Glucosamine supplements support joint health by stimulating the growth of cartilage cells, helping increase their mobility and range of motion while providing long-term relief from arthritis symptoms. Cartilage protects and lubricates where the bones meet at the joints. While your dog naturally loses cartilage as they age, glucosamine supplements delay this process to preserve energy and quality of life.
What is Glucosamine?
Your dog already produces glucosamine in their body. An amino sugar found in cartilage, glucosamine aids in the production of tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and synovial fluid. Glucosamine levels drop naturally as your dog ages.
Dietary sources of glucosamine include bone marrow, shellfish, and cartilage. If you’re looking to add glucosamine to your dog’s diet, items like chicken feet or beef trachea can be tasty and nutritious treats. However, Deley Naturals Advanced Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs offers a safer and more precise way to boost your dog’s diet. It combines glucosamine with chondroitin sulfate, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and turmeric, supporting cartilage and connective tissue development while providing anti-inflammatory benefits and pain relief.
How Effective is Glucosamine?
The Veterinary Journal reported that dogs who received a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements saw reduced pain and severity of their osteoarthritis symptoms after 70 days.
Glucosamine also has few to no side effects in most dogs. NSAIDs are effective for short-term potent pain relief, but glucosamine supplements are a popular alternative for vets and dog owners concerned about their long-term side effects, such as gastrointestinal upset, gastrointestinal ulcers, liver toxicity, and kidney toxicity.
Glucosamine is a nutraceutical, not a pharmaceutical medication. It can take up to 30 days to see a difference, with many studies testing for results after anywhere between 70 to 150 days. Glucosamine supplements often include chondroitin sulfate and collagen for greater efficacy and absorption, as well as other benefits.
Commercial dog food for senior dogs and large breed dogs already add glucosamine to their products. However, depending on your dog’s size relative to their appetite, they may not be able to get enough glucosamine through diet alone.
Should I Give My Dog Glucosamine?
It all comes down to your dog’s cartilage. Cartilage constantly renews and replenishes itself over the course of your dog’s life, especially when they’re young and active. As your dog runs, jumps, and plays, their joints rub against each other, wearing the cartilage away. Once the rate of degradation outpaces the rate of restoration, the bones rub against each other, causing pain and inflammation as well as loss of mobility.
By the time your dog shows visible signs of lameness, some cartilage degeneration has already taken place. Your dog can benefit from glucosamine supplements long before they reach this stage. Arthritis isn’t the only concern–hip dysplasia, injuries, or osteochondrosis can cause similar issues in your dog’s joints. You can also give your dog glucosamine supplements as a preventative measure, especially if your dog’s breed is known for developing hip and joint issues later in life.
Much like a human athlete, an active, high-energy dog needs to take care of their long-term health and wellness–or at least their owner does. High-impact activities can stress and wear down the joints. Once your dog is done growing and their growth plates have closed, glucosamine can help maintain their joint health without limiting their activity levels.
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