RUFF HERO Glucosamine for Dogs Pet Parent Manual 2018
Glucosamine for Dogs: Natural Relief for Joint Pain Glucosamine is a substance naturally produced by the body but as the body ages, it produces less amounts of this substance, not different than humans, dogs also need it to function normally and remain active, that s why glucosamine for dogs supplements are a great idea to protect joints, fight dog arthritis and for pain relief. Many humans take it to treat certain types of arthritis. This condition brings problems to the joints that can be very painful. People are not the only ones to get arthritis, as dogs are also known to suffer from the affliction. Therefore, many pet owners are beginning to buy glucosamine for dogs. Canine arthritis can lead to a negative effect on overall health. When a dog is in pain, they will not want to keep active. However, activity is key to a dog s physical and mental health. Since a dog cannot speak to explain the pain that is felt, it is vital for a pet owner to look for signs that a pet is suffering. Uses of Glucosamine Glucosamine has been a common treatment for arthritis in humans for decades, it is normally found in the body, especially in the cartilage. During digestion, almost all of the glucosamine in a dog s diet becomes unusable. The pet s body begins to synthesize its own glucosamine. In healthy animals, the body synthesizes enough to keep cartilage healthy. After aging or joint damage, the body cannot make enough to keep up with normal needs. This is when a supplement becomes helpful and necessary. Glucosamine health supplements have been studied and linked to the healing of wounds in the skin, stomach problems, and joint ailments. The most popular use is for the relief of pain due to osteoarthritis, it has been used in humans and animals. The hips are the most usual joints that cause problems. Hip dysplasia is extremely common in large dogs and accelerates the normal wear and tear on cartilage in this area. When cartilage is depleted, the joint is merely bone on bone contact, which is very painful. Even if a dog does not suffer from hip dysplasia, age will normally decrease cartilage and arthritis will form. A dog may also suffer arthritis symptoms in the legs, elbows, shoulders, or spine.
Signs That Your Dog Needs Glucosamine Sometimes it is obvious that a pet is dealing with pain. Some of the most common signs that a dog may need it include: Trouble Walking. A dog usually likes to keep up with its owner on walks in the outdoors. When a dog starts to fall behind, it may be because it is in pain. Also, at home, when a dog is in pain, they may play less, avoid the stairs, and act lethargic and lay down. Limping. One of the first signs that a dog may need glucosamine is that it begins to limp. This may occur after getting up or on a constant basis. Does Not Want To Be Touched. Most dogs love to be rubbed, petted, and loved. When a dog is in pain, it may withdraw from normal activity or flinch when touched. Since pets cannot convey the pain that they are in, they generally learn to live with it. When it becomes too extreme, the above signs are a smart time to take action and offer a glucosamine supplement. Unlike the human placebo effect, a dog does not get caught up in this cycle because it is not aware that it is receiving the supplement. A large number of dogs respond well to glucosamine supplements, especially large breeds. Benefits of Glucosamine for Dogs As in humans, glucosamine has proven to improve a dog s joint health. A pet owner will notice a change in the dog s behavior in as little as one week. The dog will slowly become more active and return to behavior that is close to normal. Much research shows that it is absorbed and distributed throughout the joints and acts as an anti inflammatory and regenerates cartilage. What is the proper Dosage Of Glucosamine For Your Dog? Getting maximum effects of glucosamine in a dog will only result from proper dosage. The pet s weight and condition will dictate how much a dog will need. There are different types of products in the market that comes in both liquid and pill form. In general, 750 mg of glucosamine sulfate or HCl should be administered per 50 pounds. It is often much easier to give a dog glucosamine in soft chews. Most dogs do not like to swallow pills. When pills are placed in food, it can become list int he teeth through chewing. Chews usually taste better and come in various flavors. When glucosamine is given in the proper form and from a high quality product, it can take pain away in a fast manner and promote good joint health.
Finding the Best Glucosamine for Your Dog If you have a dog that suffers from joint pain or arthritis, you may have heard about glucosamine. If you are interested in this natural supplement, you may not be sure what the best glucosamine for dogs is. While any form of this supplement will help to relieve stiffness and pain commonly associated with arthritis, there are three options from which to choose. Each option has its own positives and negatives to consider when looking for glucosamine or chondroitin for dogs. When choosing a glucosamine for your dog, you should have an idea of what features are the most important to you. Things to consider are cost of the supplement, how quickly and well the supplement works, how easy it is to administer to your dog and how easy it is to acquire the supplement. These are all aspects to look for when choosing the supplement that works best for you and your dog. Best Forms of Glucosamine for Dogs The first option comes in the form of an injection. Probably the best aspect of using an injection is that the medicine will go directly into the bloodstream, causing it to work rapidly. Some of the negative aspects are that it can be painful for your dog because the injection must be administered directly into the muscle, and you can only acquire the supplement from a veterinarian. Some veterinarians will allow you to purchase the injection and administer the supplement from your own home while others will require that you bring your dog in to receive each injection. This can be costly and time consuming. The second option is to purchase the supplement in soft chews form. Some good things to consider about the soft chews and pills are that you can purchase them without visiting a veterinarian, and they do not cause pain to your dog. One negative aspect of the pills is that it can sometimes be hard to administer them to animals, that s why chews are highly recommended. Keep in mind that may have to administer more than one chew or pill every day to reach the recommended daily dosage, make sure to follow the dosage recommended by the manufacturer.
The third option is to purchase liquid glucosamine. This liquid form of glucosamine comes in a water-soluble formula that is easy to mix into your dog s drinking water, or on top of its food. Since the liquid supplement has no taste, your dog will ingest the supplement easily. You can purchase this product without seeing a veterinarian and it is inexpensive. While it does not work as quickly as an injection, it does work quicker than glucosamine in pill form. Which Form to Choose There are positives to all three forms of glucosamine. When choosing the best one for your dog, you can consider all of the features from the various forms mentioned. If administering the supplement easily is important to you, then you may choose to go with the soft chews option, however, if it is more important that the supplement works immediately, you may choose to administer injections. While this supplement is helpful in any form, the type you choose will depend on which features matter the most to you. Debating the Safety of Human Glucosamine for Dogs Arthritis in dogs can be as uncomfortable and painful as it is in humans. It can also inhibit canines from jumping, going up and down stairs or even the simple acts of standing or lying down. This deterioration of cartilage happens as a dog ages and leads to the development of the condition. When a dog is young, its body will naturally produce a substance known as glucosamine. This substance works to keep joints protected, lubricated and working efficiently. As years go by, the natural ability to create glucosamine decreases and leads to detrimental effects to the cartilage. Supplements are available to give the dog the boost they need as they get older. However, debates do exist on whether or not human glucosamine for dogs is safe. Glucosamine Supplements Glucosamine supplements have been on the market and available for human as well as dogs for years. They have been proven to alleviate pain and are extremely safe for long term use. These supplements rarely have side effects in animals. However, bouts of vomiting or diarrhea can occur and the dosage should simply be changed to eliminate the issues.
Disadvantages of Using Human Glucosamine for Dogs It is possible to give human glucosamine for dogs. But there are some disadvantages and risks in doing so. It is important to understand that humans can consume and process various ingredients that can be harmful or even fatal to animals. Therefore, glucosamine designed for human consumption may be hazardous for pets. Another difference between the two types of supplements is the regulation that surrounds them. Dog supplements are highly regulated while those for humans are seen as dietary aids and fall outside the mandates of the FDA. By choosing a canine specific product, a pet parent can be absolutely sure of what they are giving to their dog. The composition of the supplements is quite varied. Human glucosamine products are normally made at 99% strength of glucosamine hydrochloride while dog specific formulas use 90% strength. However, canine formulas are made to provide the quickest relief from pain. More of the substance is taken directly into the dogs system. Canine supplements also contain other beneficial minerals and ingredients that promote healing, such as Vitamin C. Flavors are added to dog tablets to make them tastier and easier to administer to the pets. Exercise Caution When an individual chooses to give their dog human glucosamine, extreme caution must be exercised during dosing. It is also easier to use a human tablet than liquid, as the tablet is much easier to split. Dog specific products are designed to be easier to administer and provide an overall high level of safety for the pet. Although a bit more expensive, these products can be purchased in a vet s office to ensure on-site advice, council and dosage instructions. Online retailers also offer these types of supplements. Being a responsible pet parent includes not only unconditional love and support but also providing the safest consumables available. Research and the advice of a medical professional can help individuals decide if human glucosamine for dogs is acceptable. Glucosamine Side Effects Commercials on human and animal drugs run on televisions, newspapers, and on the Internet everyday. What these commercials selectively fail to mention are the side effects of these drugs and other pharmaceutical products. Even then, you will hear of a drug being pulled off the market every so often due to its side effects. The same thing happens to some of the drugs prescribed to pets such as dogs.
For a drug to be pulled off the market, its side effects have to be fatal or life threatening. However, this does not mean that there are no safe drugs out there with minimal side effects but quite helpful to the health of your dog. A good example is glucosamine, which is a natural supplement highly effective against canine joint and arthritic problems. In order to evaluate glucosamine side effects in dogs, it is important to first understand what this substance is and its benefits to your dog. Signs That Indicate Your Dog Requires Glucosamine It is easy to tell when your dog needs a boost of this substance. Here are a few tell-tale signs: Reluctance or negative reaction to physical activities such as walking, running or playing Inability to keep up with you during walks Overall lethargy and dullness Long-term limping without any signs of external injuries Wincing signs when touched on limbs or even when being petted Side Effects in Dogs Most dogs will usually tolerate glucosamine comfortably without signs of any side effects. However, it is important to feed the dog with the supplement for a short period of time and observe it for any signs of the following: Frequent vomiting Long-term diarrhea Loss of appetite Signs of constipation Glucosamine side effects in dogs can fortunately be eliminated when glucosamine is taken with dog food. Generally a dog with allergic reaction to sea food may show counter reactions to this ingredient. In such cases feed your dog with glucosamine made from plants such as corn. It is also important to consult your vet before starting your dog on a glucosamine health supplement. Ease Joint Pain With Glucosamine And Chondroitin For Dogs Glucosamine and chondroitin have long been used in the treatment of osteoarthritis in humans. Known as the building blocks in cartilage production, these substances are available as supplements which replenish the body s supply of cartilage building blocks.
Studies have revealed the benefits of supplementation in dogs in order to treat canine osteoarthritis, which is good news for dogs and their owners alike. Glucosamine can greatly benefit dogs of all ages, it increases joint fluidity and can help reduce inflammation, pain and swelling of joints in dogs. Dogs can have healthy, happy and active lifespans if their owners pay attention to their joint, bone, eye and coat and keep them in tip top shape with appropriate supplements, foods and grooming. Adding glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs as to supplement to their diet can help improve mobility, prolong your dog s active years, increase your dog s quality of life and reduce pain, inflammation and bothersome swelling of joints that cause suffering. What is Chondroitin? Chondroitin is a compound made of a chain of various sugars usually attached to a protein that aids in building cartilage. It is an important component of cartilage and provides the cartilage with the ability to resist compression. Commonly used in treating osteoarthritis, chondroitin is a valuable tool in the fight against canine joint pain and discomfort. A third component of many joint supplements is MSM, or Methylsulfonylmethane. MSM is an organic compound sometimes used to treat inflammation. Although the effects of MSM are poorly understood and documented, some people claim adding MSM to dietary supplements helps relieve pain and inflammation of arthritis. While MSM is not thought to be harmful, the benefits proclaimed by MSM users has not been scientifically validated and users are advised to not rely solely on MSM for joint treatment therapy. It is okay to use it in combo with glucosamine and chondroitin. Combining Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Dogs A double pronged approach to effective treatment for joint pain in dogs is the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin in one easy to administer tablet. Experts agree the powerful anti-inflammatory effects of the glucosamine combined with the cartilage rebuilding and repairing properties of chondroitin offer effective, efficient pain relief and arthritis and joint health support. Studies show when administered consistently for several weeks, dogs enjoy increased mobility when taking the supplement either in tablets, liquid, powders or chew treats. Glucosamine is one of the fundamental building blocks of the cartilage that support the joints. Both substances have long been used in the treatment and management of other conditions such as wounds, stomach problems, as well as joint diseases. It has been found to be extremely helpful in the treatment of hip dysplasia, which is very common among dogs especially among larger breeds. This occurs when wear occurs on
the joints of the hip when the cartilage erodes, causing the hipbones to come in contact, why naturally leads to pain. Anti-inflammatory Aside from replenishing the body s supply of cartilage, glucosamine is also a potent antiinflammatory. This is very helpful in reducing the inflammation that often accompanies osteoarthritis. Inflammation causes pain and leads to most mobility problems often seen in dogs who are suffering from the condition. Other kinds of supplements which can further reduce the symptoms of arthritis in dogs include omega fatty acids and Vitamin E, the latter being a potent antioxidant and the former containing effective anti-inflammatory properties. There have been many questions regarding the need to take supplements since glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally occurring substances in the body. However, as the body ages, it can no longer absorb as much as it used to, and the cartilages and joints suffer. This is the reason why supplemental glucosamine paired with chondroitin is important. Glucosamine supplements are often derived from the shell of crustaceans, while chondroitin supplements are derived from bovine cartilage. Animals, like humans, also experience a decrease in their production of glucosamine and chondroitin as they age. This is the reason why supplementation is important to replenish the building blocks for building the cartilage on the joints. Finding glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs is easy. The best option is usually chews that come in flavors that dog like, it s easiest to get them to take it this way. Osteoarthritis Dogs suffering from osteoarthritis and other kinds of joint diseases often suffer from decrease mobility and pain. Supplementation with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can ease the pain since these have been known to reduce inflammation. More importantly, they supply the body with its cartilage building blocks, which are important in treating damaged joints. Administering this powerful combination is an easy way to help your best friend stay healthy, happy, active and pain free for as long as possible. This pair of ingredients offer peace of mind and assurance you are doing everything you can for your beloved dog. Do not wait until the pain of arthritis and aging joints slows your dog down, start supplementing your dog s diet with glucosamine for dogs or a combination supplement of glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs and enjoy a long, happy, active life with your pet.
Why to Consider Glucosamine Supplements for Dogs? It is hard to watch your dog grow older and start to slow down. Nonetheless, what you consider as a sign of the natural aging process may just be a sign that the dog is experiencing joint pain that makes him feel less like being active. Sadly, your dog is just going to get stiffer and stiffer if he doesn t get some exercise in, as dogs need regular exercise to maintain the health of their muscles, joints and bones. Healthy glucosamine supplements for dogs can help to restore the health of your dog s joints, naturally. Benefits of Glucosamine Supplements for Dogs Glucosamine is an amazing supplement that works much like an anti-inflammatory drug, although it is all natural. Its anti-inflammatory properties cause swelling to go down and reduce the dog s pain overall. This supplement can help to increase mobility and restore the dog s joint health naturally, while improve the lubrication of the dog s joints. As a bonus, the use of glucosamine supplements for dogs can reduce the need for or eliminate the need altogether to use NSAIDS, which can have side effects on the dog and that don t work to repair the joints anyway (they just reduce pain level). How Fast Does It Work? When choosing glucosamine supplements for dogs, it is important that you do not expect instant results. As with any type of supplement, the beneficial effects of the supplement can take weeks to realize. It is usually recommended that the dog starts on a higher dose of glucosamine initially, with a lower dose or maintenance dose being administered after the initially loading dose. It is perfectly safe for your dog to stay on this type of joint supplement for life, and although you will see diminished symptoms of pain and joint stiffness within a few weeks of starting the supplement, sticking with it will keep the condition from flaring up. To go back off the supplement is to risk flare-up. Most pet owners are happy to find that after a few weeks of giving glucosamine to their dogs, their four-legged babies are back to their playful selves, are less stiff, jumping about, wanting to go on walks and just altogether happier overall. The supplements are available in pill form or as a powder that you can sprinkle on the dog s food.
What s the Right Glucosamine Dosage for Dogs? Glucosamine is an ingredient recommended for dogs that have problems with arthritis. If a dog no longer enjoys moving around, is lethargic, limps and/or shows signs of pain when touched, then this may mean that the dog has a problem with arthritis. Arthritis is a prevalent problem with dogs that are getting on in years; thankfully, glucosamine combats this problem by helping to build up a dog s cartilage so that it can once again enjoy life and moving around. There are various factors to consider when purchasing glucosamine for dogs. First of all, one should take the dog to a vet and ask the vet if the dog should have sulfate, HCL or 2KCL glucosamine. When purchasing glucosamine, it is important to ascertain that the drug is superior quality and has been made in a GMP certified facility. Low quality glucosamine is not as effective as it needs to be, as many dog owners have discovered. Liquid glucosamine is easier to administer to dogs that tablets, as it tastes good and a dog will readily drink it. Correct Glucosamine Dosage for Dogs Administering the right glucosamine dosage for dogs is imperative. A dog that does not get enough of this drug will not show visible improvement. However, there is a dosage limit and a conscientious pet owner should never give a dog an overdose of glucosamine. First of all, one will want to talk with a vet about the dog s glucosamine dosage. A vet will be able to give one a recommendation of how many fluid ounces a dog should have per day and how many times per day the medication should be given. The dosage is determined by the dog s weight; the heaver the dog is, the more medication it will need. However, the dosage also depends on what type of glucosamine is being administered. The type given should also be determined by a vet; in fact, if the dog is very sick then getting a second option from another vet may be advisable. Most vets will recommend that a dog take a double dosage of this drug for the first four to six weeks. After this time, a dog should show visible improvement and be able to take less glucosamine. Effectiveness A dog owner should realize that glucosamine is not an instantly effective wonder drug. In fact, it takes at least two weeks to a month before a dog will show visible signs of improvement.
However, if the dog is not better after a month, it could be a sign that the original dosage prescription is too low, or that a dog also needs anti-inflammatory medication with the glucosamine dosage. The right glucosamine dosage for dogs depends on various factors. The main factor is the dog s weight. Generally speaking, a dog that weighs under 10 lbs. should only take 300 mg of glucosamine daily; dogs that weigh from 11-29 lbs. should have twice this much. Dogs that weigh from 30-59 lbs. should have 1200 mg of glucosamine daily, and dogs that weigh from 60-120 lbs. should have a dosage of 1800 mg. However, consulting a vet is always in order, as only a vet will be able to make a fully accurate prescription for the amount and type of glucosamine that should be used. Getting the best glucosamine supplement for your dog doesn t have to be difficult, we specifically formulated our Hero Mobility supplements with the best organic and effective ingredients, we also added natural flavour and dogs love em, so no more fighting your dog over medication! Learn more at https://www.ruffhero.com/