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Different pets are differently active, however, for each of them, the reduced movement ability is a huge blow to the quality of their lives. Glucosamine is one of the supplements with beneficial effects on joints, inflammation, lameness and other factors and symptoms of pets physical fitness.
WHAT IS GLUCOSAMINE
Glucosamine is an amino sugar that is present almost everywhere in the body, with the highest concentrations in cartilage and connective tissue. It has a beneficial effect on damaged joints as the animal body uses it to repair cartilage.
Amino sugars are sugars in which the -OH group has been replaced by the NH2 or amine group. They have important roles in the body as they regulate protein functions. As of today, more than 60 amino sugars have been discovered, one of them is glucosamine.
Glucosamine is a precursor for glycosaminoglycans which are one of the most important building blocks of cartilage. Besides cartilage and synovial fluid, glucosamine is also present in some other parts of your pet’s body. Some of them are:
- claws
- eyes
- skin
- heart ligaments and valves
- bones and marrow
Naturally, it can be found in the shells of shellfish and fungi.
Shellfish like:
- lobsters
- oysters
- crabs
- shrimps
Supplemental glucosamine is the only way for your pet to get glucosamine in case it suffers from osteoarthritis or other joint problems, as there is no glucosamine in the major food sources.
GLUCOSAMINE BENEFITS
Despite countless studies that have been made on the field of glucosamine use for humans, their number is still limited for animals. From the studies that have been made so far, we can still draw some conclusions about glucosamine effects on pets.
JOINT PROBLEMS
Most of the animals are no different than us humans. As they age, they start to suffer from joint problems like inflammation and cartilage degradation, resulting in reduced mobility, limping, stiffness, and overall pain.
One of the common conditions experienced by dogs, cats, and other pets is osteoarthritis. This is the most common form of arthritis. It appears due to the progressive cartilage degradation that results in bones rubbing against each other. The life quality of the animal is severely worsened.
It has been shown that glucosamine is an effective supplement that can prevent or stop the progression of cartilage degradation. Not only it prevents further degradation of the cartilage, but it also helps in building the new one.
Glucosamine also has lubricating properties meaning it is a great supplement for healthy animals too as it acts as a shock absorber, preventing injuries before they would even occur in the first place.
HIP PROBLEMS
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the ball and the socket of the hip do not fit perfectly. As a result, the hip can become partially dislocated, painful and can, in the worst scenario, lead to arthritis.
Hip dysplasia is the most common for larger dog breeds but other animals, like cats and horses, can develop it too. Glucosamine slows down the progression of this condition, reduces associated pain and inflammation, and can even act as a preventive measure as it helps with the production of new and healthy cartilage and synovial fluid.
SKELETAL AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE INJURIES
Pets are active, some more than others, but every one of them is at risk of injuries.
Broken bones, damaged tendons, ligaments, and muscles, dislocated or damaged joints, and other similar injuries can always occur.
Glucosamine is a supplement that is an excellent preventive supplement (strong and healthy joints and ligaments are more robust and less likely to be injured) on one hand and a great therapeutic supplement if the injuries do occur. Its positive effects on cartilage and anti-inflammation/pain effect make it one of the most beneficial supplements for your pets.
OVERALL HEALTH BENEFITS
The overall wellbeing of animals also benefits if they are given glucosamine. This is mainly due to all the benefits listed above, as only the healthy, mobile, pain-free animal is a happy animal. Animals that suffer from the hip, joint or other pains are many times visibly depressed, more prone to other health problems, and not in the mood for any activity that they otherwise enjoyed.
POSSIBLE GLUCOSAMINE SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects of glucosamine are rare, however, there is a small chance of:
- Allergic reactions (especially among animals that are allergic to shellfish)
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Excessive urination (observed if high doses are consumed)
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
If you are unsure about any possible side effects of glucosamine, your veterinarian will be happy to help you with all the information.
GLUCOSAMINE IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER SUPPLEMENTS
To increase the effectiveness, glucosamine is often taken in combination with other supplements, the most common ones being:
- METHYLSULFONYLMETHANE (MSM)
- CHONDROITIN SULPHATE
- HYALURONIC ACID
MSM is an antioxidant that relieves pain and supports muscles, ligaments, and cartilage.
It is found in small, primitive plants and some foods and beverages like milk, vegetables, and fruit. MSM also helps in collagen production and in combination with glucosamine, helps with better absorption of glucosamine while simultaneously reducing any pain the animal might be experiencing.
Chondroitin sulfate is one of the glycosaminoglycans. Among other functions, it is one of the building blocks for cartilage, helps maintain a sufficient level of synovial fluid, and inhibits the production of joint destructive inflammatory mediators.
Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine combination is a great pain reliever and an effective measure for stopping and reversing the cartilage deterioration process
Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in cartilage and synovial fluid where it ensures the cartilage is flexible and helps to lubricate the joint. As there is enough fluid in the joint, it makes it better at absorbing shocks which is great prevention of injuries.
WHEN TO CONSIDER GIVING YOUR PET GLUCOSAMINE
If your pet experiences any of the listed health problems:
- Reduced mobility
- Unusual urinating frequency
- Tiredness after short walks
- Limping
- Cracking or other noises from the hip
- Struggling to jump or walk on stairs/hills
- Swollen joints
You should consider adding additional glucosamine to your pets’ diet.
However at that point, the damage has already been done and even though glucosamine can help to eliminate it, it is better to avoid it in the first place. Glucosamine is also an effective preventive measure, helping to reduce the risk of a pet ever experiencing any of the above symptoms.
Of course, you should always take your pet to the veterinarian if any of the listed symptoms are present as they can be caused by many things that need a more serious intervention. You should also consult glucosamine usage with a veterinarian, more specifically your pet’s possible allergies to it so that any side effect is avoided.
