Glucosamine sulfate is a popular derivative of glucosamine which has been proven very efficient in fighting arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, disc degeneration or hip dysplasia in canines. Glucosamine comes in many forms, but the most efficient in relieving arthritis associated discomfort are glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride.
Glucosamine is obtained from crustacean exoskeletons or, rarely, from grains (corn, wheat); the substance is also to be found in the composition of joint cartilages. Clinical trials have shown that glucosamine sulfate has the best results in treating arthritis in dogs, when compared to other glucosamine forms. Glucosamine sulfate works better in tall breeds. Glucosamine can also be used as preventative treatment for joint conditions.
Glucosamine Sulfate for Dogs
You might already be aware that NSAIDS, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs commonly purchased for relieving pain in arthritic dogs can cause severe health problems due to their serious side effects such as stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal discomfort or toxicity. Glucosamine is apparently at least as effective, if not even more effective than regular NSAIDS when it comes to easing the pain caused by arthritis, hip dysplasia or disc degeneration. There are 3 main types of glucosamine:
- Glucosamine sulfate
- Glucosamine hydrochloride
- Glucosamine NAS
The most commonly used type of glucosamine for joint pain and joint conditions is glucosamine sulfate, as it is easily absorbed and processed into the body and passed into the joints. Glucosamine sulfate stimulates the production of glycosamine glycans in the dog’s cartilage which are actually nutrients that stimulate the cartilage formation.
In time it stimulates the production of cartilage helping with the healing process, or at least improving the quality of life of dogs suffering from arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, disc degeneration or hip dysplasia. Unlike NSAIDS, which only deal with symptoms and help with inflammation, glucosamine sulfate actually targets the very cause of arthritis. Glucosamine sulfate can also be found in combination with vitamin C which helps with the absorption of glucosamine.
Glucosamine Sulfate Side Effects
No serious side effects of glucosamine sulfate have been reported. However, in some dogs, there might be some undesired manifestations such as vomiting, diarrhea or digestive discomfort.
However, in most cases, these side effects symptoms do not last.
Glucosamine sulfate can be used together with other supplements or other medication since it does not usually interact with any of them. However, if your dog is on medication for other medical conditions you should consult your veterinarian before administering glucosamine sulfate, just to be on the safe side. Given its properties and negligible side effects, glucosamine sulfate is appropriate for long term use in canines.
Chodroitin and Glucosamine Sulfate for Dogs
Chodroitin sulfate is usually used in combination with glucosamine sulfate. Chodroitin has an important role in preventing the cartilage from further degeneration by destroying and neutralizing the enzymes that have a destructive effect on the joints.
Chodroitin is also beneficial for the cartilages and is also necessary for the production of glycosamine glycans, which is good for the dog's bones.