Arthritis is a debilitating condition for dogs. Traditional treatments include the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can alleviate the pain and swelling associated with arthritis. However, they can cause severe side effects and can't be used to treat dogs with kidney disease. Glucosamine is a supplement that provides a safe alternative because it will not affect your dog's kidney function.
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Significance
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Arthritis can severely affect a dog's quality of life. The symptoms can be mild, leading to stiffness or discomfort in one or more joints. However, they can also be chronic, potentially preventing the dog from walking. A common treatment for dog arthritis is NSAIDs. However, these drugs have potentially dangerous side effects, one of which is kidney failure. According to Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM, supplements such as glucosamine are safer to use because they will not affect the dog's organs.
Effects
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According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies. In both humans and other mammals, it helps build cartilage, which cushions the joints and can help relieve the discomfort caused by conditions such as arthritis. Recent studies on humans have shown that glucosamine can relieve the pain caused by arthritis, although there is still some dispute about whether the supplement actually has any effect on joints.
Benefits
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As glucosamine is naturally occuring within the body, it does not have any adverse side effects when taken correctly in supplement form. Kidney failure is a potential side effect of NSAIDS, so these drugs aren't suitable for dogs with existing kidney conditions.
Considerations
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Although glucosamine can alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, it is considered to be more effective when used in conjunction with other nutritional supplements. Placerville Veterinary Practice recommends omega-3 fatty acids, which have been known to reduce joint inflammation. There is also evidence that this supplement can reduce inflammation associated with kidney disease, too. Remember that nutritional supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so check with your veterinarian before giving them to your dog.
Expert Insight
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Placerville Veterinary Practice recommends starting larger breeds of dogs on glucosamine supplements before they start showing symptoms of arthritis. They say that the supplement is a good way of preventing the stiff joints that usually affect larger and heavier dogs as they grow older. For a dog that weighs 60 to 70 pounds, it recommends a dose of 2,000 mg per day. The practice also explains that either pet or human supplements can be used.
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