Glucosamine / Chondroitin / MSM Supplementation

As an animal owner, part of your daily routine involves the care and attention given to your pet. As you observe your pet on a daily basis, you may notice changes in his or her behavior that indicates ‘soreness.’ You may dismiss these signs as part of the aging process; however, many of the symptoms of ‘aging’ pets can be associated with joint damage and arthritis.

Many older pets seem stiff and sore, particularly after strenuous activity or long periods of inactivity (i.e. sleeping, long car rides, etc.). Often, this soreness is caused by arthritis in your pet’s joints. Many factors can contribute to the amount of arthritis in your pet’s joints, but it is commonly associated with injury (such as a ruptured cruciate ligament of the knee) or malformation of the joint (hip or elbow dysplasia), which is often a result of genetics.

Many are prescribed anti-inflammatory medications to treat the symptoms of arthritis. We also recommend using nutraceuticals such as glucosamine, chondroitin and msm to supplement or replace anti-inflammatory treatment. Use of nutraceuticals provides a safe alternative to the potentially harmful effects of long-term use of common anti-inflammatory medications. These are naturally derived supplements which provide medically proven benefits, virtually without side effects. They are used in human medicine as well as in veterinary clinics.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are both chemicals which are produced naturally within the body, primarily concentrated in joint cartilage. Glucosamine is involved in the formation of the nails, tendons, skin, eyes, bones, ligaments and heart valves. It can help repair damaged joint tissue. Chondroitin functions to draw fluid into the joint capsule, lubricating and decreasing the friction of movement. MSM is a source of usable organic sulfur that has been shown to significantly reduce pain and inflammation. Individually, these chemicals offer limited benefits to the patient. When combined, however, they complement one another and can provide more significant relief of arthritis symptoms. When selecting a nutraceuticals supplement, keep in mind that these products are NOT regulated by the FDA; therefore, they are not all equal in potency and effectiveness. Supplements in liquid form are often more readily absorbed by the body than those in capsule or tablet form. Also, remember to assess the cost per day, rather than the price on the bottle as paying more for a high potency, high quality supplement may actually save you money in the end.

Our recommended dose of glucosamine for a large (50 pounds or greater) dog is approximately 1500mg daily. Chondroitin can be given in a dose of 1000mg daily for a large dog. The dose of MSM is variable, but we recommend looking for a supplement of glucosamine/chondroitin which contains MSM in any amount. Also, check the concentration of medication per tablet, teaspoon, or milliliter. The larger the amount of glucosamine and chondroitin, the fewer units you will have to give your pet to satisfy his or her daily requirements. Also, remember that it may take several days to weeks to see the full benefits of nutraceuticals therapy, so be patient and give the medications diligently for a period of time before giving up.

If you have any questions regarding nutraceuticals or arthritis and joint therapy, please feel free to ask any of our qualified staff. We carry numerous products designed specifically for maintaining healthy joints and aiding in arthritic conditions. We are here to make your pet more comfortable!