Several little walks while a puppy is still growing are better than one long walk. Because arthritis is a condition that develops gradually it can be hard to diagnose especially in cats. Dogs; reactions to pain will also be more obvious including irritability, withdrawal or aggression, such as growling if the affected area is touched. This is because of the differences in the way the two animals move but also because of differences in the way they express themselves. You should expect long term joint health in your pet while using glucosamine, as it works to try and keep joints healthier for longer. Research has shown if glucosamine is started during the early stages of joint problems the benefits are greater.. Both cats and dogs generally benefit to varying degrees, depending on the state of the condition. Breeds most at risk include Tie Rod Assembly Manufacturers Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog and Newfoundland. More advanced and specialist glucosamine supplements may also contain other natural ingredients for extra support. Although generally seen in the hips and elbows of older pets, arthritis can occasionally develop in younger ones where there has been an injury to a joint.

It is a deformity of the hip joint which can lead to the ball and socket becoming dislocated. Glucosamine supplements are used for support with joint problems and related conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, disc degeneration and hip dysplasia. Dysplasia is relatively rare in cats and generally affects the more heavily boned breeds, such as the Persian. There are three forms of glucosamine available with research suggesting that glucosamine sulphate is the most effective. Despite the fact that arthritis cannot be cured there is good evidence that synthesized glucosamine, a natural component of cartilage, can help towards the animal;s general health and wellbeing. Although glucosamine is widely available for humans, it is best to use supplements specially made for cats and dogs to ensure the correct dosage is used. They are most often affected in hips, elbow, shoulders, knee and ankle joints. It is more likely to occur in female than in male cats and indications of its presence are similar to those observed in dogs.Arthritis is a condition that affects both humans and animals and the term is used to describe inflammation of a joint, where smooth cartilage lining the bones of the joint has become damaged, scarred and thinned, which can lead to more friction, causing inflammation.

The only sure way of identifying the condition is by examination and X-ray carried out by a vet. The larger breeds of dog are also more vulnerable to arthritis than smaller breeds. It has also been successfully used for sciatic nerve and inflamed disc disease. Other signs are becoming irritable, anxious or restless and avoiding being handled. Although there are pharmaceutical treatments to help relieve discomfort caused by arthritis, glucosamine for dogs and cats is a good partner. According to the British Veterinary Association symptoms of the condition in dogs include "joint looseness, inflammation, pain, new bone formation and bone erosion, and may cause a range of observable signs from normal to minor changes in gait (in the mildly affected cases) to obvious lameness, stiffness after rest and exercise intolerance and pain". Cats on the whole are good at disguising pain and so the signs to watch out for include becoming less active and sleeping more than normal. Overweight animals are likely to be more at risk but another risk factor is over-walking younger pets.

They may stop grooming themselves and eat less. In order to extract maximum benefits when using glucosamine for cats and dogs you need to consider several factors. Although in some case benefits can be derived earlier, it is normal for glucosamine supplementation to take one to two months before significant effects are evident. The dose is determined by your pet;s weight and condition, whilst the type of glucosamine you use is also an important choice. Dogs are likely to show more obvious symptoms of discomfort, such as stiffness, lameness, difficulty getting up and difficulty with climbing up stairs, into cars or onto furniture, particularly when the weather is cold or damp. Some may show signs of having difficulty in resting or sleeping comfortably and becoming unable to get into their litter tray. There are some congenital abnormalities that can also lead to the onset of arthritis and these include a condition called hip dysplasia (canine hip dysplasia in dogs and feline in cats). Glucosamine supplements for pets can be sourced by your vet or at specialist stores and online retailers, just ensure you follow the dosage guidelines suitable for your particular animal. Treatment includes heat, massage and pain relief under the vet;s supervision