Why Do We Recommend Glucosamine?

In a normal joint, glucosamine combines with chondroitin to build and maintain cartilage. Cartilage is the layer between the joints that shields the bones from each other. Young, healthy dogs continually produce enough glucosamine to keep their cartilage in a healthy condition. As dogs get older, they start to produce less and less glucosamine, causing a condition called osteoarthritis.

As the condition worsens, dogs’ bones start to rub painfully at the joint which causes pain and inflammation. This can show as a few symptoms with the most common being hesitation to jump or climb stairs and limping or lameness. Glucosamine and chondroitin are said to have anti-inflammatory properties as well as working to improve the joint by boosting the repair of the cartilage that has been damaged. Glucosamine is a safe supplement that is added to your pets’ diet! It comes in three forms; pills/tablets, liquid or a powder. It is also added to most senior diets available at our veterinary clinic.

October and November are our Senior Months at Cumberland Veterinary Clinic which means we are geared towards helping seniors live a longer, healthier life! If you’re concerned your pet is starting to show signs of joint pain, please call the clinic and let us help you make your pet more comfortable!

Written by Raeanne Boyd, RVT