Nutritional supplements to help aging, arthritic joints are probably the most commonly used forms of natural therapies by people as well as pets. Each manufacturer selects from a variety of ingredients to include in a proprietary formula. In general, most of the various ingredients designed to heal damaged cartilage and reduce pain and inflammation are pretty similar (although the quality of nutritional supplements varies, which is why I encourage pet owners to seek veterinary advice when deciding what supplement might be best for their pets.) In general, the most commonly prescribed joint supplements contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and/or hyaluronic acid. These ingredients are very safe. There has been one report of a dog developing signs of diabetes when given the incorrect dose of a glucosamine supplement; the signs resolved when the correct dose was given. Testing on diabetic dogs with glucosamine did not reveal any harm or increase in blood sugar. In general, owners should not notice side effects in pets when using supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and/or hyaluronic acid according to label instructions.

The following miscellaneous supplements are often used in pets and are generally considered very safe.

Choline-This nutrient is very helpful in pets with cognitive disorder and seizures. It is very safe for use in pets; very rarely it has caused hyperactivity/hyperexcitability that goes away after the supplement is discontinued or the dosage reduced.

Glutamine-An amino acid that is helpful for pets with any gastrointestinal disorder. It is very safe for use in pets, although there is a theoretical concern in seizing patients due to increased glutamate levels (I