As dogs age, they begin to slow down. If your dog appears to be sluggish or lethargic, has difficulty with or an aversion to climbing stairs, entering vehicles, or getting up after laying down, or shows signs of pain when being touched, it may be suffering from canine osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia. These ailments are common in older dogs, but they can be easily treated with Glucosamine for dogs.
As dogs get older, the cartilage between their joints, particularly the hips, may become inflamed or worn down, causing bone-on-bone contact around the joints which will put dogs in severe pain. This pain can be controlled with Glucosamine.
Glucosamine is a dietary supplement, not a drug. The substance exists naturally in the body’s cartilage, but when the body fails to produce enough on its own, a supplement may be necessary to soothe the joint pain that is often a natural consequence of the wear and tear of a dog’s active lifestyle. Generally, a dog will show signs of improvement after one or two weeks of use, but severe cases may take longer. You should continue giving your dog Glucosamine regularly for the duration of its life to ensure that symptoms do not reappear, although once it shows signs of recovery, the dosages may be reduced.
The supplement is available in either pill or liquid form. If your dog has difficulty with pills, it may be easier to administer the supplement in its food. This is especially useful with the liquid form of the supplement, since many dogs tend to genuinely enjoy the taste of Glucosamine. If your dog enjoys it, consider using it as a treat to reward good behavior.
Larger dogs and dogs with more severe symptoms may require larger doses. Further, dosages vary between products, since some manufacturers will use less potent forms of the supplement or add other substances that affect its quality. You should consult a veterinarian before choosing a product but as a general rule of thumb, you should buy from an FDA GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified manufacturer and avoid products containing the NaCl or 2KCL forms of Glucosamine, which tend to be less potent. If money is a concern, be sure to compare both the price of the product as well as its recommended dosage; a cheaper product may be less potent and therefore require a larger dose, thus actually costing more money in the long run.
Glucosamine for dogs is a dietary supplement and not a drug, and has no known negative side effects so long as the appropriate dosage is administered. Generally, it is safe to administer the supplement at the same time as other drugs, but you should always consult a veterinarian before doing so. Glucosamine can be purchased at pet supply stores, health food stores, veterinary clinics, or even from online retailers. However you should always be aware that some products are superior to others, and that higher price does not necessarily guarantee higher quality. Be sure to compare the ingredients and consult a professional before making a decision.
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