As dogs get older, their bones and joints age just like the bones and joints of humans dog. Because dogs age at a quicker pace than humans, dogs who reach their seventh and eighth years are beginning to feel their age in their bodies. It is important to fortify your older dog's diet by offering him positive aging dog food, and also by supplementing his dog food with Glucosamine if needed. Glucosamine is a supplement and vitamin that will help his joints and bones age gracefully and will stop inflammation that causes pain.
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Glucosamine For People
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Glucosamine is a vitamin supplement that people take that works with the spaces where the bones and joints meet. It helps to lubricate bones and joints, and thus provides relief from bone and joint pain that comes with aging. Glucosamine also provides relief from minor symptoms of arthritis, and from general joint and bone pain. Glucosamine, although intended for people, can provide dogs with the same relief. Glucosamine helps to lubricate dog's joints. It helps older dogs have stronger bones and tougher joints, and gives them back the bounce they had as puppies. It helps younger dogs keep their bone and joints healthy as well.
Adding Glucosamine
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Add Glucosamine to a dog's diet in several ways. Glucosamine comes in supplement pills that are available in pet stores and animal supply stores. Choose a Glucosamine that is fortified for dogs and made for dogs especially. If you cannot find pills made for dogs, you can give your dog the Glucosamine pills that are intended for human consumption. For large dogs, give one tablet per day. For small dogs, less than 20 pounds, give one half tablet per day. As dogs age, you can increase the dose, depending on how they seem to feel. If a smaller dog still has pain getting up or walking, his dose can be increased to one full tablet a day.
You can also add Glucosamine powder to your dog's food. Add a tablespoon of the powder to your dog's meals once per day. He should get the same result.
Not a Replacement
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If your dog has an injury, such as a broken bone, he will likely need pain medication for the rest of his life. Serious injuries and ailments require major treatment, and Glucosamine is not a substitute for real veterinary care. Your dog can be given Glucosamine as a way to help him age gracefully and have less pain as he ages. However, for arthritis or other conditions, be sure to seek a vet's opinion and put your dog on the right type of medication.
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