Glucosamine is a molecule that is produced naturally by the body, and is found as part of the articular cartilage. The administration of glucosamine in the form of a dietary supplement or included in special feed for dogs with joint problems can have great benefits in the prevention and treatment of joint pathologies such as osteoarthritis. In addition, when it is combined with other molecules such as chondroitin or some vitamins, a synergistic effect is produced that enhances its benefits.
What is glucosamine for dogs?
Glucosamine is an aminosugar (a sugar molecule in which a hydroxyl group has been replaced by an amino group) that is produced naturally by the body. It is a component of glycosaminoglycans (GAG), which are found as part of joints, tendons, ligaments, skin and blood vessels.
GAGs, which as we have said contain glucosamine in their structure, are long-chain molecules capable of retaining water inside. This means that the GAGs play an important role in the maintenance of the water concentration of the joint cartilage, which is essential for the cartilage to be able to adapt to changes of pressure, cushioning and absorbing the impact induced by mechanical stress (stress to which the joints are subjected with movement and exercise). The deterioration of the articular cartilage is characterized by the loss of GAG and, consequently, the loss of this ability to cushion and absorb the impact induced by mechanical stress. When this happens, a degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis or arthrosis will appear.
Benefits of glucosamine for dogs
The administration of glucosamine for dogs will have great benefits for the joint he alth of our dog. Given that glucosamine is part of the GAG structure, if we give our dog a supplement with glucosamine, it will stimulate the production of GAG in the articular cartilage, which which will have a positive effect on the joint he alth of our dog. In those patients with degenerative joint pathologies such as osteoarthritis, the administration of glucosamine has positive effects on the symptoms (pain, inflammation and stiffness of the affected joints) and the joint structure, thus reducing the severity of the disease. In addition, glucosamine inhibits the synthesis of nitric oxide This effect is also positive for the joints, since excess nitric acid is involved in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.
Benefits of glucosamine combined with other compounds
The administration of glucosamine for dogs is by itself beneficial in the prevention and treatment of clinical signs caused by osteoarthritis, but if it is also combined with other compounds, the effect will be even more positive:
- Glucosamine + Chondroitin. In products that combine chondroitin with glucosamine for dogs, there is a synergistic effect that helps mitigate pain and improve joint mobility in dogs with joint pathologies.
- Glucosamine + vitamins In products with vitamins and glucosamine for dogs there is also a synergistic action that helps maintain cartilage structure joint, also having anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects on the joints.
There are also products that combine glucosamine with mucopolysaccharides, manganese ascorbate and other substances that help relieve joint pain and rebuild the degenerated cartilage.
Contraindications of glucosamine in dogs
Glucosamine is a fairly safe molecule. In fact, the studies carried out with this compound show that the adverse effects that occur in patients treated with glucosamine do not differ significantly from those who are only treated with placebo.
However, before administering glucosamine to our dog we must take into account several important considerations. In dogs, glucosamine can cause hyperglycemia due to stimulation of glucagon and suppression of insulin. This effect may be especially important in diabetic patients or those at risk of diabetes (such as obese patients), so in these cases the use of glucosamine could be contraindicated. Likewise, it should be avoided in those patients with coagulation problems, especially if they are treated with warfarin, since it delays blood coagulation. Remember the importance of consulting your trusted veterinarian before administering any supplement to your dog to avoid the appearance of unwanted effects.
Glucosamine dog food
Glucosamine can be absorbed via the gastrointestinal route in dogs (specifically, it has an absorption rate of 87%), making it a compound that can be administered via the oral Glucosamine is a molecule that is naturally present in the exoskeleton of crustaceans such as shrimp, prawns, lobsters or crabs. It can also be found in the ears, snout, or joints of animals. However, these foods are not usually given to pets because they are difficult to chew and digest.
Therefore, if after consulting your veterinarian you decide to administer glucosamine to your dog to prevent or treat osteoarthritis, it is best to administer it as a dietary supplement Another option is to administer it through a feed with a specific formulation for dogs with joint pathologies that includes glucosamine as a supplement.
How to find glucosamine in feed and supplements?
Generally, glucosamine supplements contain the molecule in the form of s alts. The most frequent are glucosamine hydrochloride and glucosamine sulfate, being glucosamine hydrochloride glucosamine which provides the greatest amount of glucosamine per unit of weight. We can also find it in the form of N-acetylglucosamine, although this way it seems to have less effect than when it comes in the form of s alts.
Regardless of whether you decide to provide glucosamine as a supplement or if it is included in the feed itself, it is important to consider the concentration in each case in order to provide a dose that is adjusted to the weight and specific needs of your dog.
