Glucosamine for Dogs Joint Pain and Arthritis

Glucosamine for dogs is a natural joint component that the body produces, found in every mammal, that helps rebuild, repair and renew cartilage.  It is natural, safe and extremely effective.  The body distributes Glucosamine to joints and other connective tissue.  Glucosamine does not hide or mask joint pain, but rebuilds the joint cartilage that has been worn down so there is less cause for pain. Glucosamine works, which is why glucosamine joint products sell over $600,000,000 in America each year.

Why do dogs and humans need it?  Well, as dogs and humans of all breeds and sizes get older, they lose flexability in their joints due to natural deterioration and aging.  Some other factors that can influence the loss are obesity, injury, genetic predispostion and poor diet.  The joint experiences a natural "wear and tear" of cartilage, a rubbery material at the end of bones that acts as a shock absorber.  It is this cartilage rubbing against cartilage that wears down the joint.  However, this is natural, something that the body works to repair so the joint continues to work smoothly.

What happens in the joint?  Now, the joint's repair process is constantly working on two key tasks.  Tear down the pitted, worn and old cartilage while building new, smooth and strong cartilage. This new, strong cartilage is what allows us and our dogs to get up and around.  Without it, our bone ends would be hitting each other, causing extreme pain.

How does Glucosamine work?  Glucosamine provides the components that collegen, a key component of cartilage, uses to build it's supporting framework.  One of the key ingredients in collegen is water, which is supported by a ropelike substance called proteogylcans.  Glucosamine supports proteogylcan synthisis in two ways.  The first is it is a key compound in proteogylcan structure.  The second is that glucosamine also stimulates the cells that produce protegycans.  The glucosamine supports proteogycan production which keeps the water in collegen in place.

What is the source of Glucosamine?  Glucosamine comes from Chitin, a primary component in shellfish.  The proteins and calcium are stripped away to produce pure Glucosamine.  It is then stabilized with another ingredient to ensure its potency.  In the case of OsteoPet's Glucosamine for Dogs, the glucosamine used is Glucosamine Hydrocloride (HCl), which is the most studied form.

What are the different forms of Glucosamine and what is the difference between them?  Glucosamine is usually supplied in three forms. Glucosamine Hydrochloride is the most studied, potent and stable. It is used in the majority of human glucosamines sold by retailers. Glucosamine sulfate / sulphate is a decent substitute if you cannot obtain the hydrochloride. The last is N-Acetyl-Glucosamine. This doesn't seem to be as potent or as available as the other two primary forms.

Can I give my dog human glucosamine?  This question is asked a lot, so let me be clear. Let's start with the ingredients then we'll discuss the form (tablet, liquid, chewable). Yes, you can give your dog glucosamine. Many veterinarians prescribe glucosamine for dogs. Now, there are many human supplements that have other ingredients besides these that may not be good for your dog. Consult with your Veterinarian if you are unsure. (Case in point, the natural sweetener Xylitol, while tasting great to humans has a good chance of killing your dog). Secondly, your intestinal track and a dog's intestinal track are very different. The human glucosamine you take from a pill might not be absorbed by your dog. Give your dog a chewable tablet, capsule or liquid as these forms breakdown the fastest.