Dogs need to stay active throughout their lifetime to achieve optimal health and this means their joints get a daily workout. As your dog ages, the wear and tear take a toll on their joints which causes stiffness and discomfort. You may notice your dog gradually struggling to play and bounce around as they once did when they were younger.
As a loving pet parent, it’s natural for you to feel the need to step in and help your dog get back to that playful happy time in their life.
Glucosamine can help your dog and here’s how:
Getting to Know Glucosamine
Glucosamine is naturally produced by your dog’s body. This substance assists in forming joints by creating molecules. As a dog ages, their body produces less glucosamine which results in stiff joints due to less lubrication and cushioning between their bones. A glucosamine supplement helps slow down the progression of arthritis by lubricating the joints.
The History of Glucosamine
Georg Ledderhose, a German surgeon, was the first to identify glucosamine in 1876. However, in 1939, it was fully defined by chemist Sir Walter Haworth of Britain.
Generally, there are two forms of glucosamine, both are found in shellfish shells:
- Glucosamine hydrochloride – This form is found in the shells of shellfish but doesn’t contain sulfate which is needed to repair and produce cartilage.
- Glucosamine sulfate – This form is the most common and often used in supplements. Glucosamine sulfate is either produced in a lab synthetically or extracted from the shells of shrimp, oysters, and crabs.
The most effective supplements often contain a combination of glucosamine, chondroitin, and methylsulfonylmethane such as Dr. Joseph’s VetPro Complete veterinarian formula.
How Glucosamine Works for Dogs
Dog’s bones are covered with a layer of spongy cartilage just like human bones. This important layer acts as a shock absorber when your dog walks, jumps, plays or runs. In addition, a liquid called synovial fluid is located alongside the cartilage and bone which lubricates creating painless smooth movements.
When a dog develops arthritis it is usually due to the breakdown of both the synovial fluid and cartilage which leads to discomfort and stiffness when your dog moves. The constant rubbing of the bones against each other without the lubricating fluid or shock-absorbing cartilage causes your dog to experience pain.
While this is painful and causes dogs to slow down and not move around too much, the good news is glucosamine has the power to improve the situation and get your dog back to their active lifestyle with less pain.
Does Glucosamine Really Work for Dogs?
According to a study published in 2007 by the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association, 80% of dogs aged eight years or more suffer from osteoarthritis and/or hip dysplasia. While these statistics are alarming a separate study revealed that glucosamine had a positive effect in dogs suffering from osteoarthritis, proving glucosamine really does work for dogs.
When to Give Your Dog Glucosamine
As your dog ages, look for common symptoms of joint and hip problems such as:
- Difficulty standing up
- Struggling to lie down
- An awkward gait
- Stiff movements
- Avoiding walking upstairs
- Difficulty jumping on the sofa or bed
- Preference for shorter walks
- Limping or favoring one leg
- Raising a limb in the air
- Cracking or popping sounds in the joints or hips
- Swelling near the joints
- Avoiding playing with toys they love
- Preference for being alone
- A sad or grumpy mood
- Refuses to play fetch or any active games they usually enjoy
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, discuss the option of a glucosamine supplement with a veterinarian.
Glucosamine Dosages for Dogs
How much glucosamine is safe for dogs? The dosage amount depends on your dog’s weight and size. The dosage instruction label is located on the glucosamine supplement bottle as shown here https://www.vetprocomplete.com/collections/frontpage/products/hip-and-joint-maximum-strength.
Generally, the dosage amount for glucosamine supplements for dogs is:
- Up to 20 pounds – 1 chew daily
- 20 to 50 pounds – 2 chews daily
- 50 to 75 pounds – 3 chews daily
- Weight more than 75 pounds – 4 chews
Side Effects of Glucosamine for Dogs
Glucosamine is not known to cause any serious side effects and is safe for dogs. Sometimes dogs can experience an adverse reaction to specific ingredients such as shellfish. If your dog has any of the following symptoms, contact the veterinarian immediately for further assistance.
- Difficulty breathing
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Excessive urination
- Increased thirst
Glucosamine oral supplements reduce joint inflammation, cushions and lubricates joints, and improve overall joint health. Learn more about Dr. Joseph’s VetPro Complete Hip & Joint maximum strength supplements for your dog today.