The best glucosamine arthritis treatment for dogs is usually glucosamine combined with another herb or natural ingredient that targets specific arthritis symptoms.
Glucosamine Additions Will Boost Its Power
Concerned dog owners should consider glucosamine that is combined with natural or holistic ingredients to enhance the pain relief, reduce inflammation of joints and help rebuild cartilage. Below is a partial list of the more popular additions and the symptoms they address.
Chondroitin Sulfate
The best chondroitin sulfate is made with shark cartilage. It aids in slowing and/or stopping the bone degeneration commonly seen in arthritis. It helps the body rebuild cartilage destroyed by arthritis. It is available in capsule and pill form.
MSM
Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, is an organic sulfur compound found naturally in the body and is believed to offer an anti-inflammatory effect similar to aspirin. It also aids in the repair of damaged cartilage. It is available as a topical liquid or in pill or capsule form.
White Willow Bark
White willow is made from the powdered bark of the white willow tree and is used to treat inflammation and pain. It is normally combined with glucosamine and made available in capsule form. White willow bark itself can be mixed with water or oil and applied topically on sore joints to provide faster pain relief.
Yucca Powder
Yucca powder is made from the powdered root of the yucca plant which contains vitamins A, B and C as well as being a good source of calcium and potassium. In combination with glucosamine, it works as an anti-inflammatory and reduces muscle spasms, easing arthritic pain.
Vitamins A, C and E
Vitamins A, C and E are all antioxidants and they work both as anti-inflammatory agents as well as offering pain relief for the arthritic dog. It is available combined with glucosamine in capsule or tablet form, or any of them can be used as a standalone supplement.
Omega 3 Fatty Acid
Commonly known as polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega 3 fatty acids help reduce joint pain and stiffness, although they have not proven to slow or halt progression of arthritis.
Adverse Side Effects from Glucosamine
Glucosamine has been studied in animals for years and has few side effects. It can usually be safely combined with prescription pain relievers as well as over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDS to enhance overall pain relief in dogs.
Precautions
Concerned dog owners need to research available brands of glucosamine and glucosamine enhanced with natural ingredients, and only buy from a company that uses pharmaceutical grade ingredients suitable for consumption.
Most improvement will occur quickly, usually within a week of beginning treatment, but some dogs may require four weeks or more before there is noticeable improvement.
Although glucosamine and the additions discussed here are all natural ingredients, there is always a danger of overdosing your dog and you should consult your veterinarian before starting any treatment regimen.