep their joints healthy. It will fight inflammation, eliminate the acid producing enzymes and spur the production of new cartilage. And the best part of all – it’s extremely economical.