As my beloved dog, Bailey, approached the age of 10 years, I noticed that she had started to "slow" down. She could no longer go for long walks (she'd look up at me with her sad eyes as if saying "Mom, I'm tired, could we please go home?), she could no longer jump up into my bed, she was having trouble climbing the stairs, and she was sleeping much more than she used to. A friend of mine had mentioned that she had started giving her dog glucosamine chondroitin for joint pain. I prefer to use holistic medications for my pets so this was a simple decision for me. I did some research and found that glucosamine and chondroitin are both naturally occurring substances in dogs that serve two main purposes: to build healthy new cartilage, and to impede the build up of enzymes that destroy joints, thereby preventing further deterioration. As an animal ages it cannot produce enough of these substances to keep up with its body's needs and cartilage begins to deteriorate. Information also suggests that these supplements have been found to be one of the safest and most effective treatments for arthritis in dogs.

I started her on a daily regimen of glucosamine chondroitin DS (double strength) and also gave her buffered aspirin (for pain relief as suggested by my veterinarian) several times a week. I continued to take her for short walks, as exercise is very important at this point - you do not want to stop all physical activity because this will just worsen the effects of arthritis. Exercise will strengthen the muscles around the joints which will reduce stress on the joint itself.

Bailey survived another four years after I started this therapy. I really do believe that these supplements prolonged her life, or at least gave her some relief from pain. Unfortunately, at the age of fourteen, her body had started to give up on her. On Good Friday, 2006, she woke up and was not able to stand on her own. At that point I knew it was time to say goodbye. I couldn't bear to see her in pain so I made the hardest decision of my life and had her put to sleep. She was a wonderful, intelligent and loyal friend and she is sadly missed.