Hip and Joint Supplements for Dogs and Cats:
The concentration of active ingredients including Glucosamine and Chondroitin vary from product to product. The most expensive product is not always the best. Compare the ingredients between products to ensure that you are getting what you pay for. These products are not painkillers; they generally take at least six weeks to show results and most animals that are experience hip and joint problems including osteoarthritis need to be maintained on these products the rest of their lives. Because these products are naturally occurring compounds, they are very safe and show very few side effects. Below is information on the most common ingredients found in pet joint supplements and how they can help your dog and cat.

What is Glucosamine Hydrochloride (HCL)?
What is Chondroitin Sulfate?
What is Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)?
What is Hyaluronic Acid (HA)?
What is Perna Canaliculus (Green Lipped Mussel)?
What is Creatine Monohydrate?

What is Glucosamine HCL?
What is Glucosamine and how can it help my dog and cat? Glucosamine is one of the major building blocks utilized in the body's synthesis of the lubricants and shock absorbing mechanisms necessary to maintain and restore healthy joint performance. Glucosamine HCL supplementation enhances the body's ability to manufacture collagen and proteoglycans, which are essential for rebuilding joints, as well as synovial fluid which lubricate your joints. Glucosamine is most commonly obtained from chitin, an ingredient found in the shell of crustaceans. Crustacean shells have a very high concentration of chitin and because the shells are often discarded, this provides a reliable and cost effective source of Glucosamine.

What is Chondroitin Sulfate?
What is Chondroitin Sulfate and how can it help my dog and cat? Chondroitin is a naturally occurring product found in animal cartilage. Supplemental Chondroitin is derived primarily from bovine (cow) cartilage, particularly the cartilage rings of the trachea. It is also derived from shark and whale cartilage. The source does not appear to have any impact on its effect. Chondroitin Sulfate is an important structural component of cartilage and provides much of its resistance to compression. Along with glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate has become a widely used dietary supplement for treatment of osteoarthritis. The molecular weight (molecule size) of the Chondroitin Sulfate has been shown to contribute to its effectiveness and its absorption by the body.

What is MethylSulfonylMethane (MSM)?
What is MethylSulfonylMethane (MSM) and how can it help my dog and cat? MSM is the short name for a dietary supplement known as MethylSsulfonylMethane, an organic form of sulfur which the body can readily use. Sulfur is necessary for the production of collagen, Glucosamine, and Chondroitin, which are the building blocks of cartilage. Sulfur is also necessary in the formation of glutathione, which functions as one of body's best natural antioxidants. Taken orally, MSM has been found to reduce pain and inflammation in pets with osteoarthritis.

What is Hyaluronic Acid (HA)?
What is Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and how can it help my dog and cat? Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is found in all connective tissue, joints, body cavities, joint spaces, and tissue surfaces. The highest levels are found in the synovial fluid of all joints and the skin. There are also high levels of Hyaluronic Acid found in the eyes, cartilage, heart, intervertebral discs of the spine and in the fluids of the inner and middle ear. The level of Hyaluronic Acid in the body declines with age, causing problems with the structural integrity of the body. Hyaluronic Acid is important in the lubrication of joints, integrity of tissues, fighting bacterial invasiveness, elasticity of skin, vision, and molecular transport between cells. Hyaluronic Acid fills the intercellular space between collagen and other cells, providing support and the essential framework for tissues. In the joint, Hyaluronic Acid also acts as a shock absorber and structural stabilizer.

What is Perna Canaliculus (Green Lipped Mussel)?
What is Perna Canaliculus (Green-Lipped Mussel) and how can it help my dog and cat? Perna Canaliculus, or green-lipped mussel, is an edible shellfish found off the shores of New Zealand. The soft tissue is separated from the shell, washed, frozen, and freeze-dried. It is then processed into a fine powder and added to joint supplement products. It contains glucosamine, glycosaminoglycans (which are also building blocks of cartilage), and a type of omega-3 fatty acid. Perna Canaliculus has been used for arthritis and joint diseases. It also contains natural agents that help with pain, swelling and inflammation, particularly as related to arthritis, and improved joint mobility.

What is Creatine Monohydrate?
What is Creatine Monohydrate and how can it help my dog and cat? Creatine Monohydrate, a nitrogenous organic acid, is a natural component of skeletal muscle in vertebrates and helps to supply energy to muscle cells. This important acid can be found in our muscle tissues, supplying much-needed energy for muscle contraction. The acid finds a way in each time your pet consumes meat or fish; in fact, almost half of the Creatine stored in your pets bodies originates from food. Creatine is modified by the body to serve as a storage reservoir for quick energy. It builds lean body mass by helping the muscle work longer and may be helpful in dogs who are losing muscle.