Glucosamine for Dogs: How It Works & Why You Should Give It to Your Canine
Dogs are naturally active creatures that always want to play, run, play fetch, and so on. But like humans, our pups age and experience the same illnesses as senior adults. One example is joint pain, which can be caused by arthritis. However, an active ingredient called Glucosamine is known to aid adult and old dogs with their joint problems while supporting quick recovery after surgery, injury, or trauma.
Glucosamine for dogs can also help your dog's general well-being by keeping them in top shape. It is a component that enables your dogs to live a healthy and happy life. Fortunately, one of the active components in Pet & Cuddle's Dog Hip & Joint Supplement is glucosamine, the best glucosamine chews for dogs. And in this article, you'll learn why dog glucosamine is a must-have nutrient for your pups.
What is Glucosamine & What Does It Do for Dogs?
Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring compound already present in a dog's body. Its job is to help produce organic materials that can improve the performance of your dog's joints and bones, such as the cartilage, tendons, and synovial fluid. The synovial fluid is what keeps the joints lubricated.
But as dogs age, their bodies don't produce the same amount of Glucosamine as before. Therefore, their bodies repair after their normal and active lifestyle. So it causes joint pain and other issues that can be bothersome to your pets. So to bring the youthful spring back to their step, giving them glucosamine dog treats is one solution.
There are three primary forms of Glucosamine:
- Glucosamine sulfate: Glucosamine sulfate is the most prevalent form of glucosamine in osteoarthritis supplements. It may be made in a lab as a synthetic component, or it can be taken from the shells of shellfish. The body of your dog requires it to create cartilage.
- Glucosamine hydrochloride: It's also known as Glucosamine HCL. This component comes from the shells of a shellfish but without the sulfate. It's more concentrated than Glucosamine sulfate but less effective for joint issues.
- NAG – N-Acetyl-Glucosamine: It's a derivative of glucose, the body's precursor to hyaluronic acid. It's part of the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints. It's commonly found on the outer shell of crustaceans, and it's mainly used to improve gut health, not joint repair.
What are the Benefits of Dog Glucosamine for Canines?
Giving your pups glucosamine chews for dogs has a lot of benefits that are primarily focused on supporting and promoting their mobility and function by targeting their joints. Here are some of its benefits:
Joint Pain Relief
Glucosamine can alleviate, provide relief, and ease the pain of dogs with joint issues. Once a dog experiences joint pain, it may have difficulty walking or standing up. It can significantly affect their quality of life. So you must choose the best Glucosamine for dogs to alleviate the pain brought on by their joint problems.
Reducing Inflammation & Prevent Its Damages
Since an aging dog's body isn't producing enough Glucosamine to lubricate its joints, it can cause damage to its cartilage. As a result, it gets inflamed and painful. It leads to joint stiffness, which is why some dogs are limping and can't jump as much as they want to. But giving glucosamine supplements to dogs can reduce inflammation while producing organic material to repair their cartilage.
Supporting Mobility & Range of Motion
Glucosamine can improve your dog's overall joint health. Therefore, improving their range of motion. It can thicken the synovial fluid which surrounds the joints. As a result, the mechanical joint function of your pups improves.
Improving Post-Surgery Recovery
If your pup has undergone surgery, it may still feel the after-effects, such as pain. In times like these, they need a safe pain reliever that can aid them during these situations. So you can supplement your dogs with Glucosamine to ease their pain and improve their recovery after surgery.
Decreasing Stress From Experienced Pain & Trauma
Your pups may sometimes get stressed out due to the pain and trauma they experience due to their joint problems. Not being able to run, play, and do everything they used to do can affect them mentally. So giving them Glucosamine can help improve their welfare and decrease their stress as they regain mobility.
Slows Down the Aging of Dog Joints
While there's no cure for joint problems, Glucosamine is a treatment that effectively slows down the aging of your pup's joints. Since these stimulate cartilage growth, repair cartilage deterioration, and thicken synovial fluid, your dog's joints won't age as quickly as before. Instead, they become stronger and better.
Basic Forms of Glucosamine Supplements for Dogs
Glucosamine supplements for dogs come in different forms, shapes, and sizes. Some are hard to swallow, while others are messy or gooey. Choosing the best one depends on the preferences of your pup. Some of the most basic forms are the following:
- Powder: The messiest option would be powder. However, you can mix it with their dog food.
- Oil: Oils are messy, sticky, and gooey. But you can also mix it with their food to hide its taste.
- Capsules: The most challenging form of supplements are capsules. You can only trick your dog into eating it if it smells good. Sometimes, hiding it in their food is impossible too.
- Treats/Chews: The most convenient options for dog owners are supplements in treats or chews form. Dogs will think it's an ordinary treat that they get as a reward. They're appetizing, too, such as Pet & Cuddle's Dog Hip & Joint Supplements with bacon flavor.
When Should You Start Giving Your Dog Glucosamine Supplements?
When should you start giving your dogs Glucosamine supplements? There are some signs and symptoms you need to watch out for. Some of these signs are the following:
- If your dog is recovering after a spinal disk injury
- Your dog experiences pain in their hips and joints
- Once your pup has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, arthritis, or other joint-related issues
- If your dog is recovering from a joint surgery
- Once your dog becomes a senior and needs supplements to support and maintain good health
Recommended Dosage of Dogs Glucosamine
In general, the glucosamine for dogs dosage that veterinarians recommend is only 20 milligrams for each pound of body weight daily. But if you're not sure how much your dogs precisely weigh, take a look at the guideline below:
- 250-250 mg for 5-20 lb
- 500 mg for 20-45 lb
- 1000 mg for 45-90 lb
- 1500 mg for 90+ lb
It's worth noting that treatments may start at a higher dosage until improvements show, which is when it's tapered down. And the correct dosage will always depend on your dog's weight, age, and severity of joint problems.
Possible Side Effects of Glucosamine in Canines
Since Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring substance in your dog's body, the possible side effects of Glucosamine for dogs are only mild. Some of these side effects may include the following:
- Increase in urination
- Dogs become thirstier
- They have trouble sleeping
- Vomiting or diarrhea (occasional)
Take note that these side effects rarely happen, and your dog will likely face these effects if you follow the veterinarian's recommended dosage and the dosage shown on the product.
Get the Best Glucosamine Dog Supplements from Pet & Cuddle!
Are you on the lookout for the best Glucosamine for dogs? Then, look no further than Pet & Cuddle. The glucosamine joint supplements for dogs from Pet & Cuddle also contain other ingredients that work together to increase their efficacy. Plus, it's made and sourced in the USA, made with natural ingredients, CGMP certified, and manufactured by the best. The same goes for Pet & Cuddle's skin and coat supplements!
But aside from premium quality supplements for dogs, Pet & Cuddle also has retractable leashes and top-rated dog harnesses that can fit your pup's lifestyle. These are a perfect addition to their accessories that are ideal for when you go out on walks.
But if you’re also thinking of giving back, now’s the right time to do so. Pet & Cuddle supports numerous organizations that care for less-fortunate dogs that you can also donate to.
Questions About Glucosamine for Dogs
Do you still have any more questions about Glucosamine for dogs? Below are some of the most popular questions, plus their answers to guide you.
Should I give Glucosamine to my dog?
Once your dog shows signs or symptoms of joint pain, such as stiffness and difficulty standing up or walking, it's best to go to the veterinarian to find out the problem. Most of the time, they recommend giving your dogs Glucosamine to treat these joint problems.
What does Glucosamine do for dogs?
In simple terms, Glucosamine is a component that's already found in your pup's body. But as they age, their production slows down, and joint problems set in. So giving them Glucosamine supplements can alleviate the pain and symptoms associated with joint issues.
How to properly give your dog Glucosamine?
Before giving your dog Glucosamine, you should consult your veterinarian. It's primarily based on your dog's age, weight, and severity of joint issues.
Can too much Glucosamine hurt a dog?
Since Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring substance in your dog's body, there are only sporadic cases where a dog experiences side effects. These side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, trouble sleeping, and increased urination. But these can't hurt your dog.
Can dogs take human Glucosamine?
No, human Glucosamines contain ingredients that may be harmful to your dogs. Some examples of these ingredients are harmful additives. Plus, you might give them an improper dosage or the wrong form of Glucosamine supplements.
Is Glucosamine hard on dog kidneys?
If your dogs already have kidney issues, you must be very careful when giving supplements to them. Even in low doses, dogs with kidney problems can lead to kidney damage, which can become life-threatening.
Can Glucosamine cause liver damage in dogs?
Dogs with current liver issues should be careful when taking Glucosamine. The same as kidneys, even low doses can lead to liver damage.
What foods are high in Glucosamine?
Many types of food are good sources of Glucosamine. Some examples are chicken feet, ox or pig's tails, animal bones with cartilage attached, bone broth, and more.
What age should I start giving my dog Glucosamine?
In general, veterinarians will recommend giving your dog Glucosamine supplements once they reach one year old. But it's also safe for puppies at eight weeks or older.
What if I miss giving my dog the glucosamine supplement?
If you ever miss one dose, give it once you remember. But when it's close to its next dose, then skip it. You can administer it at the next scheduled time and continue to your regular schedule.
