Glucosamine does not hide or mask the pain, but rebuilds the joint cartilage that has been lost so there is less cause for pain. Glucosamine works, which is why glucosamine joint products sell over $600,000,000 in America each year.
Why do dogs and humans need it? Well, as dogs and humans of all breeds and sizes get older, they lose flexability in their joints due to natural deterioration and aging. Some other factors that can influence the loss are obesity, injury, genetic predispostion and poor diet. The joint experiences a natural "wear and tear" of cartilage, a rubbery material at the end of bones that acts as a shock absorber. It is this cartilage rubbing against cartilage that wears down the joint. However, this is natural, something that the body works to repair so the joint continues to work smoothly.
What happens in the joint? Now, the joint's repair process is constantly working on two key tasks. Tear down the pitted, worn and old cartilage while building new, smooth and strong cartilage. This new, strong cartilage is what allows us and our dogs to get up and around. Without it, our bone ends would be hitting each other, causing extreme pain.
How does Glucosamine work? Glucosamine provides the components that collegen, a key component of cartilage, uses to build it's supporting framework. One of the key ingredients in collegen is water, which is supported by a ropelike substance called proteogylcans. Glucosamine supports proteogylcan synthisis in two ways. The first is it is a key compound in proteogylcan structure. The second is that glucosamine also stimulates the cells that produce protegycans. The glucosamine supports proteogycan production which keeps the water in collegen in place.
What is the source of Glucosamine? Glucosamine comes from Chitin, a primary component in shellfish. The proteins and calcium are stripped away to produce pure Glucosamine. It is then stabilized with another ingredient to ensure its potency. In the case of OsteoPet's Glucosamine for Dogs, the glucosamine used is Glucosamine Hydrocloride (HCl), which is the most studied form.
