Pet Supplements: Have We Gone Too Far?

Pet Food

"Our dog is truly a member of the family. It hurt me to watch him struggle with his aging joints," explains Bev Lewis, a mother and pet owner in Halifax who gives her dog glucosamine sulfate. "I had a personal reality on how much it hurt. Before I started using glucosamine, I couldn't do up my buttons without excruciating pain." Although dogs and humans don't have the same physiology, there are certain nutrients that can support a dog's health and joint flexibility as well as our own.

Glucosamine is found in cartilage and the synovial fluid that lubricates and cushions joints. It is a normal constituent of a dog's glycosaminoglycans, natural compounds in the basic substance of connective tissue. Glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride are two forms available as dietary supplements. You can find details on various forms of glucosamine and other joint supplements at webbernaturals.com.

A capsule of glucosamine can be opened and sprinkled on pet food. It is apparently absorbed and delivered to the joints to reduce pain, inflammation and stiffness, as it does in humans.

"I know it sounds a bit kooky, but I read up on it and now I am glad I did. It worked for me and it's working for the dog. We can go running together again." adds Lewis.