Glucosamine is known for its positive effects on dogs who live with arthritis and cartilage damage (Trusted Source) . It offers pain relief benefits, and recovery support, and is safe for long-term use — making it an ideal supplement for adult and senior dogs.
Read on to learn more about glucosamine supplements and safety for your pet.
Glucosamine is a part of our – and our pet’s — bodies. It’s a natural compound that you can find in cartilage, which is the tissue that cushions your pet’s joints. Many glucosamine supplements are created from marine animal shells, like the casings you’d find on shellfish.
Knowing the different types of glucosamine is the first step to supporting your pet’s joint health, connecting them with a personalized solution that will address their needs. Here are the three primary types of glucosamine, and what they do.
Glucosamine supplements for dogs are sold in a range of forms, including liquids, pills, powders, and flavored tablets. If you’re considering supplementing your dog’s diet, speak with your veterinarian for help picking the best option for your pet’s needs.
There are many different benefits of glucosamine supplements for dogs and pets, specifically if they live with a medical condition that causes inflammation and pain in their bodies and joints.
Here are a few additional benefits you can expect when you give your dog glucosamine:
There is anecdotal evidence that glucosamine can support an easy recovery process after joint surgery in some pets, per the American Kennel Club (Trusted Source) . Cited data from 2012 studies found that glucosamine offered similar benefits that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) would to pets in pain, allowing them to recover fully and quickly.
Anti-inflammatories work to reduce pain in your pet. They might be given to pets living with joint disorders (like hip dysplasia) or other pain-related conditions. Supplementing glucosamine that is paired with chondroitin (Trusted Source) , another joint-friendly natural compound, can amplify the positive effects for your pet.
Studies have shown that the use of glucosamine supplements can increase your dog’s range of motion. In a recent study published in Frontiers of Veterinary Science, researchers found that the group of pets that was given glucosamine to increase their ranges of motion (Trusted Source) showed significant advantages over the placebo group — further supporting this common use.
Mobility, flexibility, and pain-free movement are key to your furry friend’s quality of life. Starting supplementation proactively and supporting cartilage health can give your pet’s body the building blocks it needs to prolong its natural vitality and “springiness,” possibly reducing the need for intervention later on.
Despite the benefits that glucosamine supplements can bring to both people’s and dog’s joints, there are a range of side effects that can occur — especially if you give a dose that’s too much for your dog’s body. Common side effects include vomiting, lethargy, and general GI discomfort.
Here are a few others to watch for as you start dosing with glucosamine supplements;
It’s important to remember that glucosamine should only be given with a veterinarian’s supervision. However, we’ve compiled a helpful table with average dosages to help you understand what normal ranges of glucosamine can be for your pet.
Joint supplements (like glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate) can be powerful products for dogs who live with joint pain and connective tissue issues. Understanding the different types of supplements available, what the ingredients do, and how to dose them are the first steps pet parents can take to support their animals.
While dog joint supplements that use glucosamine can be helpful, too much can cause a problem. If you’re considering dog supplements for healthy joints, consider asking your vet for medication support and recommendations based on your dog’s age.
Glucosamine comes in many different forms. People can ask their veterinarian about the best type of glucosamine for their furry friends, choosing from pill, powder, liquid, and flavored tablet forms.
It might be a good idea to give your dog glucosamine as your dog ages, proactively addressing any damage or strain in their joints and soft tissues. (It’s also a great choice for pets currently experiencing the effects of degenerative joint disease!)
Too much glucosamine can cause a problem, however, so be sure to get your vet’s advice on dosages, frequency, and which high-quality supplement to take for best results.
While glucosamine can be great for your dog’s joint health, your best friend might have uncomfortable side effects with high doses. These include vomiting, GI upset, trouble sleeping, and lethargy, to name a few.
The good news? These risks are minimized with proper veterinary oversight and a high-quality glucosamine formula.
Each of the three primary types of glucosamine serves different functions. Since the answer to this question is so subjective, we recommend speaking to your veterinarian to determine the best form of glucosamine to give your dog. (In general, glucosamine sulfate is the best form to take for a joint health supplement and as a preventative measure for joint pain).
If your dog experiences joint health issues (like stiffness in the hips), they might benefit from taking a daily dose of glucosamine supplement. However, it’s best to speak with your vet any time you want to start something new since they can offer personalized advice based on your animal’s condition.
