Why Glucosamine and Chondroitin Are Better Than NSAIDs in Treating Canine Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints that is not exclusive to humans. Dogs can also suffer from osteoarthritis. Large dog breeds in particular, such as Labradors, German shepherds and Great Danes are more vulnerable to canine osteoarthritis. Because their weight adds more strain, this naturally causes more vulnerability to their joints.

In the past, typical forms of treatment used in managing canine osteoarthritis involve non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs have been very effective in easing the swelling and inflammation in the joints as well as blocking the pain. However, glucosamine supplements in recent studies have shown very positive results in those suffering arthritic joint pain. Glucosamine supplements when taken in conjunction with chondroitin sulfate actually have proven to be more effective in managing moderate to severe joint pain than NSAIDs. These supplements have been studied in people, but the therapy has shown to be just as effective in dogs, cats, horses, and so on.

Reasons as why supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin are seen to be a better alternative to NSAIDs in treating canine osteoarthritis are:

1. NSAIDs and nutritional supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin are both effective in treating canine osteoarthritis pain. However, compared to NSAIDs, glucosamine, and chondroitin are virtually devoid of any serious side effects. NSAIDs, on the other hand, can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems and liver failure, among a long list of others.

2. Glucosamine and chondroitin treat the pain at the source. Glucosamine stimulates the growth of new cartilage to replace cartilage tissue damaged, while chondroitin helps to provide lubrication to the joints. This leads to a healing that reduces and eliminates joint pain. On the other hand, NSAIDs only deal with the harmful enzymes causing the inflammation and pain. This is not necessarily a bad thing but when you factor in the risks of using such powerful drugs, long term use makes the risk to high.

3. Glucosamine and chondroitin are produced naturally in us and our pets. These two supplements for osteoarthritis also come from other natural sources, such as shrimp, crab and other shellfish. Unlike them, NSAIDs are created synthetically in pharmaceutical laboratories. Natural supplement is this case is a safe and effective choice.

4. Effects and visible improvements of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements to the dogs health can be seen in as little as 7 days depending on the supplement used, to 6 weeks if pill form supplements are used. Long term effects can be sustained safely with daily use. NSAIDs are quick in relieving joint pain and inflammation but again, long term use puts your pet at risk for serious side effects.

5. NSAIDs are much more expensive than glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. For a dog that weighs around 50 pounds, a daily dosage of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements would cost around 50 cents a day. On the other hand, NSAIDs are expensive and $100 a month or more in treatment should be expected.

These are just a few reasons as to why glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are better than NSAIDs. There are more resources and more literature available online. Every pet owner with a dog or cat suffering from osteoarthritis should take time to get as much information as possible regarding the advantages of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements over NSAIDs.

These supplements have seen new complete formulas in liquid form come to market. Syn-flex for Pets is a leader in pharmaceutical liquid glucosamine sales. Syn-flex formulas, made for people and pets, combine the necessary glucosamine and chondroitin supplements and a host of others to help with inflammation and swelling. Syn-flex is dosed to your pet according to weight, and the liquid formula makes administering it to your pet very easy. The liquid formula is also fast acting since the body absorbs liquids almost completely letting the supplements give full benefit.