The Safety of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Products

Glucosamine and chondroitin have been introduced to the United States reasonably recently. However they have been used to treat dog arthritis in both Europe and Australia for more than twenty years. When drugs have been in use for that length of time, their side effects are very well documented - we have been able to look at the safety of these drugs over multiple lifetimes of dogs. This is good news if you’re treating your dog’s arthritis with glucosamine and chondroitin, because the safety of these drugs are time proven and thoroughly documented.

The only side effects that have been reported are the occasional bout of diarrhea and vomiting - side effects that are common across a huge range of medications. So the incidence of side effects is very low and in most cases, the side effects reduce, or stop completely, when the dose of glucosamine is adjusted.

Also glucosamine for dogs does not have any known interactions with other prescription dog arthritis medications such as Previcox, Rimadyl or Metacam. Nor does it interact with normal over-the-counter medications such as aspirin.

Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring amino sugar compound that is produced in humans and canines and is present in high amounts in the cartilage of joints. In its twenty years of continued use, veterinarians agree that it is instrumental in repairing damaged cartilage, promoting the growth of new cartilage that cushion joints and reducing pain & inflammation.

Chondroitin, a supplement which is usually used in tandem with glucosamine, is made from cow and shark cartilage and also found in green lipped mussel. Chondroitin is used to treat dog arthritis as well as human arthritis. Chondroitin attracts fluid to cartilage which helps it remain spongy and flexible and has some effects in protecting against cartilage chewing’ enzymes.

Many dogs respond so well to a glucosamine and chondroitin regimen that vets take them off stronger dog arthritis anti-inflammatory drugs just four to six weeks after beginning glucosamine and chondroitin treatments.

A good veterinarian is constantly looking for a treatment program that provides maximum benefits with a minimum of risk to your dog’s health. When it comes to treating dog arthritis, glucosamine and chondroitin fit the bill.

Is your dog being treated with dog arthritis medications that do not include glucosamine and chondroitin? If not discuss these supplements with your veterinarian - it could make a huge impact in reducing the swelling and pain of dog arthritis.

The Safety of Glucosamine (PDF)

How Are Those Dog Arthritis Glucosamine Supplements Helping?

Are the Dog Arthritis Glucosamine Supplements Helping?

When your dog is suffering from the pain of dog arthritis, you’ll do anything to make his life improve and one of the things you may have used are glucosamine supplements for dog arthritis relief.

That’s wonderful! This indicates you’re a caring friend, but before you go hailing success, let’s make sure that the glucosamine supplements are really doing the job.

In just a few minutes I’ll tell you everything you need to know so you can decide whether or not you’re going to continue with the glucosamine supplements, or try a combination of supplements.

 

Top 3 Questions about Glucosamine Supplements

How do I know if the glucosamine supplements are actually helping my dog?

How long will it take to see recognizable improvements after I begin giving the glucosamine supplements to my suffering dog?

What are the most common reasons why my dog might not benefit currently from the supplements to end pain?

These are some good questions. Let’s discover the answers:

How to Tell if the Dog Arthritis Glucosamine Supplements are Actually Helping My Dog

You are looking for improvements in the following areas:

Mobility issues: Less problems rising after laying down and more limber - moves with ease.

Lameness Issues: Less limping - will he put more weight on his arthritic leg?

Joint Licking: Is there a decrease in joint licking and chewing episodes?

Behavioral Changes: Has your dog’s aggression level decreased? Is he friendlier like before? Is he eating well?

You can observe all these factors for yourself and calculate the results accurately, keep a detailed log of your observations and perform them once per week for a two-month period. Then you’ll be able to judge the results and tell if your dog’s arthritis is better or not.

Length of Time to Continue the Supplements?

Veterinarians recommend a two month minimum trial period. If you don’t see results after two months, don’t stop the treatment until you talk with your vet.

Glucosamine delivers results over a longer period of time - it’s not a quick fix!  You also won’t see results if the dog arthritis is caused by other symptoms or conditions that need treatment. For example, dog joint supplements don’t help much for knee ailments like cruciate ligament ruptures that need surgery.

Your vet can diagnose the underlying cause of you dog’s arthritis and advise the proper treatment and medications. These treatments may include dog glucosamine, but it’s very likely it will be a combination of a medications and procedures.

Carefully observing your dog, combined with veterinary consultations, can go a long way to relieving your dog’s painful arthritis.

Dog Arthritis Glucosamine Supplements (PDF) 

Are Dog Arthritis Glucosamine Supplements Helpful?

Do not let your dog suffer from the pain of dog arthritis; you should try everything to make his life better. And one of those things you’ve been trying is glucosamine supplements for canines.

That’s terrific! Obviously you’re a caring pet owner, but before you go congratulating yourself, let’s check to see if those glucosamine supplements are really working.

In just five minutes I’ll be able to tell you everything you need to know about glucosamine supplements so you can decide whether or not you’re going to continue to use the supplement, or try something different.

 

Here are The Top 3 Questions Regarding Glucosamine Supplements

1.    When do I know if the glucosamine supplements are really helping?

2.    How much time before I see improvement once I begin giving my dog glucosamine supplements?

3.    What are the disadvantages as to why my dog might not benefit from these dog joint supplement drugs?

Now let’s discover the answers:

How to tell if the Dog Arthritis Glucosamine Supplements are actually Helping

Search for improvements regarding the following:

•    Mobility: frisky and limber

•    Lameness: limping less and willing to put more weight on his arthritic joints when standing, walking, running or jumping

•    Joint Licking: less joint licking and chewing

•    Behavioral Changes: aggression and tension dropped or lessened, or have a more friendlier attitude and a good appetite

You can pay to have a professional study conducted but don’t bother. You can observe these conditions yourself without spending a penny. For best results, keep a log of your dog’s activity during his performance on normal movements once per week for a two-three month period for actual results. This is how long it will take to accurately judge if your dog’s arthritis symptoms are improving or deteriorating.

What Time Length Should I Continue Administering the Glucosamine Supplements?

A two month minimum trial is required for the glucosamine supplements - it’s never a quick fix for dog arthritis. After two months, without any improvements consult your vet before discontinuing treatments. It’s a possibility that there maybe extenuating circumstances that should be identified such as cruciate ligament ruptures.

Your veterinarian can diagnose the cause of you dog’s arthritis and recommend other  treatments. The treatment could include dog glucosamine, but the vet may recommend several supplements and progressive treatments to help your pet. Continued observations on your part and consultations with your vet, can go a long way to relieving your dog’s painful arthritis condition.