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Absolutely not as it might do more harm than good since they have a different process of digestion as compared to humans. Still humans and dogs for example are built in different forms and they don’t consume their food and metabolize in the same way. It’s not advisable to consume the same supplement. The one that can be safe for ingestion by human beings can actually be lethal for the poor canines.
While choosing which supplement to give to the dog, we should always consider vitamins that are specifically designed for dogs. Let’s break down the range of supplements available for dogs.
What are dog joint supplements?
Joint supplements for dogs are products that are formulated to help dogs to maintain joint health, thus improving mobility in dogs experiencing joint problems. These supplements promote joint health and ensure smooth functioning:
- Cartilage is a smooth substance that helps to absorb force on the bones that are between the joints. It helps to avoid contact of different parts of the body that creates chafe or pressure on joints and may lead to pain or inflammation. One more substance that can contribute to cartilage generation is glucosamine.
- Another common ingredient is Chondroitin. It combines with glucosamine to maintain cartilage health and better shock absorb properties. It adds more padding to the cushion.
- MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a sulfur compound that reduces joint discomfort and inflammation. It settles down an agitated joint.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These help in reducing inflammation by making the body relax and not over-react to joint tension.
The difference between dog and human joint supplement
The necessity of both types of supplements to improve joint performance means that the benefits entitle them respectively for human use and for dogs separately even if they are manufactured differently for both consumptions.
From human supplements bought in shops, it can be many more times the amounts which are tolerable for that dog, or even different compounds.
Just imagine reeling an entire kettle of hot sauce over supper when simply one droplet would have done the job; so it is also with our four-legged friends—the correct concentration of ingredients is as crucial as it is here.
They are even prescribed by the number of pills, using the measure of how many plates could be filled to the size of a meal. This could be a lot for the poor dog, though to a human it may seem quite normal to conduct an experiment that involves pricking, pinching, or burning and the like.
Dogs are much smaller compared to other animals and the body functions of dogs are different from cats or even other animals and because of this the dosage usually depends on size and health complications that these dogs may have.
Risks of Giving Human Joint Supplements to Dogs
It is risky to administer human joint supplements to dogs without consultation from a veterinarian. The differing established requirement for dosages, the potential of having dangerous chemicals, and the probability of sensitiveness all give adequate reason to be selective on items made purely for dogs. Hence, the following are multiple risk factors involved when administering human joint supplements to dogs:
Dosage Issues
So, the first thing that always hinders us when we are going to give a dog something made for people is the dose. One must remember meaningful differences between the dogs on the one hand and the people, on the other hand, including how the body processes certain phenomena. One dose that is taken as a supplement by a man is usually very dangerous for a dog – much too large.
Toxic ingredients
Not every human considerate substance is beneficial to dogs therefore it is important to distinguish between what is good for dogs and what is not. Several of the content compounds contained in human joint supplements may be toxic to our dogs. For instance, xylitol–the additive used in human diets and supplements as a substance that sweetens foods and enhances flavor– is lethal to dogs. Some of the other compounds may not be poisonous to the dog, but if it ingests these compounds in large amounts then it may lead to some complications. When feeding a supplement to a dog, you should know what the supplement contains in order to avoid giving your dog something that it is allergic to or something that is unhealthy for it. Feeding a dog something that is safe for human consumption without first checking its effects can be like gambling on its health.
Allergic reactions
It is also important to note that dogs too can be averse to some things like human beings are allergic. It could be a part of the product that is harmless to most human beings and some dogs but can make your dog allergic. Irritation, inflammation, bowel upset, as well as severe reactions including shortness of breath are concerns in dogs with allergies. It comes from different things and it is hard to know what will cause it in a dog if it has not happened before. New things contain untried attributes for any canine, and especially if the item is not formulated for dogs, this raises the risk of having side reactions..
Supplement Effectiveness
It was discovered that supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, which are commonly used for arthritis on humans, are of immense benefit to dogs experiencing stiffness in their joints or those with related diseases. Among all the available supplements, Fish oil has been proved to have potential benefits in managing joint health associated inflammation. They are believed to be useful in maintaining joint function and reducing the discomfort of arthritis. According to a study conducted by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine it was discovered that although these supplements can be effective for many dogs to help alleviate pain, there are few which work for all; however, it was noted that the use of these supplements were particularly beneficial to dogs with arthritis and hip dysplasia.
To read more about canine health, visit VetGen Pharmaceuticals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these human joint supplements are generally discouraged to have been given to dogs without consulting the veterinarian. Most human supplements contain substances that are fit to be ingested by humans only, some may contain wrong amounts for a dog and are toxic. There are supplements designed specifically for the incorporation of dog foods and other types of feeds created to meet the needs and portions of such animals. It is recommended that you should discuss the intake of supplements for dogs with your veterinarian as s/he would suggest a good supplement that can be consumed by your dog given the kind of health you have taken your dog through.
