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Advancements in veterinary care make it possible for pets to live longer, healthier lives than in the past. But with that longer lifespan comes an increased risk of age-related health conditions, including joint issues.
Dogs, especially larger breeds, may often begin to experience joint pain and stiffness as they age. As their bodies lose the ability to make healthy cartilage, their joints can become sore, inflamed, and arthritic.
That’s where glucosamine supplements can come in handy. Glucosamine is a key nutrient that helps produce healthy cartilage. Glucosamine supplements for dogs can help support the joints, helping keep them comfortable and relieving pain and stiffness as they age.
Read on to learn the benefits of glucosamine for dogs, along with dosing guidelines and a few product recommendations.
What Are The Benefits Of Glucosamine For Dogs?
Glucosamine hydrochloride is an amino sugar produced in the body naturally. It’s an essential building block for the cartilage that allows joints to move easily and comfortably.
“As dogs age, the production of glucosamine decreases,” says Dr. Kathryn Dench, chief veterinary advisor at Paw Origins. Lower glucosamine production means more wear and tear on the joints, which can leave those joints stiff and uncomfortable.
Glucosamine supplements, then, can help improve your dog’s joint health in a few key ways. Benefits of glucosamine for dogs include:
- Joint lubrication
- Cartilage repair
- Reduced joint inflammation
“In my clinical experience, glucosamine has been shown to improve mobility and reduce pain in dogs, particularly those with osteoarthritis,” Dr. Dench says.
Types And Dosages Of Glucosamine For Dogs
When it comes to glucosamine supplements, you have several options to choose from.
Glucosamine comes in pill, powder, and liquid form:
- Pills: If your dog doesn’t like taking pills, you can try hiding them in a pill pocket or buy pills that come as a capsule you can open and sprinkle over your dog’s food. Some pills also come in a chewable form your dog can easily eat.
- Powders: Glucosamine also comes as a powder supplement you sprinkle over your dog’s food. You can mix powder into wet or dry food. They can be difficult to measure accurately, however, and you’ll need to store them carefully to maintain the life of the product.
- Liquids: You can use a dropper to give liquid glucosamine to your dog directly or you can add the dose to their food. Liquid glucosamine supplements usually come flavored, so your dog may be more likely to take it easily. But they can be messy to give to your dog. Check the package for storage directions, since some may need refrigeration.
Not sure which to choose? “In terms of absorption and efficacy, there’s little difference, so choose the form that works best for your pet and lifestyle,” Dr. Dench says.
Dosage
The right amount of glucosamine for your dog will depend on a range of factors, including their size and weight. But as a general guide, you can follow this chart:
- Small dogs (5-20 pounds): 250-500 milligrams (mg) per day
- Medium dogs (20-45 pounds): 500 mg per day
- Large dogs (45-90 pounds): 1,000 mg per day
- Giant dogs (over 90 pounds): 1,500 per day
These are guidelines only, and it’s always important to talk to your vet before starting this supplement. They can give you more personalized guidance on finding the correct dosage for your dog’s needs.
Glucosamine products for dogs
When it comes to glucosamine for dogs, there are quite a few options on the market.
If you’re not sure how to narrow down the right product, you can ask your vet for recommendations. We’ve also gathered some veterinary-recommended joint supplement brands to consider. These products contain high-quality ingredients and have plenty of good customer reviews.
- Common pill forms of glucosamine are Cosequin and Dasuquin. These are widely available, cost-effective, and have a long shelf life.
- Common powder brands include Honest Paws and Phycox.
- Common liquid brands include Liquid Health and NaturVet.
Important: Check with your vet before giving your dog any new supplements. They can offer more guidance on whether glucosamine is right for your dog, plus tips on finding the right dosage.
Does Glucosamine Have Side Effects For Dogs?
Dr. Dench says glucosamine is generally safe, with minimal side effects.
“Some dogs may experience gastrointestinal upset, including gas, diarrhea, or vomiting, particularly if they take high doses of glucosamine.”
She recommends starting with a dose that’s lower than the recommended amount for your dog’s size and gradually increasing this to the recommended amount.
If you’re concerned about side effects, your vet can offer more guidance on any concerning symptoms to pay attention to.
Can Other Supplements Help?
Glucosamine isn’t the only option for dogs with joint issues.
Some pet parents give their dogs collagen, which serves a slightly different purpose.
“Collagen provides the protein matrix for cartilage and other connective tissues, while glucosamine helps build and maintain it,” explains Dr. Dench. She adds that some supplements contain both collagen and glucosamine. These supplements may be a good option for dogs who need more comprehensive joint support.
Chondroitin promotes water retention and elasticity in cartilage, which helps absorb shock and nourishes the joint lining. You can get glucosamine chondroitin for dogs by choosing supplements like Cosequin and Dasuquin.
Takeaway
While studies have yet to find conclusive proof supporting the benefits of glucosamine for dogs, first-hand experience from vets and pet parents suggest this supplement definitely does work for some dogs.
If you’ve noticed your dog looking stiff or you have other concerns about their mobility or joints, glucosamine supplements could make a difference.
That said, it’s always a good first step to talk to a vet. A vet may be able to offer product recommendations, but more importantly, they can confirm whether it’s safe for your dog to try glucosamine supplements. They can also share other tips for improving your dog’s overall health and well-being.
