It’s no fun watching your older dog slow down. Arthritis may make it harder for him to get up and down the stairs. Achy joints may mean those games of fetch she used to love are no longer enjoyable.
Adding a natural supplement with glucosamine for dogs can help.
Glucosamine hydrochloride is one of several compounds found in cartilage. Studies have shown it helps strengthen and heal existing cartilage.
But what is cartilage and why is it important?
Cartilage is a connective tissue that protects our dogs’ bones where they meet at joints. It serves to cushion the bones and allows for low-friction movement. When the cartilage is healthy our dogs’ joints move smoothly without pain. It's also important for their ability to bear weight. Meaning, healthy cartilage makes it possible to stand up and stay standing without discomfort.
Many things can wear down the cartilage. Age, for one. In active dogs, this process may be faster. Constant running and jumping erode the cartilage over time. Large-breed dogs (those over 100 pounds) are also prone to early loss of cartilage. And prone to the arthritis that ensues.
Cartilage doesn’t regenerate. Maintaining the health of your dog’s cartilage throughout his life is important. But so is strengthening what’s left of it in an older dog.
And that’s where glucosamine comes in.
The mechanics of why glucosamine helps keep joints healthy is still murky, but researchers have found that glucosamine “regulates the synthesis of collagen in cartilage.”
In simpler terms, cartilage needs collagen to stay healthy. And it needs glucosamine to make collagen.
Giving dogs glucosamine helps keep cartilage, and the joints it protects, healthier longer. And can relieve the pain and discomfort associated with already-occurring joint disease.
For instance, a 2012 study found that arthritic dogs given a combination of glucosamine HCl, chondroitin sulfate, and glycosylated undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) showed significant reductions in overall pain, pain upon limb manipulation, and exercise-associated lameness.
And, in a 2006 study, researchers found that “Dogs treated with Glu/CS showed statistically significant improvements in scores for pain, weight-bearing, and severity of the condition by day 70.” The study included 35 dogs with osteoarthritis in either their hips or elbows. All were given either a mixture of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate (Glu/CS) or carprofen (a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug).
The benefits of glucosamine for dogs aren't limited to those who already have arthritis or are suffering from age-related joint degeneration.
Glucosamine for dogs can also benefit:
At Veterinary Formula Clinical Care, we understand the importance of keeping our dogs’ joints healthy and limber. It’s why we include glucosamine for dogs in our once-a-day Ultimate Joint Health and Senior Support supplements, along with other anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals like Green Lipped Mussels and Turmeric.
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