arthritis in dogs Archives - HealthyJoints Blog

This article is listed in our category titled: Arthritis in Dogs, Cats and Horses

I’m sure by now you are aware that there is an excellent and natural alternative to steroids and NSAIDs (Non-Steroidial Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) for people with arthritis and joint pain. It is called Glucosamine.  Glucosamine is derived from shellfish and it has been around for decades. There is promising evidence that glucosamine helps reduce joint pain caused by arthritis and helps slow degeneration of cartilage as we age. Since our body’s natural glucosamine is used to make and repair joint cartilage, taking glucosamine as a nutritional supplement helps repair damaged cartilage by augmenting our body’s supply of glucosamine.

Having said that, did you know that Glucosamine is also suitable for dogs, cats and horses?

Your answer should be a resounding “Yes”! The important thing to remember about animals is that they experience joint and arthritic pain just like human beings do. But animals are not able to tell us what ails them. It is up to us to look for the signs and symptoms that our beloved four-legged friends are in pain and in need of immediate and ongoing intervention.

Perhaps the most common condition in animals is Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, otherwise known as Degenerative Joint Disease. Arthritis can also be caused by a traumatic injury, osteochondrosis or hip dysplasia.  Arthritis can occur in both young and older dogs.  Large-breed and overweight animals are more likely to develop arthritis early in life.

Here are some of the signs and symptoms to look for:

• Lameness


• Behavioral changes


• Decreased energy and decreased desire for physical activity


• Aggression


• Irritability


• Inability or lack of desire to jump on furniture, beds, etc.


• Inability to sit down, get up or climb stairs


• Hiding from sight

Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are many treatments available, some involving steroids and other alternative and natural treatments.  I believe that pharmaceuticals and steroids should be the last resort so I will only list the alternative treatments here, in order of importance.

• Liquid Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM supplement


• Weight control to help limit the extra strain placed on ligaments and joints


• Moderate exercise to help build and maintain muscle mass and flexibility


• Acupuncture


• Physical Therapy

We recommend Flexicose Liquid Glucosamine  as it contains all of the above recommended ingredients , including aloe vera gel, yucca root, bromelain, and boswelia serrata resin extract.

Note: Flexicose is also for people!