Glucosamine is used in the treatment of Osteoarthritis and helps dogs with inflammation and joint pain. Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. Usually, arthritis begins in dogs around the age of 7 or 8. As for the larger breed of dog, arthritis sometimes attacks the body at an earlier age. Arthritis in the larger breed of dog sometimes starts around 4 or 5 years of age.
As we age the cartilage around the joints wear down, and becomes damaged. The cartilage becomes damaged and inflammation sets in around the joints. Cartilage loses it's elasticity and stiffness occurs because there is lack of movement therefore, loss of flexibility. The cartilage is made up of the same elements that are in Glucosamine. Glucosamine is Glucose and the amino acid Glutamine form to produce Glucosamine. Glucosamine is needed to make Glycosaminoglycan which our bodies produce in order to form body tissue. It is also helpful to repair cartilage.
What is glucosamine?The supplement is used to ease the stiffening of joints and reduce pain by restoring the damaged cartilage. Because the cartilage is made up of the same elements as in Glucosamine it is used to help repair it. Often the Glucosamine benefits are paired with Chondroitin which is also needed in the flexibility of the cartilage and also found in cartilage.
There are different types of Glucosamine sulfate that is used for Osteoarthritis. It comes in liquid or pill form. When making a decision as to what type to use, you need to see which would be better and more affective for you to use. Is it the cost or is it the way it is administered that is most important. Using liquid is beneficial because it absorbs as soon as it enters the stomach, and much easier when administering to a dog. Although, when taking Glucosamine in pill form, it is cheaper. The cost of the liquid can run anywhere from $28-$45 a month including shipping depending on what brand you want. Taking Glucosamine in pill form may be a bit cheaper.
In conclusion the best way to fight arthritis and alleviate the pain and inflammation is through diet, exercise and supplement such as Glucosamine. Glucosamine has been known to help some dogs with arthritis pain and inflammation. Using Glucosamine supplement in combination with diet and exercise minimizes effects of arthritis. It is known that Glucosamine has relieved dogs of arthritis pain in many cases.