Glucosamine is a popular and effective supplement used in dogs who suffer from conditions like osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia. Due to its effectiveness, glucosamine has begun appearing in a number of brand-name supplements, including Glyco-Flex.
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Glucosamine
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Glucosamine occurs naturally in the body and appears in the highest concentration in cartilage. A healthy dog utilizes the glucose in his own body to synthesize glucosamine. An aging animal or an animal with joint damage is unable to manufacture enough glucosamine, so supplements are used to provide enough to meet the animal's needs.
Glyco-Flex
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Glyco-Flex is one of many products that contains glucosamine, targeted toward the joint health of dogs. This particular product comes in three different stages, designed to support a range of life stages. In addition to glucosamine, these products also contain additional supplements; for example, the third tier includes additives like grape seed extract and manganese.
Benefits
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In a normal dog, cartilage is constantly broken down and rebuilt. Glucosamine supplements like Glyco-Flex help dogs with conditions like hip dysplasia and arthritis to synthesize new cartilage because their normal production can't keep up with their bodies' demands.
Side Effects
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There are very few side effects with Glyco-Flex or any other glucosamine supplements. Occasionally a dog will experience vomiting or diarrhea when first taking glucosamine, but that can usually be alleviated by adjusting the dose. However, once a dog begins taking a glucosamine supplement, he will need to remain on it for the rest of his life or his cartilage degeneration will reoccur.
Warning
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Glucosamine is considered a supplement by the FDA and is, therefore, unregulated. While it is available on store shelves everywhere, meet with your vet before adding glucosamine to your pet's diet to determine which product at what dose is most appropriate for your dog.
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