Glucosamine - Young Again

How Glucosamine Will Help Your Dog Feel Young Again

One of the most difficult parts of being a dog owner is watching them age. Osteoarthritis, a disease that attacks cartilage tissues, affects every single breed of dog and severely takes away their level of mobility, comfort, and quality of life. It is so common in dogs that nearly 20% of them already experience its effects by the age of one (Johnston, 1997; Johnson et al., 2001; Roush et al., 2002; Aragon et al., 2007). To make matters worse, the disease is degenerative and progressive, meaning its effects only intensify and owners are limited on how much they can help. Fortunately, there are supplements that can assist in minimizing the effects of osteoarthritis. Of the few supplements available, Glucosamine hydrochloride (HCL) is one of the most recommended by veterinarians.

What is Glucosamine hydrochloride?

Glucosamine hydrochloride is a key component in the cartilage matrix. After being derived from cellular glucose as an endogenous amino monosaccharide, it is responsible for regulating the synthesis of cartilage, contributing to the production of synovial fluid, and facilitating anti-inflammatory effects (Angel Bhathal, et al. 2017). Essentially, it functions as a building block for cartilage production. It is well-documented that glucosamine (HCL) is closely aligned to osteoarthritis, therefore understanding it and finding ways to offer it as a supplement are critical for evolving our ability to help dogs who suffer from the disease.

How can it be supplemented and how will it help osteoarthritis?

By integrating glucosamine (HCL) into your dogs diet, you can help alleviate some of the effects that come with aging and osteoarthritis. Glucosamine (HCL) supplementation is in no way a new concept.  Humans have been using bone broth for collagen support for centuries, yet only recently has it been suggested for dog use. Supplements designed specifically for dogs are currently sold as nutraceuticals aimed to promote cartilage regeneration. A study released by the Veterinary Journalran a randomised double-blind, positive-controlled trial on thirty five dogs to determine the efficacy of glucosamine (HCL) in alleviating symptoms of osteoarthritis. After 70 days, the dogs displayed signs of significantly improving levels of pain and severity of condition (Grainne, et al. 2007).

While we can’t reverse our dog’s age, we can help to alleviate some of the symptoms that come with it. By adding glucosamine (HCL) supplements to our dog’s diet when they show signs of osteoarthritis or even as a preventative measure, we can help them get back on their paws and back to enjoying life.