The most basic Joint Supplements are comprised of two important ingredients at minimum: Glucosamine and Chondroitin
What are glucosamine and chondroitin?
Glucosamine/chondroitin combination is used in a nutritional supplement to treat arthritis, osteoarthritis, (often secondary to hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament injuries, and patella luxation) in dogs and cats, as well as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in cats.
Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and is used by the joints to make cartilage components and also by the urinary tract for protection. While Chondroitin inhibits destruction and promotes production of cartilage components.
How effective is glucosamine and chondroitin?
Studies evaluating the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin alone for the control of pain and progression of arthritis and osteoarthritis show to be mildly effective. However, when combined with other ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, green lipped mussel, fish oils, and vitamin C, these products are shown to be much more effective for pets. The studies for the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin for FLUTD are few, however they do show some promise.
This medication can take up to a few weeks before full effects are noted, but gradual improvements are usually noticeable after a few days.
What if I miss giving my pet the supplement?
If you miss a dose, give it when you remember, but if it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give it at the next scheduled time, and return to the regular dosing schedule. Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses.
I hope that helps everyone with all the information they need about their pet's glucosamine and chondroitin supplements! If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to us on Social on Facebook or Instagram, or email us at hello@wellnergypets.com with all your pet related questions and we'll answer it in the next blog post! Thanks everyone and talk soon!