It Is Possible to Give Glucosamine to Dogs Without An Incident?

Dogs are "man's best friend" but it is not always easy to find out whether something is wrong with them. They do not speak and therefore you have to monitor their behavior in order to make an accurate diagnosis. Where the animal is beginning to slow down then you need to consider the possibility that it may be suffering from dysplasia or osteoarthritis. Statistics indicate that up to a third of dogs and cats have some form of osteoarthritis. Therefore it is important to understand the function and limitations of glucosamine.

1. Try to identify the symptoms before they escalate: You will know that there is a problem if the dog has difficulty walking or playing. Stairs are particularly problematic for arthritic pets. If the pet is falling behind when walking then other structural damage might be created. General lethargy should be investigated. A limp might be a bit more than the dog playing up. The dog affected will display signs of pain when touched. With the correct use of glucosamine you can reduce some of these symptoms.

2. Remember that animals have a higher pain threshold than human beings: By the time your pet shows sign of pain, the condition will have progressed very far. Therefore you need to take corrective action fairly quickly. It is also important to note that dogs do not experience placebo effects. If you see a change in the animal after taking glucosamine then you know that things are working well. Most pets respond well to this type of treatment as long as it is applied correctly.

3. What are the proven effects of glucosamine on dogs? This medication is a dietary supplement which rehabilitates the animal's joints. It is also a preventative measure in as much as it can tackle problems before they escalate. Within two weeks of administering the medication there will be a marked improvement in the health of the animal in question. The body already has reserves of the element in the synovial fluids and cartilage. Therefore you will be merely topping up. There are anti inflammatory benefits that are associated with the medication.

4. The correct administration of the medication: You have to find the right type including HCL, sulfate and 2KCL. Make sure that the product is GMP certified. Take note of the daily dosage and the administration method. There may be additional ingredients which might affect the dog. Calculate the costs and see whether there are savings to be made.

The level of glucosamine which you use for your pet will depend on the conditions that are prevalent. You will have the twin objectives of reducing discomfort and preventing further escalation. Monitor the progress of the animal that you are looking after.