As pet owners, we strive to make life as great as possible for our dogs. One of the most important concerns for pet owners is the upkeep of their dogs’ joints. Arthritis or joint pain among older or overly active dogs is a common issue, which can be very painful and debilitating to the movements and activities of a dog. This is where glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs come into play. These powerful supplements help keep your dog’s joints healthy and mobile, allowing them to be remain more comfortable and active during their senior years.
What are Glucosamine and Chondroitin?
Glucosamine is actually an endogenous compound found in your dog’s body, particularly in their cartilage. It is important in the maintenance, repair, and rebuilding of joint cartilage. Chondroitin is another important compound commonly associated with glucosamine. It helps keep cartilage elastic and able to absorb water, keeping joints properly lubricated and cushioned.
Dogs, as they age, naturally produce less glucosamine and chondroitin, and hence their joints tend to wear out. The amount that is reduced is greater in bigger breeds or highly active dogs; hence, the joint degeneration sets in earlier in life. Glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs act contrary to this loss by providing the needed supplementary amount to the dog in need, helping to retain healthy cartilage and reduce inflammation.
Glucosamine Dosage for Dogs
When supplementing your dog’s diet with dog glucosamine, dosage is important to be effective. The dosage of glucosamine for dogs depends on the size of your dog and the seriousness of their joint issues.
Approximate dosage rates:
- Small dogs-less than 25 lbs: 250-500 mg per day
- Medium dogs – 25-50 lbs: 500-1,000 mg per day
- Large dogs- 50 – 100 lbs: 1,000-1,500 mg per day
- Extra-large dogs (over 100 lbs): 1,500-2,000 mg per day
The common practice is to start with a higher dosage for the first few weeks, which is called a “loading dose” and then taper to a maintenance dose to see optimum results.
Glucosamine Supplements for Dogs
Different forms in which these glucosamine supplements come for dogs include chews, tablets, powders, and liquid formulations. While choosing the best for your dog, one must consider ease of administration, additional ingredients, and/or any dietary restrictions that your dog may have.
Supplements of high-quality glucosamine are generally combined with chondroitin, along with additional supportive ingredients such as MSM, green-lipped mussel extract or deer velvet, added for the purpose of exerting additional anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving support. It supports overall joint health by working in harmony to reduce discomfort and improve mobility.
Glucosamine supplements are most useful for dogs with joint problems, arthritis, or hip dysplasia. Supplements can also be started earlier for prevention purposes and are recommended for breeds prone to joint problems, such as Labradors, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. But, all dog breeds can benefit from starting on prevention supplements from a puppy.
Glucosamine Sulphate for Dogs
While there are various forms of glucosamine available, one of the most recommended forms is glucosamine sulphate for dogs. Glucosamine sulphate has been said to be very effective in improving joint health due to its tremendous ability to be absorbed within the body. The sulphur component in glucosamine sulphate is extremely important in the formation of cartilage and hence very useful to restore the health of your dogs that suffer from joint pain and inflammation.
Glucosamine sulphate, on the other hand, appears to enhance the health of cartilage and facilitate its repair, further slowing down joint damage. This significantly decreases the amount of pain and discomfort, particularly in arthritic or other degenerative joint diseases. Adding this nutritional supplement of glucosamine sulphate for dogs to your dog’s daily regimen may keep his joints healthy and optimally functional.
Conclusion
Glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation can be great for your dog, especially in older dogs or for breeds more prone to joint problems. Making sure you give the proper dosage according to your dog’s size and your dog’s individual needs will yield the best results. With the variety of glucosamine supplements available for dogs, it is easier than ever to give your furry friend the support their joints need. Glucosamine sulphate for dogs ensures a very high absorption rate and its effectiveness, thus keeping your dog active and comfortable even at old age.