Dog Glucosamine is one of the most commonly used canine supplements on the market.
In a Glasgow-based study that examined how people supplement their canines, dog
glucosamine and its close cousin chondroitin were purchased by more than 10% of
dog owners who visited local veterinarian clinics.
There are plenty of happy people offering anecdotal evidence that dog
glucosamine works. But does the science back it up?
A recent scientific paper offers some answers. In The Systematic Review of the Management
of Canine Osteoarthritis, glucosamine is listed as one of the osteoarthritis supplements
that provided "statistically significant or gross improvements." They also gave
glucosamine a higher quality rating when combined with other nutraceuticals and
minerals such as manganese.
The review also emphasized that more studies (and more objective studies) are
needed before anyone reaches a final verdict on dog glucosamine's medical value.
The scientists'
caution is understandable: research findings to date are somewhat mixed. While some
studies show little or no treatment result, others show that glucosamine is highly
effective in reducing osteoarthritic symptoms.
Since
our own experience with dog glucosamine has been so positive, we find it
exciting to read the studies that reflect what we've seen with our own dog and those
of our customers.
For instance, a 2007 study published in Veterinary Journal concluded that
dogs treated with glucosamine hydrochloride and chondrotin sulphate experienced
significantly less pain. The dogs also saw improvement in their ability to bear
weight and in the overall severity of their osteoarthritic symptoms.
Another
interesting study was completed at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology in
London. In this case, scientists concluded that dog glucosamine significantly regenerated
damaged cartilage on a biochemical level. "The cartilage of the joints operated
on was thicker and more hydrated than the control cartilage."
Of course, studies of this sort aren't final scientific proof that giving your dog
glucosamine will remove his osteoarthritis. But they do suggest that glucosamine
is an option well worth considering when your dog is in pain.
For more information, check out our dog glucosamine product: Osteo Aid.