Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Dogs

Of all the health problems that affect dogs, arthritis is one of the most common, particularly as they get older. It affects their joints, making them less mobile and giving them aches and pains in their limbs. Also known as degenerative joint disease, at its worst it can be utterly debilitating for dogs, leaving them unable to walk or stand up without suffering intense pain.

Arthritis is caused simply by wear and tear to the joints over time, and certain breeds of dog are particularly prone to it. These include Labradors, Alsatians and retrievers and other larger breeds.

The onset of arthritis partly has to do with the production of glucosamine. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance which gives shape, strength and flexibility to cartilage, ligaments, tendons and other tissues. In a young, healthy dog, enough glucosamine is produced naturally to keep their joints supple and flexible, but as they age the amount they can produce becomes less and less adequate, meaning the joints get stiffer and more painful.

For this reason, many arthritis treatments are glucosamine based, and serve to top up the dog's natural glucosamine. The glucosamine used in supplements usually comes from a substance called chitin found in crustacean shells. Arthritis medicines often mix glucosamine with other supplements such as chondroitin, which is another naturally occurring substance, and one which works in synergy with glucosamine.

Chondroitin is a vitally important component in cartilage; it provides strength and resiliency and helps to heal damaged cartilage. The chondroitin given for medicinal purposes can come from a number of sources, but derives mainly from cows or from marine sources such as whale and shark cartilage. It does not really matter where it comes from, as it will always do the same job of acting as an agent for rebuilding damaged cartilage.

Vets often recommend glucosamine and chondroitin to be given as part of a wider treatment program for arthritis. The program might also include a weight loss regime to reduce the amount of fat the dog is carrying around, and thereby relieving some of the stress placed on the joints. There is also likely to be some kind of exercise plan to ensure the dog does small periods of activity to keep them mobile without overdoing it and increasing their suffering.

Glucosamine and chondroitin can also be used in conjunction with some other medications, both herbal and drug-based. For example, if the natural route is taken they might be used alongside a course of mixed vegetable tablets, which soothe and relieve the aches and pains caused by arthritis.

Glucosamine and chondroitin comes in a few different forms, but is most common in an uncoated tablet form, which means it can be easily crushed and added to food. When vets prescribe it for dogs, they generally recommend that it is given every day with 1 tablet for every 10kg of bodyweight. After the first four weeks the dosage can be reduced if the dog is showing signs of progress and increased mobility.