Glucosamine Chondroitin Supplement for Dogs
Glucosamine and chondroitin are non-prescription supplements used to help treat canine arthritis, a painful and degenerative joint disease. Because many forms of the supplement are available, a veterinarian should be consulted for proper type and dosage, Vet Info recommends.
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Glucosamine and Chondroitin vs. Pharmaceuticals
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Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are unusual in the conventional world of veterinary medicine because they are generally considered more effective than pharmaceuticals. Anti-inflammatories and pain medications do not slow the progression of arthritis and cannot be used long-term.
Why It Works
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Arthritic dogs are unable to synthesize enough of the glucosamine and chondroitin compounds that their bodies would normally produce to counteract the degeneration of arthritis. Adding these supplements helps slow the progression of the disease.
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Relief of Symptoms
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Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements reduce the pain and swelling associated with arthritis. In rare cases, they actually reverse the symptoms.
Glucosamine as a Preventative
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Glucosamine has been prescribed by some vets to help prevent or delay the onset of arthritis in high-risk patients, such as elderly dogs, according to Vet Info.
Side Effects
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Side effects are rare and usually involve gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Reducing the dosage and serving the supplement with food generally reduces these. Supplements made for people seem acceptable in most cases, but those designed for dogs might reduce side effects.
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References
- Photo Credit dog image by Michal Tudek from Fotolia.com
