Aging dogs, beginning at age 7 in smaller breeds and age 6 in larger breeds, present a variety of health concerns, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Arthritis and other degenerative joint conditions afflict larger dogs more often than smaller ones, but all dogs can suffer from painful joints and reduced mobility. For dog owners wishing to begin arthritis treatment with holistic approaches, the supplement glucosamine presents a good option for reducing inflammation with few significant side effects.
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Significance
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Glucosamine is a substance that exists in the body to keep cartilage flexible and maintain the fluid that lubricates joints. As a dog ages, its body produces less of this naturally occurring substance, which allows joints to become less spongy and supportive.
When you see signs of lameness or discomfort in an older dog--difficulty walking or running, avoidance of going up stairs, wincing when trying to get up or lie down--it's likely that the arthritic process has begun. This is the time to consider supplementing with natural glucosamine before moving to pharmaceutical options available from your veterinarian.
Types
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Glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride are two types of the supplement typically recommended for dogs, according to the Glucosamine Osteoarthritis Resource Center. The sulfate form was first used and studied in Europe, according to the Pet Education, and the HCI form is now popular because it is considered to be a purer form.
Both types are reported to be effective in dogs. Glucosamine can be administered in pill or liquid form by putting it into your dog's food.
Dosing
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Using glucosamine in dogs typically does not require a vet's guidance, but your dog's doctor may be able to recommend specific brands he has seen work well in other animals. Dosing is determined by body weight and can be figured two ways: 20 mg per pound of dog weight or 500 mg per 25 lbs. of weight. Because glucosamine is generally considered safe, there should be little concern of overdose if you're trying to get close to the dose for your dog's weight by splitting pills.
Dogs generally need to be on glucosamine for the rest of their lives, according to Pet Education, because cartilage degeneration can recur within months of stopping the supplement.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
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Glucosamine is often sold with a compound called chondroitin, which is naturally found in animal cartilage. While glucosamine helps build new cartilage, chondroitin is thought to block enzymes that break down cartilage in the first place, according to Pet Education.
Most dogs suffer no ill effects from taking combined glucosamine and chondroitin, although vomiting and diarrhea are signs that the dose should be changed or the supplements should be given with more food.
Scientific Evidence
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Evidence for the effectiveness and safety of glucosamine in arthritic dogs comes from several scientific studies. A 1999 study in the American Journal of Veterinary Research looked at the effect of glucosamine-chondroitin compounds on dogs with a form of joint inflammation called synovitis and concluded that treatment protected against degeneration and reduced lameness.
According to a 2010 study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, administering glucosamine to dogs does not affect their blood sugar or put them at risk of diabetes.
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