Osteoarthritis and dogs
January 19, 2012 • Health & Wellness •
By Amanda Grei, guest writer
Osteoarthritis is a common problem for canines just as it is us humans. So looking after their joints, just as you would your own, is crucial.
Does my dog have osteoarthritis?
The symptoms of osteoarthritis may be mild to begin with, but left untreated they could get progressively worse. You may notice your dog has slowed down or is showing signs of weakness and discomfort when on their feet. They may be having difficulty getting up and down stairs, or be reluctant to play. Over time, osteoarthritis can become extremely painful and as joints become stiffer, your dog’s mobility could be reduced completely. This could lead to other health risks.
If your dog is less active, he or she could become more prone to gaining weight. This could increase your dog’s chances of developing heart problems and diabetes. A healthy, happy dog is an active dog which is why joint health is key.
Glucosamine for dogs
The right nutrition could make a big difference for your pet. Just as humans take glucosamine supplements to help keep their joints strong and supple, glucosamine for dogs has been found to reduce the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis as well.
Produced naturally in the body, glucosamine is an amino sugar that plays a central role in building joint cartilage, ligaments, bone and blood vessels. It’s crucial in the repair of cartilage damage too.
Studies have found a daily dose of glucosamine could help reduce joint pain, inflammation and stiffness if taken regularly.
Introducing a daily glucosamine supplement while your dog is still young could help ward off joint problems before they begin to develop. If your dog is already showing signs of osteoarthritis, glucosamine could help to reduce the symptoms and enable your dog to enjoy a more active lifestyle again.
Results that speak for themselves
Heather Richards first noticed her golden Labrador, Otis was looking his age when he could no longer keep up with other dogs. “Otis has always been a really boisterous dog,” she said. “When we’d meet up with other dogs in the neighbourhood, there was no stopping him. However, I began to realise he was staying by my side more often, rather than running around with the others.”
Heather had heard other dog owners talking about glucosamine for dogs so she decided to add a daily supplement to Otis’s diet. “After just a few months I started to see a real difference,” she says. “Otis was spending more time running around the park with the other dogs and he was still able to walk home comfortably afterwards, rather than limping home like he had been doing.”
What is key about glucosamine is that the stories speak for themselves. There is no placebo effect and dogs don’t know if they are being given a supplement. So, if your dog suddenly becomes more active, you would be right to thank glucosamine!
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