Seeing your dog in pain can be a heartbreaking experience. As dogs get older, inflammation throughout their joints can make getting around difficult and hard for them to enjoy the things they once did.
This is where glucosamine supplements can come into play. By speeding up your dog’s natural healing process and increasing cartilage formation, glucosamine for dogs can help ease pain, stiffness, and discomfort in joints. For more severe cases of joint discomfort, glucosamine can be used with pain or anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by your veterinarian. It’s never too early to start your dog on glucosamine supplements.
What is Glucosamine for Dogs?
Glucosamine is a naturally derived chemical found in your dog’s body. It helps your dog’s joints and bones operate properly by generating organic materials like cartilage, tendons, and the synovial fluid that surrounds and lubricates joints. In a nutshell, it’s critical for joint health and assists your dog in moving around without trouble or pain.
Dogs’ bodies produce less glucosamine as they become older, and it takes longer for their joints to heal after routine activities like going on walks, romping with other dogs, or walking up and downstairs. Even very active young dogs’ bodies may not be able to keep up with the glucosamine production required for their active lives.
According to an article in Open Veterinary Journal, “Glucosamine and chondroitin are commonly recommended by veterinarians as an alternative for treating osteoarthritis in canines unable to tolerate the adverse effects of NSAIDs, or as add-on therapy.”
What are the Benefits of Glucosamine?
Glucosamine supplements may help dogs with joint discomfort and inflammation, whether they are in or nearing their senior years or are still young but are particularly harsh on their joints. If your veterinarian believes your dog is at a high risk of developing joint pain, glucosamine supplements may be prescribed right away, even before symptoms occur. A daily glucosamine tablet may increase your dog’s natural glucosamine production, allowing them to mend their joints more quickly and completely. Other benefits include:
Pain Relief
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Reduce Inflammation
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Accessibility
Glucosamine supplements are available at pretty much any store that sells pet supplies. There is no need for a prescription and they come in a variety of price ranges making it both easy to get and affordable. You can consult with your veterinarian if you aren’t sure which ones to get. You can also browse supplements in our product directory.
Long-term Usage
Since glucosamine supplements aren’t considered medication as they are “supplement” the glucosamine that the body naturally makes, it can be given long term for an indefinite period without the side effects that normal medications might cause.
What is the Dosage of Glucosamine for Dogs?
Glucosamine dosages vary by a dog’s size, age, and the condition or deterioration of their joints. A standard recommended dosage is 10-50 milligrams per pound. It will also vary by the specific supplement product that you choose. For example, a small dog with minor joint issues may take 250 milligrams and a large dog with excessive pain may take over 1,000 milligrams.
Another variable is the stage your dog is at with joint pain and inflammation. Glucosamine is usually given in two doses, each with a different dosage. The two sorts of dosages are the loading dose and the maintenance dose. Your dog will receive a higher dose of glucosamine for four to six weeks during the loading dose period—possibly double the typical 10 milligrams per pound dosage, or up to 50 milligrams per pound. The dose will most likely be lowered to 10 to 25 mg per pound for daily usage. Unless your veterinarian advises differently, this will be your dog’s maintenance dose.
Does Glucosamine Have Side Effects?
There aren’t many side effects in dogs taking glucosamine but there have been a few reported side effects to watch for:
- Allergies
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Increased thirst and urination
- Occasional vomiting or diarrhea
How Do I Choose the Best Glucosamine Supplement for My Dog?
Glucosamine supplements usually come in the form of tablets, chews, pills, powders and liquids. The form you choose can be based on preference and how you think your dog would best take it. The ideal glucosamine supplement for your dog will be determined by their specific needs.
Chondroitin, a large polysaccharide found in the body’s tougher connective tissue, such as cartilage, is another ingredient to search for in dog joint supplements. The use of chondroitin sulfate for treating osteoarthritis symptoms, slowing down, and maybe reversing the degenerative process is supported by industry professionals.
