Glucosamine & Turmeric for your older dog and you

Like people, many dogs suffer from arthritis, especially as they age. This painful condition occurs when cartilage, the cushioning between the bones, begins to thin and wear away and the ends of the bones start to rub against each other. It may be caused by trauma, disease, or wear and tear that comes with use over years.
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While there is no cure for arthritis, some treatments can lessen pain and improve mobility
No one knows exactly what the mechanism of action is, but the supplement, an amino sugar, appears to improve the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, one of the building blocks of cartilage. This is the tough connective tissue that cushions bones at the joints. The theory is that the supplement somehow stimulates chondrocytes or DNA activity that protects against joint degradation.

Cartilage consists of several different cells, one of which is chondrocytes. Chondrocytes are responsible for synthesizing new cartilage. Through normal wear, cartilage is constantly being broken down and replaced. When a dog has hip dysplasia or ages, the chondrocytes do not have the building blocks available to them to build enough new cartilage to keep up with the breakdown of the old cartilage. Glucosamine provides the building blocks to synthesize new cartilage. Glucosamine is the building block necessary for the production of the substances called glycosaminoglycans. The glycosaminoglycans are combined with hyaluronic acid to make the substance proteoglycans. The proteoglycans and collagen are the main structures of cartilage.

Chondroitin blocks destructive enzymes that break down cartilage in the joint.

Chondroitin also is one of the products necessary for the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans. But it probably plays a more important role by combating and neutralizing destructive enzymes in the joint. There is always a low level of destructive enzymes found in the joint, but when injury or abnormal wear occurs, the destructive enzymes and agents increase accelerating cartilage destruction. When chondroitin is added to the diet it helps to reduce the level of these destructive enzymes.Glucosamine supplements are said to alleviate the symptoms of joint damage by boosting the repair of damaged cartilage, the moist, spongy material that forms a cushion between joints. Cartilage cells are constantly turning over, and when cartilage is damaged, the joint becomes inflamed and releases enzymes that cause more damage. This starts a cycle of joint degeneration.

The supplement has been used in veterinary practices in Europe and the U.S. for about 20 years.

Pharmaceutical grade glucosamine and chondroitin are used for humans and are found in some veterinary products. It is perfectly safe to use human glucosamine in your pet, however, products made for animals contain ascorbic acid  (vitamin c) to help in the uptake, in canines. ( we just add a vitamin c tablet to the daily pill(s) and 'cookie'  for being good and 'taking your pill' ) {I give an all in one glucosamine chondroitin msm turmeric  and add the 'c' as a separate pill  for our older 'kids' and us older featherless bipeds}

Turmeric in conjunction with glucosamine can help in reducing joint pain effectively.  Whether you use the capsule form or powder in your dogs food adding 1/8 tsp. fresh pepper to one teaspoon of turmeric has a synergistic effect (makes the turmeric more effective).  check on line for dosages ( disclaimer being I am not a practicing veterinarian)

A short simple site with information - of course they want you to buy their turmeric... nuff said.    https://yourolddog.com/benefits-turmeric-dogs/

In 2007, scientists at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, conducted a similar review of 16 clinical trials of treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs. There were 16 studies that looked at drugs, as well as supplements. They reported their results in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and found that preparations containing glucosamine provided a "moderate level" of comfort and was on a par with some prescription drugs.

since it is a sugar-based substance, some veterinarians are wary about its use in dogs with diabetes.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are also included in dog foods formulated for senior and performance dogs, many of whom are at risk for joint disease and injury.
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It may take weeks to see improvement, and veterinarians recommend evaluating the effects of the treatment after your dog has been taking it for about three months.