We are dedicated to treating your dog's pain naturally - without the use of harsh and irritating drugs. We advocate the use of nutraceuticals instead. Nutraceuticals are substances that occur naturally and are given orally as an additive to your dog's normal diet. They are much safer than drugs because a dog will rarely have side-effects from them and it is virtually impossible to overdose your dog on them.

Today the most commonly used nutraceuticals for dogs are given for arthritis and joint pain. They have been used for more than 20 years in dogs with great success. There are 5 primary arthritis supplements for dogs administered today.

1. Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance involved in the body's production of joint lubrication and cartilage. It is responsible for continually replacing worn or damaged cartilage and keeping the joints moving smoothly.

Glucosamine sulfate is one of the main building blocks of articular cartilage - the smooth white covering on the ends of bones that keep them from rubbing together and causing pain. It is also necessary for the creation and replacement of tendons, bone, ligaments, synovial fluid, heart valves, nails, skin and mucous secretions in the digestive, respiratory and urinary tracts.

Supplemental glucosamine is derived from crab, lobster and shrimp shells. There are three naturally occurring forms of glucosamine. The one that is among the arthritis supplements for dogs is glucosamine sulfate - so make sure that is what you're purchasing.

2. Chondroitin

Specifically Chondroitin Sulfate. Chondroitin sulfate has been and ingredient in glucosamine supplements for many years. It enhances arthritis supplements for dogs by preventing stress injuries to joints as well as by facilitating the repair of damaged tissue. Chondroitin Sulfate helps to keep tissue hydrated which cushions impact stress.

Chondroitin sulfate is not a pain killer that merely dulls pain - it addresses the disease process itself. Dogs with arthritis show considerable improvement when on chondroitin sulfate in conjunction with glucosamine sulfate. It is a known fact that the natural production of chondroitin decreases as a dog ages. Therefore many owners begin supplementation before signs of arthritis are evident - interrupting the disease process by replacing worn and damaged cartilage before in impacts their dog's mobility.

3. Green-lipped Mussel

The best arthritis supplements for dogs contains green-lipped mussels. A recent study in New Zealand showed that dogs who were supplemented with green-lipped mussel regained mobility within 6 weeks. Green-lipped Mussel extract is thought to be a fatty acid not available in other kinds of marine life - and therefore enhances arthritis supplements for dogs.

4. Vitamins A, C, and E

Vitamins A, C, and E are strong anti-oxidants that aid in removing destructive enzymes from the joints and promote the healing of damaged tissue. Studies have shown that arthritis supplements for dogs with these vitamins work more quickly and provide enhanced pain relief.

5. Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids occur naturally in fish. They have been proven to reduce inflammation and reduce pain. They help to regulate cholesterol and triglycerides which improves the blood flow to the joints - and therefore the arthritis supplements for dogs used to treat the disease process.

Having discussed arthritis supplement for dogs, it is important to note that no amount of supplements can correct structural damage to a joint. If calcium deposits, scar tissue, cartilage tears or contour changes to the bone are present they will remain regardless of the supplements provided. In that case, it may be necessary to consult with a vet for further treatment options.

What is known, however, is that arthritis supplements for dogs assist in reducing inflammation and pain, increasing blood flow and improving the body's ability to repair and strengthen tissues. They are naturally occurring substances that have been used with great success for the past 20 years. If your dog is showing signs of arthritis and joint pain, be sure to check arthritis supplements for dogs out. You'll be glad you did - and so will your dog.