Guest Post
Care of our pets is the number one priority for animal lovers. A few simple steps can help prevent or even treat some common problems.
Like us, our cats, dogs and horses can all suffer health problems so looking after their well-being is vital to ensure they lead a long and happy life.
Glucosamine is a compound found naturally in the body and in high concentrations in the joints. It helps cartilage to repair and is good for keeping joints supple so it can be an effective treatment for your pet.
Common health problems in cats
Arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and cystitis are all conditions which can affect cats. Essentially they are caused by the same thing – an absence of an essential enzyme called GAGs (glycosaminoglycans).
It’s only recently vets have realised how crucial GAGs are, but unfortunately the levels in our bodies, and those of our pets, deteriorate with age. Glucosamine is easily converted into GAGs and readily available in high-quality supplements. As prevention is better than cure, glucosamine for cats could be a useful way to stave off sometimes serious conditions.
Common health problems in dogs
As many as 1 in 6 dogs suffer arthritis, with rheumatism the most common ailment for our four-legged friends. With all that bounding around and playing, it’s no wonder they can suffer from aches and pains in their joints.
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for taking the pressure off joints, while glucosamine supplements for dogs can help repair damaged joints. Gentle, regular exercise is better for dogs with joint problems than one very long walk a day. Little and often is the best rule of thumb.
Common health problems in horses
Osteoarthritis can lead to bone spavin – a bony growth within the lower hock joint – and lameness in horses and, like dogs, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. Horses kept for leisure can eat more than enough calories through grass alone, so it’s worth trying to restrict their access to grazing.
Joint mobility is even more crucial in horses than other pets because we ride them. As the fluid and cartilage around the joints deteriorates with age, horses can get stiff and lose mobility. Glucosamine bolsters a horse’s ability to repair any damage within its joints, making them better shock absorbers. Studies have shown horse glucosamine supplements are also useful in helping horses recover from surgery as well as, when taken by younger horses, helping to increase flexibility and reduce the chances of injury.
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article by Vetvits