| Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints | | | | in us and our pets. These two supplements for |
| that is not exclusive to humans. Dogs can also suffer | | | | osteoarthritis also come from other natural sources, |
| from osteoarthritis. Large dog breeds in particular, such | | | | such as shrimp, crab and other shellfish. Unlike them, |
| as Labradors, German shepherds and Great Danes | | | | NSAIDs are created synthetically in pharmaceutical |
| are more vulnerable to canine osteoarthritis. Because | | | | laboratories. Natural supplement is this case is a safe |
| their weight adds more strain, this naturally causes | | | | and effective choice. |
| more vulnerability to their joints. | | | | 4. Effects and visible improvements of glucosamine |
| In the past, typical forms of treatment used in | | | | and chondroitin supplements to the dogs health can be |
| managing canine osteoarthritis involve non-steroidal | | | | seen in as little as 7 days depending on the |
| anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs have been | | | | supplement used, to 6 weeks if pill form supplements |
| very effective in easing the swelling and inflammation | | | | are used. Long term effects can be sustained safely |
| in the joints as well as blocking the pain. However, | | | | with daily use. NSAIDs are quick in relieving joint pain |
| glucosamine supplements in recent studies have | | | | and inflammation but again, long term use puts your pet |
| shown very positive results in those suffering arthritic | | | | at risk for serious side effects. |
| joint pain. Glucosamine supplements when taken in | | | | 5. NSAIDs are much more expensive than |
| conjunction with chondroitin sulfate actually have | | | | glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. For a dog |
| proven to be more effective in managing moderate to | | | | that weighs around 50 pounds, a daily dosage of |
| severe joint pain than NSAIDs. These supplements | | | | glucosamine and chondroitin supplements would cost |
| have been studied in people, but the therapy has | | | | around 50 cents a day. On the other hand, NSAIDs |
| shown to be just as effective in dogs, cats, horses, | | | | are expensive and $100 a month or more in treatment |
| and so on. | | | | should be expected. |
| Reasons as why supplements containing glucosamine | | | | These are just a few reasons as to why glucosamine |
| and chondroitin are seen to be a better alternative to | | | | and chondroitin supplements are better than NSAIDs. |
| NSAIDs in treating canine osteoarthritis are: | | | | There are more resources and more literature |
| 1. NSAIDs and nutritional supplements containing | | | | available online. Every pet owner with a dog or cat |
| glucosamine and chondroitin are both effective in | | | | suffering from osteoarthritis should take time to get as |
| treating canine osteoarthritis pain. However, compared | | | | much information as possible regarding the |
| to NSAIDs, glucosamine, and chondroitin are virtually | | | | advantages of glucosamine and chondroitin |
| devoid of any serious side effects. NSAIDs, on the | | | | supplements over NSAIDs. |
| other hand, can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney | | | | These supplements have seen new complete |
| problems and liver failure, among a long list of others. | | | | formulas in liquid form come to market. Syn-flex for |
| 2. Glucosamine and chondroitin treat the pain at the | | | | Pets is a leader in pharmaceutical liquid glucosamine |
| source. Glucosamine stimulates the growth of new | | | | sales. Syn-flex formulas, made for people and pets, |
| cartilage to replace cartilage tissue damaged, while | | | | combine the necessary glucosamine and chondroitin |
| chondroitin helps to provide lubrication to the joints. This | | | | supplements and a host of others to help with |
| leads to a healing that reduces and eliminates joint pain. | | | | inflammation and swelling. Syn-flex is dosed to your |
| On the other hand, NSAIDs only deal with the harmful | | | | pet according to weight, and the liquid formula makes |
| enzymes causing the inflammation and pain. This is not | | | | administering it to your pet very easy. The liquid |
| necessarily a bad thing but when you factor in the | | | | formula is also fast acting since the body absorbs |
| risks of using such powerful drugs, long term use | | | | liquids almost completely letting the supplements give |
| makes the risk to high. | | | | full benefit. |
| 3. Glucosamine and chondroitin are produced naturally | | | | |