Glucosamine For Dogs: A Safe Supplement For Treating Canine Arthritis

     Typically, if your dog is middle aged or older and they start exhibiting symptoms such as whimpering, limping, refusing to climb stairs and they reduce their amount of play time, it is possible that they have canine arthritis. Glucosamine is an effective supplement treatment for dogs that are suffering with arthritis and joint pain. In addition to glucosamine supplements, low impact exercise, quality food and weight management will produce a drastic improvement in most dogs versus risking the side effects of prescribed drugs.

Glucosamine sulfate occurs naturally in the joints, cartilage and tendons of dogs and is also naturally found in many food products and treats. A dog's body naturally synthesizes glucosamine from glucose and the natural production of this substance slows down or even stops with advanced age. Glucosamine supplements are not considered to be a pain reliever or medication; it is considered to be a nutritional dietary supplement. Glucosamine is a type of naturaceutical rather than a pharmaceutical and the FDA doesn't strictly control the distribution as they do prescribed pet medications.

Veterinarians have recently began encouraging pet owners to try more natural treatments to manage the pain and stiffness of arthritis. Glucosamine is an acceptable supplement that vets prefer pet owners try before they prescribe narcotics or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and before complicated and risky surgery is performed.

Glucosamine is given to dogs to treat canine joint pain in either pill, liquid or powder form. Pills can be hidden in a piece of cheese, hot dog or lunch meat to disguise the taste and texture and to make the dog feel special because they are being given a treat. Liquid glucosamine is mixed in with the dog's drinking water and this option is odorless, colorless and tasteless so that the dog will consume his supplement without fuss. Powdered glucosamine is meat or chicken flavored and the granules can be sprinkled over the dog's hard or wet food. The meaty flavor blends into the food and the supplement is effectively delivered.

Even when glucosamine is consumed every day, it can take up to four weeks to see reduction in pain and stiffness as well as a greater range of movement. Many dog owners report that their dogs are behaving more like their old selves in a much shorter time period, however. It is possible for your dog to be able to move more freely, want to play more frequently and enjoy significantly less pain with a glucosamine treatment regimen.