In addition, aging dogs may also have arthritis in their knees, elbows, and shoulders and cartilage loss or damage that respond to glucosamine and chondroitin. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also often used as an aid in the treatment of spinal disc injuries or post operatively in dogs that have undergone joint surgery. The typical patient that is placed on and responds to glucosamine and chondroitin therapy is a middle aged to older medium to large breed dog. They may show symptoms of limping or stiffness especially in the morning and during cold weather. They usually loosen up as they move around and exercise.
Some dogs have difficulty climbing stairs or getting into or out of a vehicle.
Osteoarthritis also affects small dogs and cats and glucosamine and chondroitin have been used very effectively in relieving their symptoms. In my experience I would say that most older dogs suffer from some level of osteoarthritis. Many owners attribute the loss of activity to old age and may not even identify it as a problem. And they never appreciate how much their dog s activity was being reduced by the arthritis until they place them on glucosamine and chondroitin therapy and see the return of normal function. Glucosamine and chondroitin are normal substances found in the body of living animals.