Glucosamine For Dogs

Glucosamine is usually used in dogs to treat their arthritis. Dogs also have joint and bone problems as they age. It is a dietary supplement. However, this supplement is not a vitamin, nor is it a mineral.

Glucosamine supplements for dogs are chondroprotective agents and are one of the natural substances that can treat osteoarthritis in dogs and other animals. This supplement plays a role in bone and tendon health.

Benefits of Glucosamine For Dogs

For dogs that face problems with weak bones and joints – glucosamine supplements can aid their well being. Senior dogs often have these health problems and need more of glucosamine.

Pain relief

Many dog owners give glucosamine medication for dogs for relieving their pain. If you are looking for something to substitute steroids for relieving pain, glucosamine might be the right antidote for you.

Studies on glucosamine supplements have stated that dogs show relief from pain when they consume glucosamine. They will have knee problems and joint pain. After consuming glucosamine, the dog seems to be relieved of pain.

Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

These conditions symbolize the wear and tear of cartilage between joints. This happens with age. The most common symptoms in dog arthritis in dogs is hip joints. Glucosamine can be given in small dosages to maintain and reconstruct the cartilage. It is an excellent aid for those dogs that suffer arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine will lessen the symptoms of the pain. If the dog responds well with the medication, he will experience less pain and become more movable after a short period. After the dog stops the treatment, there will be a relief for a few months.

Joint Repair

Any dosage of glucosamine will help to repair the joints. It comes in the form of liquid or tablet form, and are sufficient sources for fixing injuries due to dog sports. Glucosamine also builds blocks for joint cartilage. Many of these supplements work as anti-inflammatory agents. It is a shock absorber, and the medications work as a joint lubricator.

Dosage

You must give the dog the right dosage. Proper dosage for the dog goes a long way. Too much can have side effects while too little might not give the desired results. Lightweight dogs can take a smaller dosage. The bigger dogs can take double of the small dog’s supplement. Supplements can be mixed in dog food for easy consumption.

Side Effects of Eating Glucosamine

There are advantages to taking glucosamine, but there are side effects too.

Allergies – It is not common for dogs to consume glucosamine as a supplement, and allergic reactions have been reported in some dogs. However, allergies are also found in humans that get allergic due to shellfish.

Fatigue – It is also normal for dogs to feel fatigued after consuming glucosamine. Therefore you need to keep an eye on your pet.

Insomnia – Some dogs also have minor sleep issues and these side effects on your dog.

Thirst – Dogs can also show symptoms of excessive thirst. If dogs drink more water at shorter intervals, the pet might have consumed more glucosamine.

Urination – While the dog consumes more water, he pees more as well. Due to more thirst, he drinks more water and urinates in a large amount.

Diabetes – Glucosamine has a high level of sugar in them. Vets refuse to give the do glucosamine if the dog already suffers from diabetes.

Glucosamine For Dogs

To provide you as much information on giving glucosamine for dogs, we have to answer questions we received by email. We have googled on the web on doubts dog owners have.

Can you give human glucosamine to a dog??

Glucosamine is a supplement for any living being. Supplements for humans contain additives that are not suitable for dogs. Some human foods are fatal to dogs.

A lot of brands have unsafe flavours and sweets for a dog like xylitol. It is advisable to buy glucosamine products for dogs. Dosages also vary from humans than dogs. To give the dog the same dosage as a human might be an overdose to your dog.

Although both humans and dogs can ingest glucosamine, it is the added ingredients found in human products that harm dogs.

Can dogs get an overdose with glucosamine?

These supplements are safe for dogs to take as dogs can easily be overdosed with eating glucosamine. The owner must understand that dog glucosamine tablets are found in many different products, and give your dog the right amount of glucosamine, and you might end up giving him a lot of different stuff.

It is chewable, and dogs might enjoy the taste and eating more than he should. Therefore, he must be restrained. However, very high rates of overdose in dog consuming glucosamine are rare.

What are the best sources of glucosamine that is natural for canines?

Some of the best foods that provide the glucosamine for your dog is made out of cartilage. Other sources are chicken feet, mussels and bones. That’s why dogs love bones so much!!

Best sources of glucosamine are found in foods. The levels of glucosamine that manufacturers claim to be significant are not as they are not from a natural source from the dog.

Do glucosamine supplements for dogs work?

Glucosamine supplements work for dog health if he is given the right amount of glucosamine. However, these are light doses, so don’t expect the dog to heal overnight or have a miracle happen.

A vet giving medication that contains glucosamine with chondroitin and MSM is preferable. Avoid supplements that contain additives that are not necessary. Make sure the source of glucosamine is as natural as possible.

When Do I Start Giving My Dog Glucosamine

At around 12 months, once puppies begin to grow, you can start giving them supplements. It is a common misconception that glucosamine for dogs is only offered to them when they are old, but you can start giving them when they are young.

The older the dog gets, the less his body can produce proteins to build stronger joints.

Therefore, give him glucosamine when he is at a young age.

Glucosamine is great for dogs but always find a natural source. Also make sure that you don’t give them personal tablets, and try to provide pup glucosamine at an early stage to build healthy joints. However, always consult a vet first before starting to give supplements.

Author Bio:

Tony is the owner of Petpetbuy.com, the pet-parent of two dogs, and he is also an active animal rescuer. He works with multiple non-governmental organisations which work towards providing aid to homeless dogs and cats.