Dogs & Glucosamine Sulfate
Most dogs, just like most humans, start slowing down and feeling all the aches and pains associated with age. Your dog, however, cannot express his discomfort, and dogs have a much higher pain threshold than humans. In watching your dog's every move, you can recognize unusual behaviors that are signs and symptoms of Osteoarthritis and hip problems. Glucosamine sulfate has been recommended by veterinarians to help relieve dogs' aching joints.
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Significance
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According to vetinfo.com, glucosamine is normally found in the cartilage of animals. As animals age, their ability to produce their own glucosamine diminishes, at which time osteoarthritis can set in. Glucosamine sulfate can help your elderly dog's body maintain joint health.
Product Types and Dosage
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Glucosamine sulfate comes in capsule and liquid forms, though it is much easier for your dog to take the liquid. Many dogs have a difficult time swallowing pills. Liquid glucosamine has a pleasant taste for most dogs, who simply think it's a treat. The recommended dosage for your dog is 750 milligrams per 50 pounds of dog weight. Most vets recommend doubling the dosage for the first 2 to 3 weeks to engage a more rapid healing process.
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Benefits
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In a nutshell, Pet Education states that Glucosamine Sulfate provides the building blocks to synthesize new cartilage that the dog's body can no longer do on its own. Glucosamine can soothe the symptoms of arthritis and hip dysplasia in dogs. With its antiinflammatory properties, glucosamine sulfate works to restore and regenerate your dog's damaged joints. Glucosamine sulfate not only works as a preventative for elderly dogs prone to arthritis, it can help dogs already suffering from arthritis. Within two weeks to thirty days, you should notice a big difference in the activity level of your dog.
Side Effects
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There are very minimal side effects with glucosamine sulfate, though a dog may experience some vomiting and diarrhea. Temporarily lowering the dose and administering it with food may alleviate the side effects. Slowly raise the dose to a to ease your dog's discomfort without recurring side effects.
Considerations
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Many dog owners that attribute their dog's loss of activity to "old age," without realizing that the problem may actually be due to osteoarthritis. The condition normally affects middle-aged to older large dogs, but most other breeds can be affected as well, due to other hip related disorders. Follow the advice of your veterinarian regarding glucosamine sulfate treatment, especially for long-term care, and you will find your dog returning to normal activity levels within 15 to 30 days.
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References
- Photo Credit pair of brown dogs image by Janet Wall from Fotolia.com
