How Does Glucosamine Affect Animal Health?

Glucosamine is a natural compound found in the connective tissues of various animals’ bodies. Also referred to as chondroitin, it helps the body form cartilage and lubricates joints to cushion them from friction. In turn, this substance can promote numerous positive results for animal health.  These advantages may include (but not limited to) the following:  

• Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or trauma. The body uses natural antioxidant systems to combat free-radicals. However, an animal’s immune system can become overactive. It may overcompensate by producing more inflammatory actions than intended.   When this event happens, the immune system begins to attack both harmful and healthy cells, leading to the deterioration of tissues. As a result, inflammation becomes a health issue, causing an animal’s body to produce various signs of aging, such as sagging skin, increased wrinkles, and puffiness around the eyes and mouth.  The information on glucosamine suggests that this substance might be an effective solution in combating inflammation-inducing free radicals. This substance might be particularly helpful in reducing inflammation in horses. Moreover, administering the correct amount of glucosamine to animals may promote the normalization of immune functions. Thus, it may also help prevent certain autoimmune diseases. 

• Improves Lubrication In Joints

Glucosamine may also help lubricate and rebuild lost cartilage caused by aging, among other reasons. Loss of joint lubrication might lead to various health complications, such as arthritis and joint injuries.  Serving glucosamine as a joint supplement in animals may help these creatures move properly with minimal friction in the joints. The substance may also allow the cartilage to absorb the fluids produced during the natural healing process, promoting quicker and more efficient treatments for ill animals.  In particular, glucosamine joint supplement for dogs may help complement joint treatments for these furry, four-legged animals. If you feed your canine companion with food options like celery, ginger, and blueberries to promote overall joint wellbeing, consider adding glucosamine to the animal’s daily diet. In turn, you should see positive results in your dog’s health soon. 

• Helps Restore Joint Health

Another benefit of glucosamine for osteoarthritic joint health is its ability to help build cartilage. In turn, it reduces the pain and stiffness felt by osteoarthritic patients, especially sick animals. Also, glucosamine may improve blood flow and circulation around the joints. This scenario may help the animal’s cells to move more smoothly than before, promoting cushion and lubrication for the joints.  This substance tends to become particularly useful in restoring lost joint health. Animals that experienced joint-related diseases may find solace and treatment with the help of glucosamine-enriched products. 

• Boosts Overall Mobility

Is your animal companion moving less than before?  Perhaps, your cat is no longer jumping on the top shelf in your kitchen. At first, you might wonder if it’s because your feline friend is only lazy. But, closer inspection suggests that your pet has mobility problems caused by poor joint health.  If so, consider administering glucosamine to your cat or other animal companions. This substance helps in cartilage production and other supporting tissues. Note that the cartilage is one of the major structures inside the joints, and it helps hold the animal’s bones together. Without sufficient strength in the cartilage, your animal companion’s mobility might suffer. Hence, ask your veterinarian if glucosamine is the best choice to restore and enhance the animal’s mobility.

• Helps With Post-Surgery Recovery

Glucosamine may also help with surgery recovery, thanks to the ability to aid in tissue repair. When the cartilage has damages, the body can’t repair this component as quickly or effectively, as opposed to when it was in good shape. Glucosamine helps to restore the proper cell function that breaks down and degrade cartilage for it to rebuild in an accelerated manner.  

This process is quite similar to what happens when the body repairs the cartilage that was destroyed by trauma. The key is to find a supplement with sufficient levels of glucosamine. Also, consult your veterinarian to know the right amount of glucosamine to administer to your animal companion. Remember, under- or overdosing might lead to unwanted side effects. Hence, it should be in your best interest to seek professional advice first.

Final Words

Glucosamine promotes several benefits to animal health, particularly in dogs, cats, and horses. This substance may help reduce inflammation, improve lubrication in joints, and enhance overall mobility. But, always consider talking to your veterinarian first before administering glucosamine to your animal companions. Consult the animal expert’s professional advice to reduce the risks of unwanted adverse effects.