Treatment of Canine Arthritis With Human Glucosamine For Dogs

Human Glucosamine for dogs has been effectively used to treat dogs suffering from arthritis or osteoarthritis. The results have been very encouraging and positive. These products have been found to be the safest and most effective way of treating aging dogs suffering from the crippling effects of arthritis or osteoarthritis.

Human medicines have to be of human food value while for pets the same have to be of animal food value, which is at a significantly lower level. Hence, the challenge might come in the way of getting the dogs to ingest the medicines. Human Glucosamine cannot be patented by pharmaceutical majors and hence they prefer to stay away from manufacturing medicines for pets. Glucosamine belongs to a class of nutraceuticals and the FDA does not exercise strict control over it. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance found in many food products in abundance and are categorized as vitamins.

The typical patients that are subjected to the treatment are middle aged and old dogs who exhibit symptoms of stiffness and limping. Some dogs find it difficult to negotiate stairs while some have problems while getting in and out of vehicles.

Glucosamine is mostly found in the cartilage of animals and humans, and a majority of it is unsuitable for use due to degradation. Animals synthesize the required Glucosamine from glucose. However with advanced age, the ability to synthesize glucose diminishes significantly and also due to increased injury to cartilages, the body is unable to keep with the requirement. Therefore one has to supply Glucosamine from outside for normal bodily functions.

One can safely use human Glucosamine for dogs to replenish the depleted amount. One should consult the veterinary doctor before using any medication. It is always advised to have the dog thoroughly checked and diagnosed for a specific condition before starting medication. Glucosamine does not hide or mask the pain, instead it helps, renew, repair and rebuild cartilage. There are no reported side effects even for cases where there has been prolonged usage of Glucosamine. Glucosamine provides dogs with a key component of cartilage called collegen. Collegen is composed of water, which in turn is supported by proteogylcans. Glucosamine synthesizes proteogylcans in two ways. The first way is by virtue of being a key component of the structure of proteogylcan. Secondly, Glucosamine induces the production of proteogylcan producing cells.

Glucosamine is readily available in Chitin, which is a key component in the structure of shell fish. Pure Glucosamine is obtained after removing calcium and proteins, following which the Glucosamine is stabilized with another substance to ensure potency. For dogs the most studied and widely used variant of Glucosamine is Glucosamine Hydrocloride.

There are some schools of thought that believe that human Glucosamine can be harmful for dogs. However, the general belief is that if your vet recommends it, there is no harm is helping your old and suffering pet.