Nutraceuticals
By Andrea Marshall
“Nutraceuticals” – Glucosamine and Chondroitin help rebuild damaged cartilage while Omega Fatty Acids help decrease inflammation by altering the chemical pathways that cause inflammation.
Your pet may be taking one of these… but what are they, and how do they work?
Glucosamine – in the body is used to provide the joints with a protective barrier around the joints. Arthritis occurs when this cushion becomes inflexible, and wears thin. Giving a supplement containing glucosamine helps to maintain this barrier responsible for joint mobility. There are several products available for our pets containing therapeutic levels of glucosamine.
Nutri-Aid: Is a flavored liquid containing glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, MSM. The pre-measured pump allows for a convenient once daily dose to be given by syringe, or on their food. Generally, when starting your pet on a glucosamine supplement, the initial dosing is higher at first, and is able to be reduced after 2 -3 weeks of treatment.
Omega 3 fatty acids – are naturally found in marine animals and plant oils. Aside from numerous other benefits, they are also a fantastic natural anti-inflammatory throughout the body.
Vitashine: A locally made product containing omega 3 fatty acids. This product originated in Cape Breton harvested from ‘the daily catch’, primarily herring. Vitashine is a liquid, allowing for 1 bottle to supplement your entire household, rather than a capsule that may be difficult to split up for smaller animals.
There are also many other forms of supplements available. Liquids, powders, capsule, chewable tablets, treats are all available, and they are safe to use with no side effects.
These products can be an alternative to, or used in combination with prescription anti-inflammatory/pain medications. If you think your pet may be prone to developing arthritis, or already showing effects, there are many great products available. We are here to help you take the guess work out of finding the right supplement for you pet. Ask us today about joint health for your pet. We can help!