It is hard to
watch your dog grow older and start to slow down. Fortunately, there is a
supplement available that can help your dog regain his mobility again. Glucosamine supplements for dogs can
help to restore the health of your dog’s joints, naturally.
Benefits
of Glucosamine Supplements for Dogs
Glucosamine is an
amazing supplement that works much like an anti-inflammatory drug, although it
is all natural. Its anti-inflammatory properties cause swelling to go
down and reduce the dog’s pain overall. It increases mobility by
lubricating the dog’s joints. The use of
glucosamine can possibly even eliminate the need for NSAIDSs, which can cause
side effects in dogs and which don’t actually repair the joints anyway (they
just reduce pain level).
Most dog owners
find that after a few weeks of giving glucosamine to their dogs, their dogs are
able to move around easily again.
MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound, which is
typically used to treat arthritis in animals. Although it can be used for
helping with an array of other conditions as well, this is its main purpose.
MSM offers many benefits for dogs, namely by helping to relax and soothe the
tired, inflamed joints caused by an arthritis condition. The compound is also
often given to horses and other pets.
What MSM for Dogs is
MSM helps animals that suffer from age or injury related
joint problems, and an animal typically starts taking MSM once the veterinarian
recommends it. If you take your dog into the vet due to joint or other
problems, they may suggest this as the first step for treatment. MSM is widely
recognized by veterinarians around the world, as it is one of the most
effective treatments and comes with few to no side effects in most cases.
There have been various studies and surveys done, which go
just how much dogs can benefit from daily MSM intake. With a vitamin-like
normalizing function on the body, the MSM is a cell rejuvenator and joint
healer. More dogs are starting to receive the MSM as a form of treatment, to
help with these problems. Especially as your dog ages, you may need to increase
the amount of MSM given each day, still taking their weight into account.
How MSM for Dogs Works
MSM also works as an antioxidant in the dog’s body. It helps
to clean out their blood stream and flush toxins from the cells, important for
removing free radicals from the body and keeping it in the healthiest state.
Working as an antioxidant, MSM even helps reduce allergy symptoms. As a joint
healer, it relieves pain and inflammation, allowing your dog to move their body
more freely, without feeling as much pain and discomfort. It equalizes pressure
and can even completely eliminate the actual cause of pain resulting from
inflammation. Whether due to arthritis or any other cause, the effects of MSM
are quite unbelievable and can truly help your dog get their life back.
Unlike many other compounds and products available for
treating arthritis and related conditions in dogs, the MSM compound does not
cause many unwanted side effects, which is very important. You can give your
dog MSM chewable tablets, or use the powder sprinkled over their food. Make
sure you listen to your veterinarian’s instructions and only give your dog as
much as suggested. For dogs, it is typically recommended that you give 500mg
MSM per 10 lbs. body weight in your pet’s food daily.
There are lots of different MSM products you can purchase.
You can purchase the premade products as is, or use the MSM powder in its pure
form. When shopping around for a product for your dog, make sure any product
you are considering is premium quality, human grade MSM, which is a licensed
form of MSM you can be sure is safe for your dog.
The benefits of MSM for dogs cannot be overlooked, and
almost immediately you will notice an improvement in the behavior and
personality of your dog. They will start to act more lively and happy, and you
can tell they are in a better mood overall. Conditions such as
arthritis, joint problems and skin conditions can be lessened with the dailyaddition of MSM. The effects of MSM products begin
working very quickly, so it should take no time at all to start seeing a big
improvement. Monitor your dog’s progress and be sure to get them back in
regularly to see the vet, to determine how well the MSM product is working. The
benefits of MSM are well worth considering if your dog is experiencing joint or
inflammation problems now or anytime in the future.
Arthritis in dogs
can be as uncomfortable and painful as it is in humans. You’ll notice the
signs of your dog having difficulty jumping, going up and down stairs or even something
as simple as standing or lying down. As the dog ages, cartilage deteriorates
and leads to arthritis and other mobility issues. When a dog is young, its body will naturally
produce a substance known as glucosamine. This substance works to keep
joints protected, lubricated and working efficiently.
A difference between the human and dog glucosamines is the regulation that
surrounds them. Dog supplements are highly regulated while those for
humans are seen as dietary aids and fall outside the mandates of the FDA.
By choosing a pet specific product, you’ll know what you’re feeding your dog.
The composition
of the supplements is quite varied. Human glucosamine products are
normally made at 99% strength of glucosamine hydrochloride while dog specific
formulas use 90% strength. However, dog formulas are made to provide the
quickest relief from pain. More of the substance is taken directly into
the dogs system.
Stick
to the one specifically for dogs
The price is also
quite reasonable and well worth it when your dog regains his mobility
again. And you know you are giving your
dog something that was specifically tailored for him.
Like the cartilage in any mammal, a canine’s cartilage
contains glycoaminoglycans. If a dog’s system fails to produce those vital
glycoaminoglyans, then the affected animal can display certain symptoms. Those
are the symptoms of osteoarthritis, any of which could lead a veterinarian to
suggest the administration of liquid glucosamine for dogs.
Certainly a dog-lover should be familiar with those
symptoms. Those include a sensation of pain, when making sudden movements and a
tendency to shy away from those who want to touch a tender body. A doctor may
also recommend using liquid supplements, if a older canine shows signs of
having trouble, while attempting to make simple movements.
Glucosamine’s benefits can be delivered by a solid
medication, such as a capsule, a chewable tablet or a powder. However, by using
something that can be poured on food or placed in any type of container, a pet
owner usually finds it easier to see that a slow-moving pet gets the proper
dosage. That dosage is 20 mg for each pound of body weight.
That is the dose that a canine should receive daily.
However, it is not necessary to feed an animal all 20 mg at once. A dog’s
system can receive half of the daily dose in the morning and the other half at
night. Over time, a veterinarian may
find that a lower dose would be sufficient. In that case, the pet-owner who has
chosen to use one of the liquid-type supplements has little trouble
following-up on the vet’s observation.
Another time, a pet-owner might be told to decrease the
dosage of this supplement due to the possible appearance of side effects.
Evidence that a dog’s system has not responded as expected could cause a
veterinarian to suggest using a lower dose. Such evidence would include the
appearance of mild side effects, such as vomiting, abnormal stool production or
drowsiness. Obviously, it would be difficult to feed an animal a lower dose, if
the medication chosen was a pill or a tablet. That fact underlines yet another
of the reasons for choosing a liquid form of supplement.
Sometimes a dog can exhibit a more severe reaction.
Sometimes a pet can display those symptoms that are evidence of an allergic
reaction. A canine could be allergic to the shellfish protein, which is present
in most of the supplements that are used to treat osteoarthritis. That should
push the canine’s owner to switch to a medication/supplement made from corn, or
to one of the other plant-based products.
It can be difficult to find a product that has been made
from corn or some other plant, and also promises to help an animal with
osteoarthritis. Yet when looking for such a product, the consumer must use the
same amount of caution as is required, when buying any liquid glucosamine for
dogs. That is a time when it definitely pays to read the label carefully. A
product that contains both glucosamine and chondroitin could cause the dog that
has a bone condition to develop another problem, notably one that relates to a
thinning of the blood.
Glucosamine is a natural component of human cartilage, a natural substance that is found in healthy cartilage, and the glucosamine side effects in dogs are very important to recognize. Typically the only time glucosamine is offered to dogs is for the treatment of canine arthritis. If you notice your dog is experiencing a difficulty walking or general lethargy, they may be suffering from dog's arthritis problems.
This condition is not rare in dogs. In fact, up to 30& of all dogs and cats have this problem. Other symptoms that indicate yourdog requires glucosamine include falling behind you on walks, adverse reaction to playing or walking, limping, signs of pain and aversive to any contacts. If you notice your dog exhibiting any of these symptoms, you should get them in to see the veterinarian as soon as possible. They will perform a few routine tests to determine whether this is the cause of their symptoms.
Pets do have a very high pain threshold, but still may require treatment in order to deal with their condition and most importantly, relieve the pain and discomfort caused by their symptoms. When the pain becomes so unbearable and starts to diminish their overall quality of life, they may be prescribed glucosamine.
What it is?
Also used in humans for treating arthritis, this works to rehabilitate and sooth the dog’s joints, allowing them to walk more comfortably without the pain and discomfort symptoms. It works by getting absorbed and distributed to the joint tissues in the dog’s body, offering anti-inflammatory and joint regenerating properties. The great thing about glucosamine is that it can start to work almost immediately. Within just a few days after starting your dog on the substance, you should notice an improvement in their overall condition.
There are various different products available containing glucosamine, any of which your vet may prescribe for your dog. They take your pet’s pain relief and health into consideration, treating animals on a case by case basis. Just like humans, each dog is different and their condition must be considered separately. Your vet will consider your dog’s specific situation in order to determine which glucosamine product stands to offer them the best results.
Side Effects in Dogs
Unfortunately, although glucosamine is very helpful in most cases at treating arthritis in dogs and helping to lessen the symptoms associated with the condition, it can cause certain unwanted side effects. That includes headache, drowsiness, swollen eyelids, poor appetite, vomiting, heartburn, bloating, softening of the stool, and insomnia.
The problem with glucosamine side effects in dogs is that it can often be difficult to determine when a dog is experiencing any of the symptoms. Unlike with a person, who could simply tell you if anything is wrong, it can be hard to determine this in your dog. After starting them on any glucosamine product, it is important to watch their behavior carefully, to make it easier on yourself to determine if they start acting strangely.
These types of side effects are common and should not be any problem. However, if your dog starts acting like their symptoms are worsening or there are otherwise specific issues you feel may have become a problem, you should speak to your vet immediately. They will be able to examine your dog and make sure they are healthy. More severe side effects can include anything from a decrease of the metabolic actions of insulin and high heart rate to elevated blood pressure and heart palpitations. You may notice your dog starting to walk shaky or they act fatigued.
It is important to never wait if you think your dog is acting strangely. They could be responding negatively to the glucosamine and may even need to be taken off of it. As a dog owner, you should not be especially worried about giving your dog a glucosamine product, as the side effects are rare. In most cases, even if there are any side effects experienced, they are very minimal and should not cause a problem in your dog’s behavior or health. Although there have been some dramatic experiences using glucosamine in drugs, this is very rare and not something to be worried about. Keep a close eye on your dog. You know them better than anyone and are the best person for determining whether they are acting the same or if something is wrong.
Although the percentage of dogs that experience any of these unwanted side effects is very small, at around 1 to 2%, the fact that these side effects are even a possibility makes them worth taking note of. You want to do the very best for your dog, and that means being aware of what you are putting in their body. Although the benefits of the glucosamine products are worth it in most cases, you need to know what to expect and in particular that means being aware of what side effects your dog may start to exhibit. Talk more to your veterinarian before putting them on any glucosamine product if you are unsure want to find out more. They can give you a more personalized report about the product prescribed for your dog and what side effects if any you should expect. In many cases, it does require a certain trial and error process with different products to see what works best to relieve your dog’s arthritis symptoms.
Once you are aware of the glucosamine side effects in dogs, you can more easily determine whether your dog is exhibiting any of the symptoms. It is always best to be prepared, and know how to spot what is normal and what is not. If your dog is reacting adversely to the glucosamine product, you may want to talk to your vet and see if things are okay. They may lessen the dosage or otherwise find another treatment to help deal with their arthritis condition. In most cases, glucosamine is very effective at treating arthritis conditions in dogs and can help your dog too. The glucosamine side effects are nothing to be worried about, and in most situations, the benefits far outweigh the risks.
The older a dog
gets, the faster its body uses glucosamine to the point where its consumption
exceeds its production. The cartilage disintegrates and an illness like
arthritis forms in the joints. Glucosamine supplements put the substance
back into the body and alleviate the pain.
During the first
few weeks of treatment, the dosage should be doubled to increase the
benefits. When the dog starts to move more easily without many symptoms,
the higher dose must be returned to the regular amount.
To give pills and
tablets, you can place the ingredient in a small piece of food like cheese,
meat, or peanut butter. The liquid type can be added to dry or moist dog
food in order to improve its taste.
When
Will It Get Better?
The dog's movements and manner of walking should improve within two to four weeks.
For dogs that have delicate stomachs or other illnesses, people should ask a veterinarian
if taking these supplements will improve health.
There are various
factors to consider when purchasing glucosamine for dogs. First of all, talk
to your vet to find the right glucosamine for your dog. Buy a supplement that is high quality. Low quality glucosamine is not as effective and
will not do the job required. There are
different forms also to consider. You
can buy glucosamine in tablets, powder, liquid or treat form.
Effectiveness
So it takes about
3-6 weeks before a dog will show visible signs of improvement. If your
dog is not better after a month, it could be a sign that the original dosage
prescription is too low, or that a dog also needs NSAIDs along with the
glucosamine.
Generally
speaking, a dog that weighs under 10 lbs. should only take 300 mg of
glucosamine daily; dogs that weigh from 11-29 lbs. should have twice this
much. Dogs that weigh from 30-59 lbs. should have 1200 mg of glucosamine daily, and dogs that weigh from 60-120 lbs. should have a dosage of 1800
mg. But again, it is wise to check with your vet first for the right
dosage.
Dog glucosamine
is a great medication for dogs that suffer from canine arthritis. It can
be purchased over the counter; however, check with your vet first before buying
and using it.
