Arthritis and Dietary Supplements, Can They Really Help

Recently you began to notice the aches and pains of your advancing years. You started taking glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, and they actually seem to be helping. Now you are wondering if your arthritic cat or dog could also benefit from these nutraceuticals.

Both of these compounds are major components of the cartilage that covers the ends of our bones. This tissue allows our joints to move freely. It is believed that by supplementing our diets with these products, we can slow down the degenerative process and stimulate the development of new, healthy cartilage.

Studies at the schools of Veterinary Medicine in Kansas and Missouri were conducted to see if they will help decrease the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. The results were encouraging. In acute joint damage, dogs did recover faster when treated with glucosamine and chondroitin. What effect if any they exerted on joint inflammation could not be determined. Neither was the effect on chronic degenerative joint disease.

One in five adult dogs are afflicted with osteoarthritis. You may notice that your pet is getting up more slowly, is lagging behind on walks, seems stiff after exercise or just has a change in behavior. These may all be signs that your pet is suffering from this debilitating and progressive disease. Don't be tempted to give your medications; they can have serious side effects. It is best to see your veterinarian because it is "Your Pet…Health Matters."