This popular joint supplement may help wienerwurst with mobility struggle .
hurt joints are often a part of fix older — for peopleandanimals likewise . Many of ourdogs develop arthritisas they age , make joint hurting and special mobility . Some dog even inherit or acquire joint upset , such aship dysplasia , which may direct to arthritis at vernal age .
If you have a dog with joint pain , your veterinary surgeon might recommend a joint accessory like glucosamine to help oneself ease discomfort and slacken the progression of joint destruction . My own senior pup bonk her daily glucosamine chew , and I can tell it make believe a difference . Here ’s what to know about glucosamine for pawl .
Photo: Jason Donnelly
What Is Glucosamine?
Glucosamine is a compound that naturally occurs in the body . It plays a role in recrudesce gristle , ligaments , tendon , and joint fluid . Cartilage helps protect and cushion the spliff to avoid bone - on - bone inter-group communication . But degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis have joint gristle to degenerate , leading to pain and inflammation .
Glucosamine is available as asupplement to support joint wellness . It ’s ordinarily paired with chondroitin , a natural chemical compound found in cartilage and connective tissue .
What Is Glucosamine Used for in Dogs?
Your vet may recommend glucosamine to support joint wellness , peculiarly if your hound is aging or has a degenerative joint condition such as arthritis .
" Glucosamine is one of the fundamental construction block of respectable gristle , so the propose welfare is that subjunction with glucosamine will serve forestall cartilage partitioning from wear and tear and injuries , " says Jo Myers , DVM and Veterinarian Expert atJustAnswer . She tell that itmighteven help repair damaged or haggard gristle .
" Scientific studies provide at odds solution on these claim . There is no shortage of studies to show glucosamine supplement does n’t serve at all , " Myers explains . " There are also a few good studies that show it has some promise , although that ’s more potential to be true for prevention rather than repair . "
There are other potential purpose for glucosamine in detent . " Glucosamine is also a construction block for other type of connective tissue that are found all over the body , including in the facing of the bladder , " say Myers . " Scientific studies suggest that glucosamine is take up from the digestive tract and naturally seeks out connective tissue as a goal . " Theoretically , your veteran might recommend glucosamine to support bladder wellness in gain to joint wellness .
Is glucosamine correct for your domestic dog ? Maybe . " These supplements are dependable . The bad thing they ’ll do is be ineffective , so it does n’t hurt to try , " explains Myers .
How to Choose Glucosamine Supplements for Dogs
Glucosamine for dogs is often available as a chewable treat . Common brand names includeDasuquinandCosequin , but there are 12 more on the market . For my own firedog , I choseDasuquin Advancedbecause it ’s stake by science and preferred by many vets .
Some joint supplements only contain glucosamine and chondroitin while others include extra stick - supporting ingredients like methylsulfonylmethane ( MSM ) . All these choices can make it hard for favored parent to take a product .
" Glucosamine is a spicy buzzword and marketing department have a go at it to put it on labels for just about everything : nutrient , treats , manduction , supplements , " Myers explains . " The add-on industry is not regularise , so many products on the grocery do n’t contain what they claim to . "
Fortunately , your veterinarian can help . " Get a testimonial from a veterinarian since our education helps us bump and accurately review the scientific lit on a mathematical product , " Myers advises . She commend choose a product with sovereign subject that back up the label ’s claims about the quality and amount of the active ingredients .
How to Give Glucosamine to Dogs
Glucosamine appurtenance can typically be given harmonise to the label recommendation , but you should ultimately come your vet ’s educational activity for dose . The recommend dose is typically eminent for the first six to eight weeks ( called a burden dose ) , then dogs continue on a low-toned maintenance loony toons foresighted - terminus . Many pet parents simply append the flavored chews to the food bowl or extend them as a particular treat between meals .
When go glucosamine supplements for your blackguard , Myers says it ’s important to try it for at least two months . " There ’s a freight period before a glucosamine supplement will achieve its maximum effect , " she explains . " Do n’t assume it ’s not working if you do n’t see any benefit prior to that time . "
After about two months , if you ’re not sure if glucosamine is really helping your click , Myers says you could cease and follow to see if your dog seems worse . " If he does , chances are good it was helping , " she says .
Glucosamine Tips for Pet Parents
Glucosamine is not a cure - all or miracle drug , but it may help your hound . Myers recommend preferent parents start glucosamine early on — even before the signs of joint disease come out . " It ’s more likely to be beneficial forpreventingwear and tear on joints than for repairing discredited , atrocious , or worn joints , " she explain .
It ’s of import for pet parent to understand that glucosamine will not reverse joint damage . " Osteoarthritis ( degenerative joint disease ) is an on-going process regardless of how it ’s treat , " Myers says . " Symptoms are carry to grow bad over prison term even with an strong-growing management design . "
Beyond glucosamine , Myers stresses the importance of focalise on other aspects of arthritis management that you may control and that have a substantial shock on joint health . " It ’s not a backup for more important arthritis direction strategies likeweight managementandregular practice . "
Glucosamine Risks
The good news show is that most dog-iron stomach glucosamine well ( include when it ’s paired with chondroitin ) . " Glucosamine supplements are expected to be safe for frank , " Myers aver . But while glucosamine itself is secure , she warns that some joint supplements containmanganese . " This can be dangerous when ingested in large total , particularly by small dog . "
What happens if your firedog eats a whole old bag of delicious glucosamine manduction ? " In most cases , the worst solvent is some impermanent GI upset , " says Myers . However , it ’s good to get through your ex-serviceman for advice if your dog eats an excessive amount of glucosamine . They can offer supportive aid and symptom relief while your dog recovers .
