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As dogs live longer within the U.S. thanks to raised access to veterinary care, improved diets, and their total heightened standing in the home, it’s solely a matter of time that with getting older come the related achy joints and restricted mobility.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association, 1 in 5 dogs will expertise joint ache and mobility points sooner or later of their lives.
While there are numerous prescription choices to assist handle the ache related to aching joints, it’s attainable your vet may additionally advocate glucosamine dietary supplements to alleviate your canine’s struggling.
If you’re not sure about glucosamine, right here’s a take a look at what it’s and what it’s best to know earlier than giving it to your canine.
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What Is Glucosamine Used for in Dogs?
Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring molecule utilized by the physique to assist build tendons, ligaments, cartilage and the fluid that surrounds joints.
“As dogs age, their bodies produce less glucosamine, leading to joint degeneration,” says Dr. Jose Huwiler, D.V.M., veterinarian and regulatory affairs supervisor for pet care firm AB7 Group/Alzoo.
“Diseases such as osteoarthritis, trauma and even surgical procedures can also damage the joints, causing pain, inflammation and loss of mobility,” Huwiler says. “Glucosamine supplements can help keep joints healthy and support joint damage.”
Glucosamine is available as a joint-health complement sometimes sourced from shellfish.
“It’s especially useful for older dogs or breeds prone to joint problems,” says Dr. Kathryn Dench, veterinary surgeon and advisor for Gentle Dog Trainer, a web site devoted to serving to homeowners elevate joyful and wholesome dogs.
Is Glucosamine Safe To Give to Dogs?
Glucosamine is mostly well-tolerated by dogs.
“Glucosamine is a nutraceutical that is considered safe for dogs,” says Greg Reinhart, who has a Ph.D. in animal well being and vitamin science and is vp of analysis and improvement at Pet Honesty, a pure pet well being complement model.
A nutraceutical is a “food, or parts of a food, that provide medical or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease.” The time period was coined by Stephen De Felice, founder and chairman of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine.
Dog homeowners also needs to understand that dietary supplements for dogs, just like dietary supplements for people, don’t have the identical oversight as medication accepted by the Food and Drug Administration.
When Can Owners Give Glucosamine to Dogs?
Owners can begin giving glucosamine to their canine after they observe indicators of joint ache or as advisable by their veterinarian.
Glucosamine is a key building block of cartilage, which acts as a lubricant, so bones don’t rub in opposition to one another and put on down.
“In giving a dog glucosamine, it plays a role in helping to avoid the pain and joint inflammation that ensues when there is cartilage deterioration and friction between bones,” Reinhart says.
Reinhart provides that for “hip and joint support, glucosamine works well as part of a package of key active ingredients, and is commonly paired with chondroitin sulfate, which is another essential building block of cartilage.”
While glucosamine could assist heal cartilage, forestall additional breakdown, and even stimulate cartilage progress, the Merck Veterinary Manual provides that “the effectiveness of these agents is still being reviewed and may vary based on the specific product used, how it is administered, and the animal’s overall condition.”
“Glucosamine should not be considered a magic pill for dogs who are exhibiting advanced mobility issues,” Reinahrt says. “This is like changing the oil in the engine after it’s blown up.”
When Owners Shouldn’t Give Glucosamine to Dogs
It’s finest to speak to your veterinarian if you’re contemplating including a brand new complement to your canine’s weight loss program, particularly in case your canine has underlying well being points or is on another medicine.
“Most glucosamine supplements are made from chitin, the hard outer shell of shrimp, lobster, and crab,” Huwiler says. “Because hypersensitivity reactions may occur, animals that have previously shown hypersensitivity reactions to these compounds or their ingredients should not receive them.”
Glucosamine shouldn’t be given to dogs for the next causes:
- The canine has kidney or liver issues
- The canine is already taking anticoagulants, antidiabetic brokers, and doxorubicin
- The canine has a historical past of seizures
What Is a Safe Glucosamine Dosage for Dogs?
It’s finest to speak to your veterinarian to find out one of the best and most secure dosage of glucosamine on your canine.
Owners also needs to ensure that their canine is getting glucosamine HCl, slightly than glucosamine sulfate, says Dr. Jennifer Sperry, D.V.M., veterinary advisor for Pets Plus Us, a pet insurance coverage firm in Canada.
“Glucosamine sulfate is commonly used for humans, and readily available over the counter, but is not well absorbed by dogs, and is therefore less effective,” Sperry provides.
The correct dosage of glucosamine will rely in your canine’s weight and different compounds current in your pet’s joint complement.
Sperry recommends homeowners learn the complement packaging rigorously for a advisable dose and seek the advice of their veterinarian.
In normal, the dosing for glucosamine for dogs is as follows:
- For dogs lower than 25 lbs: 250-500 mg
- 25lbs to 50lbs: 500 mg
- 50lbs to 90lbs: 1,000 mg
- 90 lbs: 1,500 mg
Can Dogs Overdose on Glucosamine?
Yes, dogs can overdose on glucosamine.
“Oral overdose is unlikely to cause significant problems. However, it can occur and result in several risks,” Huwiler says.
Dog homeowners ought to search for the followings indicators within the case of a glucosamine overdose:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of urge for food
- Lethargy or weak point
- Increased thirst or urination
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Abdominal distention and/or ache
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or pores and skin)
- Seizures
- Tremors
“In severe cases, glucosamine overdose can cause bleeding disorders, liver or kidney injury, and even death,” Sperry says.
Can I Give My Dog Glucosamine Every Day?
Glucosamine is meant to be given to dogs day-after-day.
“The beneficial effects of glucosamine will only be seen if the supplement is given daily, over a long period of time,” Sperry says.
Other Medicine Dosage and Uses For Dogs:
Glucosamine Side Effects for Dogs
With glucosamine, the canine ought to expertise improved cartilage well being and joint lubrication, which suggests they’ll really feel much less friction and ache when they’re energetic.
“Owners should notice an increased interest in physical activity, improved exercise tolerance, and decreased limping or lameness,” Sperry says.
Though uncommon, some dogs could expertise negative effects from glucosamine, together with the next:
- Gastrointestinal upset (particularly when first beginning glucosamine supplementation)
- Fatigue
- Bloated abdomen
How Long Does It Take For Glucosamine To Start Working?
It could take a number of weeks to some months on your canine to expertise the total results and gradual enhancements related to taking a glucosamine complement.
“Supplements should be given for at least 2 to6 weeks to evaluate how well they may work in your dog,” Huwiler says.
How Long Does Glucosamine Stay in a Dog’s System?
Glucosamine will be detected in a canine’s blood for as much as 48 hours.
“The time that glucosamine remains in the body varies greatly, but it is rapidly absorbed, highly distributed, and efficiently excreted, which is why it should be administered daily,” Huwiler says.
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Bottom Line
If you’re contemplating including a glucosamine complement to your canine’s every day weight loss program, it’s necessary to speak to your veterinarian about potential negative effects, your canine’s total well being and correct dosing suggestions.
Overall, glucosamine is protected and will be an efficient therapy on your canine’s joint and mobility points.
