Glucosamine for Dogs

Everything about Glucosamine for Dogs

Glucosamine for dogs is a topic which has gained interest not only for veterinarians but for dog lovers as well. Several inquires are lingering around to satisfy curiosity amidst this subject matter. Like always, one must fully update himself about a certain product before usage or consumption. Whether it is for you, your family or pets, information would be of great help. Whether your pet is a dog, cat, bird or even any reptile species; veterinarians are the primary source of information. Nowadays, as technology influences the world, more and more details and information are disbursed all over the internet. All information you need to know is just a click away. For you to understand the concept of glucosamine and its correlation to dogs here are some details you ought to know.

Like humans, animals incur ailments too. Some may be due to organ failure as old age comes while most ailments are environmentally caused such as poisoning and infections. Dogs for one, incur several illnesses from infection to genetic disorders. Different medications are prescribed depending on the type of disease they acquired. For one, glucosamine for dogs is a medication prescribed by veterinarians to manage arthritis and aid in creating healthy cartilages and joints.

A brief description of dog arthritis

Arthritis is considered as a degenerative disease both in human and animal. Degenerative disease is simply defined as a state or medical condition acquired as a person or animal gets old. For dogs, osteoarthritis is not only caused by old age. Other causes of arthritis are osteochondrosis and immune-mediated joint disease.

Osteochondrosis simply hip dysplasia is a hereditary disease that may manifest to a ratio of one is to five. Basically, even young dogs may exhibit this disease. Most common signs and symptoms are limping, appearance of sore or stiff joints, hesitation to do actions such as running, jumping and climbing stairs and behavioural changes. Most of these conditions can be observed during mornings and cold or damp weather conditions. Keep in mind that these signs and symptoms are easily observed on large breed dogs compared to small dogs.  Once you’ve noticed these conditions, immediate check-up should follow.

Immune-mediated arthritis or joint infection is categorized into two. I may either result to erosive arthritis where in the joint and cartilage’s facade is damaged or non-erosive arthritis that is characterized as only an inflammation without any damages. A common example of erosive arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. This condition is typically seen in small breed dogs or toy dogs. Signs and symptoms include; fever, loss of appetite and joint swelling. Keep in mind that a dog’s normal body temperature is 101 to 102.5 °F. Beyond that point, fever will be expected. A critical condition about dog’s body temperature one should know 106°F. Temperature this high is fatal to any kind of dogs. At this point the external organs of the dog are already undergoing organ failures. Once you’ve notice this conditions, make sure to consult your veterinarians before it is too late.

It is a mere fact that arthritis is incurable. However, pain management can be applied to ease discomfort. The most recommended remedy is giving your dog a well balanced diet and exercise. Several drug regimens can also be given upon the approval of your trusted veterinarians. These drug regimens are synthetically prepared products that are categorized as a food supplement or a Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID’s) that can be purchase in your veterinarian’s clinic or pet store. An example of food supplements that are used to manage dog arthritis are glucosamine and omega fatty acids.

The fundamentals of Glucosamine for dogs

Chemically, glucosamine is not considered as a pharmaceutical product but as a dietary supplement. Like all dietary supplements, glucosamine can be taken daily depending on the recommended dose. There are several forms of glucosamine sold in the market. Glucosamine sulphate, glucosamine hydrochloride and n-acetyl glucosamine are the common forms that are proven to be safe. Other products sold are a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate or methylsulfonylmethane. For dogs, Glucosamine sulphate and glucosamine hydrochloride are the ones that are highly recommended.

Physiologically, glucosamine is synthesized by the body. It is considered as an amino acid produced by chondrocyte cells. They are used to make glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and proteoglycans (PG). These two protein molecules play an important role in the formation of cartilages. Insufficient production of these proteins will result to improper functioning of cartilages thus affecting both the skeletal system.

Functions of glucosamine for dogs

Glucosamine has numerous functions in connection to healthy cartilage. The need for sufficient amount of glucosamine should be implemented for these functions to take place. Your dogs can obtain glucosamine via natural sources or as mentioned above through dietary supplements. The most common natural source of glucosamine is bone marrow. That is the very main reason why chicken bones are given to dogs. If bones are unsuitable, you can always purchase or consult your veterinarians about dietary supplements.

• Glucosamine as a stimulator of GAG and PG production. As mentioned above, glucosamine is used to produce GAG and PG. To make things simpler, there are two ways how glucosamine works. First, they serve as raw material for chondrocytes. Chondrocytes are the primary components of connective tissues. With glucosamine, faster production of connective tissues is achieved. How? It is because with glucosamine three chemical processes are discontinued. Instead, only the phosphorylation reaction is needed to make glucosamine-6-phosphate.

Secondly, glucosamine for dogs increases GAG production. Through this, diffusion of glucose and amino acids through joint capsules and synovial membranes are enhanced. This leads to increases the synthesis of raw materials such as glucose and amino needed by chondrocytes.

• Glucosamine reverse the effects of some NSAID’s. Several studies show that NSAID’s inhibit GAG and collagen synthesis. Theoretically, NSAID’s would ease pain. However, since GAG synthesis is inhibited healing process is not done. Take note that glucosamine is essential for the production of connective tissues. When connective tissues are produced, repair and restoration of cartilage is achieved.  Other than that, side effects of NSAID’s such as gastric irritation is lessened.

• Glucosamine for dogs inhibits lysosomal enzymes that catabolised cartilages. Breakdown of cartilages leads to damages. One type of arthritis is erosive arthritis where in the cartilage is damaged thus exhibiting pain. Aside from that, prostaglandin synthesis is untouched. Remember, prostaglandins are pain receptors. Meaning, they act as messengers that sends signals to the brain indicating pain sensation. Compared to humans, dogs have very high tolerance when it comes to pain. They will only show signs and symptoms of pain when they already reach their maximum tolerance. By that time, their conditions are severe and veterinarian consultation must immediately be done.

• Glucosamine acts as an antioxidant. Typically, antioxidants are not considered as a major issue when talking about animal health. However, free radicals are not only detrimental to humans but to animals as well. Studies have proven that glucosamine blocks superoxide radicals.

These are the functions of glucosamine for dogs.  Taking this into considerations, it is already proven that this dietary supplement is safe and effective for dog’s joint health. Normally, with daily intake of glucosamine, results will be observed in the time being of one to two weeks.

Best Glucosamine for Dogs

Considering several glucosamine brand names, choosing the right product is a crucial element of your dog’s health. Don’t rely on promotional statements alone. Always bear in mind that in businesses, there are a lot of hypes used that are overstated. Since glucosamine for dogs is a dietary supplement, FDA regulations are not applied in this product. This means that there is no strict policy on the distribution of this product. For you to avoid unnecessary purchased of low grade glucosamine for dogs, several factors are taken into considerations.

• The form or type of glucosamine. Glucosamine have several forms from sulphate (SO₄) to potassium chloride (KCl). The very potent forms of glucosamine are glucosamine sulphate and hydrochloric acid (HCl). The very least potent are the KCl and other sodium glucosamine that are commonly found in supermarkets. When choosing for the best form of glucosamine for dogs, recommended forms are the very potent ones. Potency is a term used in pharmacology that denotes the strength of the drug upon metabolism. By definition, least potent products are the same as highly potent product in terms of dosages. However, the effect difference is of great length. Avoid purchasing those that are least potent. You will just waste your money purchasing a product that is of slight or no effect at all.

 

• Manufacturing standards. In terms of product production, quality of each product is graded. Typically, manufacturing companies don’t inform their consumers about the qualities of their ingredients. You can easily check their quality via the physical appearance of the product. Before purchasing for bottles or packs that contain 100 or 300 pieces of tablets per bottle, you may purchase per piece if available. If not, you can ask for a sample for you to grade it.

Normally, a tablet is firm and compact. If you notices that it disintegrate easily, then it is of low quality. Aside from that, you can also inspect for adulterants. Uniformity in color should be present. For liquid preparations such as syrups, it should be clear when light is directed. It must be properly sealed and no visible damages on both bottles and packaging. These are some of the few methods you can use that would allow you to test the product’s quality physically.

• Additional ingredients aside from glucosamine. Today, combination products are the latest innovation. This will gain you more benefits. However, in terms of combination products, you might ask your veterinarians if your dog really needs it. Always be reminded that too little and too large is not good for the health. Balance should always be monitored for normal functioning. 

• Recommended daily intake. In terms of dosages, it may vary depending on the type of dog you owned. This will be provided by your veterinarians. They may let you give your dog double doses for the first 14 days, this will aid in faster healing process and would be very beneficial. Aside from the dose, dosage form should also be considered. Are you going to choose a tablet, capsule or liquid? The most convenient way of administering dietary supplements to your dog is by opting for liquid forms. Tablets and capsules may not be consumed if mixed with their foods.

• Price value. Majority of individuals wants a reasonable price for their goods. Not all products that are expensive are guaranteed of high standards. There are some brands that are price friendly and with proven efficacy. Aside from that, there are instances that these supplements have varying dosages. For example, a 250 mg dose is required daily. The dosages available are 250mg and 500mg. You can purchase one 500mg and one 250 mg which is more cost effective instead of purchasing three 250mg tablets. Most sales representatives neglect to inform buyers this important thing since their goal is to sell and not to inform.

These are the factors that one can take into consideration. In choosing for the best glucosamine for dogs, you must not only rely on what’s in front of you. Do a little research or seek for opinions and advised. You can ask a friend or neighbour if they have encountered using a certain product. When it comes to quality, price and efficacy, the best teacher is experience. Let their experience guide you to opt for a better choice.

With this information, you can ensure that your pet will grow old, strong and free from pain. It is highly recommended that you provide your dogs with glucosamine that are obtained from natural sources, though the use of glucosamine for dogs supplements can also be done. Don’t wait for your dogs to acquire arthritis before you give them some supplements. Supplements are safer compared to synthetically prepared pharmaceutical products. Aside from that, there are other health benefits you can obtain from these supplements. Lastly, the very important reason is that prevention is better than cure. Giving glucosamine for dogs will ensure production of healthy cartilages thereby preventing occurrences of degenerative and immune-mediated arthritis.

We hope you find this info on Glucosamine for Dogs helpful!