Glucosamine for dogs: Your ultimate guide to glucosamine supplements

Glucosamine is known for its positive effects on dogs who live with arthritis and cartilage damage Trusted Source American Kennel Club (AKC) Registry of purebred dog pedigrees. Go to 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.

The different types of glucosamine

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 hydrochloride. This type is typically used for supplements and is harvested from mussels and shellfish. Some may consider this less effective, as it doesn’t have sulfur in its natural state.
  • Sulfur is essential to cartilage formation and joint health Trusted Source ScienceDirect Library of peer-reviewed research around scientific, technical, and medical research. Go to source , which is why it’s commonly paired with glucosamine supplements designed to support your pet’s bones and joints.
• Glucosamine sulfate. Like its hydrochloride form, this form is also taken from shellfish and mussels. However, it does have sulfur and is considered more useful for joint support, specifically. It can also be man-made.
• N-acetyl-glucosamine. This form comes from glucose, specifically supporting the synovial fluid around the joint and the lubricating hyaluronic acid in the joint socket.
  • Many opt to use it for GI support, however, as it is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that can support those living with a range of gut conditions — including IBS and bacterial overgrowth of the stomach.

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:

1. Glucosamine can aid in surgical recovery

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 American Kennel Club (AKC) Registry of purebred dog pedigrees. Go to 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.

2. Glucosamine can act as an anti-inflammatory

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 VCA Hospitals Community of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information. Go to source , another joint-friendly natural compound, can amplify the positive effects for your pet.

3. Glucosamine can increase your pet’s range of motion

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 PubMed Central Archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature. Go to source showed significant advantages over the placebo group — further supporting this common use.

4. Glucosamine can protect your pet’s quality of life

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;

• Trouble sleeping. This can take place in two primary ways — trouble getting to sleep and trouble waking up. Keep an eye out for your pet’s snooze schedules and report anything out of character to your veterinarian.
• Increased thirst. Excessive thirstiness can be a symptom and can lead to water toxicity if left unchecked.
• Increased urination. Dogs can seem to pee frequently. However, out-of-control piddling could mean that they’re on too high of a dose or that the supplement isn’t agreeing with them.
• Trouble breathing; In some cases, glucosamine (like any other substance) can cause trouble breathing. If you notice gasping, labored breathing, or fainting, seek veterinary care right away. This could be a sign of anaphylaxis or an equally serious allergic reaction.

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.