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The Benefits of Glucosamine for Dogs
Posted by Nick on 9/19/2012
As our dogs age their joints begin to show the years of wear resulting in stiffness and pain, usually due to the deterioration of cartilage. This condition is called canine arthritis, a natural event due to aging, and results in a lack of mobility and activity due to the pain caused by inflammation.
As our dogs are less likely to want to stay active when they are in pain, one way to proactively encourage their continued liveliness and overall well-being is via supplementation with glucosamine for dogs to reduce their pain. An added bonus to using glucosamine is that it not only reduces the pain but also repairs the damage by rebuilding the cartilage in the joint.
Glucosamine is a substance that naturally occurs in healthy joints. As dogs get older, their body seems to make less of it. This lower production of Glucosamine can lead to joint pain. When you give your dog Glucosamine to make up for the deficit, you are promoting healthy joints. Because a dogs body is familiar with Glucosamine, it is easily absorbed. It also contains vital nutrients that joints can use to stay healthy. And, of course, the nice thing about ENP’s Glucosamine is that it is from a vegetable source and not shellfish.
You may have noticed that Glucosamine is usually combined with Chondroitin and/or MSM. Chondroitin is used to lubricate joints. It does this by drawing fluid in around the joints and helping the body to keep it there. MSM is an organic form of sulfur. It is naturally occurring in small amounts in many of the vegetables you eat.By giving it to your dog in supplemental form, their body uses it for the anti-inflammatory properties that research has shown it to have. Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM work synergistically, making each other more effective when combined.
Glucosamine Plus is a potent formula containing just the right amounts of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM optimal for joints, plus special nutrients for the bones and connective tissues. Most joint formulas address sore joints but neglect the tendons, ligaments, and bones. Neglecting these vital parts means you might have to keep your dog at a higher dose of Glucosamine for longer period of time, costing you more in supplements.
Glucosamine Plus addresses the connective tissues with Horsetail, Proline, Boron and Grape Seed Extract. Horsetail is an herb that is high in the mineral Silica, which a dog's body uses for building bones, tendons, and ligaments. Proline is an amino acid that promotes healthy cartilage and tendons as a dog ages. Boron is a trace mineral that is used to build bones. It does this through promoting absorption and decreasing the amount of Calcium that is excreted in urine. Grape Seed Extract is a powerful antioxidant, a substance which offers greater protection against the effects of aging. Grape Seed Extract has a positive effect on connective tissues while a dog ages. Besides Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM, this formula contains Manganese for joints. Manganese helps a dog's joints stay more lubricated by promoting the production of synovial fluid.
Most dogs are started on a full dose, as indicated on the label. However, you can probably cut your dog back to a lesser dose as they begin doing better. Pet owners like this formula because it is the most complete on the market. You'll like ENP's Glucosamine Plus because it is the best value on the market. The potency is better than other leading joint-only products and the price is about the same or less.