Chondroitin Sulfate for Canine Problems
You've heard of glucosamine sulfate, but there's also chondroitin sulfate for helping dogs with leg and hip problems.
Chondroitin sulfate consists of repeating chains of molecules – called mucopolysaccharides – that supply cartilage with structure and elasticity (flexibility). It holds water and nutrients and actually draws them into cartilage, which has no blood supply of its own. It tends to block enzymes that destroy cartilage prematurely and aids in the cushioning and lubricating of joints.
While glucosamine sulfate is a small molecule, chondroitin sulfate is a much larger molecule, whose increased size makes it much harder for a human (or animal) to absorb.
While research studies suggest that glucosamine may stimulate the production of cartilage-building proteins, other studies suggest that chondroitin may inhibit the production of enzymes that destroy cartilage and that it may help fight inflammation. Animal studies show that it may promote the healing of bone and help restore joint function.
Typically it is taken as a supplement in combination with some form of glucosamine.
The major source of chondroitin sulfate for supplements is from cow cartilage (though it also comes from the gristle around bones) whereas glucosamine is usually extracted from shellfish (mollusk) shells. In a survey of some 1,500 veterinarians, 80% believed these supplements to be effective and safe.
Taking glucosamine and chondroitin supplements provides the natural raw materials your dog can use to boost its cartilage production, stop its deterioration, and increase the production of the synovial fluid found between joints.
We cannot ask hurting dogs how they feel, but can only gauge the effectiveness of these supplements by their results … we often find happy, smiling, running animals again after they’ve been on it for a few weeks.
If you have a dog that is losing its mobility or is suffering from joint pain, giving your pet a high quality glucosamine/chondroitin supplement is definitely worth a try. Most pet owners find that when they start supplementing their dog's diet with the right glucosamine/chondroitin supplement, they can see a definite improvement within a few weeks. It has been reported to be helpful for canine conditions as diverse as arthritis, inflamed/degenerative discs, sciatic nerve, dysplasia and inflamed joints associated with aging, cartilage-tendon-ligament repair, and in reducing inflammatory responses.
Other therapies, such as canine homeopathy, acupressure and dog acupuncture and dog massage have been known to help as well, but more on those later.
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