Vegetarian glucosamine is great for dogs that suffer from allergies associated with the use of glucosamine that is not vegetarian. Most glucosamine formulas are created with shellfish ingredients, and many dogs cannot tolerate shellfish. It is relatively common for dogs to be allergic to shellfish and other types of meats. Vegetarian glucosamine does not contain shellfish, beef or any other type of meat that may trigger allergies in your pet. Glucosamine is generally used to alleviate many symptoms of arthritis and joint stiffness. Vegetarian glucosamine is intended to be used on dogs suffering from inflammation, pain, joint problems and bodily discomfort.
Vegetarian glucosamine usually contains MSM, which is an anti-inflammatory ingredient. It will also contain antioxidants such as grape seed extract, Omega fatty acids and vitamin C. Manganese and boron are added to aid in absorption.
About Glucosamine for Dogs
Glucosamine is a natural compound that is used for the treatment of arthritis. Glucosamine is made from amino acid glutamine and glucose, and this natural compound becomes less abundant as the body ages and your pet grows older. Traditional glucosamine supplements are made with an ingredient known as chitin, which is found in lobster, crab, shrimp and other shellfish species. Glucosamine may also be combined with chondroitin sulfate, which aids in the elasticity of cartilage and joints in the body.
Since traditional glucosamine supplements usually contain ingredients found in shellfish or other meats, they are not considered vegetarian. Many dogs can have an allergic reaction to the shellfish ingredient in glucosamine, which would make the use of vegetarian glucosamine ideal. Vegetarian glucosamine supplements do not contain any traces of shellfish or meat ingredients, and are designed specifically for dogs that have allergies.
When to Supplement with Glucosamine
Glucosamine is beneficial to dogs suffering from arthritis and other joint conditions. If your pet shows the following signs or symptoms, he may need to take glucosamine supplements:
- Slow walking
- General lethargy or lack of energy
- Limping
- Difficulty playing or walking up stairs
- Difficulty laying down or getting up
- Pain when being touched or petted
- Depression
Keep in mind that animals have a higher tolerance to pain than humans. Dogs cannot do anything about their pain, and most learn to deal with it or ignore it. If your pet is showing any of the above signs of pain or discomfort, it usually means that the amount of pain is too much for him to bear. If this is the case, treatment should be given as soon as possible. If your pet shows signs of arthritis or joint stiffness, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible for the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Proven Effects of Vegetarian Glucosamine
Vegetarian glucosamine should improve your pet's joint health in very little time. Glucosamine is a natural dietary supplement, which means it will soothe the joints and bones and provide pain relief in most dogs. After administering glucosamine, most pet owners should notice a significant change in their pet's behavior and health in as little as 1 to 2 weeks.