Glucosamine for Dogs

Glucosamine is a monosaccharide, found almost in all organisms including fungi, crustaceans, arthropods and other higher multicellular organisms. Naturally, it is synthesized by reacting glucose with glutamine (an amino acid). Glucosamine is a precursor compound for glycosaminoglycans, the main component for the formation and repair of the joint cartilages and other body parts. It is because of its major role in cartilage repairing that glucosamine is used in the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs.

Glucosamine for Dogs

In order to understand the use of glucosamine for dogs, let's discuss in brief about canine osteoarthritis, which is one of the most common dog ailments. It is estimated that about 30 percent of pet dogs suffer from osteoarthritis at certain stages of their lives. Canine osteoarthritis, also referred to as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is the progressive loss of the cartilage that covers the joints. In such a condition, the bones become exposed without any cartilage protection. The ultimate result is that the pet will experience pain when two bones touch each other. There may be swelling and inflammation of the affected joints.

The most noticeable symptoms of canine osteoarthritis are an altered gait, muscle atrophy, lethargy, limping and signs of pain when movement and/or touching the affected part. Depending upon the severity, the pet may experience loss of appetite and other behavioral changes. Pet dogs having congenital joint problem are more susceptible to canine osteoarthritis. Other risk factors include injury at the joints and aging process (since glucosamine synthesis slows down with age).

If a pet dog exhibits any of the symptoms of osteoarthritis or changes in behavior, then it is always advisable to consult and seek advice from a qualified veterinarian. The vet may prescribe glucosamine doses as a treatment option for canine osteoarthritis. There are three common types of glucosamine available in the market viz. glucosamine sulphate, HCL or 2KCL. While administering glucosamine to your pet, make sure to check the ingredients and purchase the superior quality one. You can opt for either glucosamine liquid or pills, which can be given as a dietary supplement to the dog's food, as per your pet's convenience.

Majority of pet dogs respond well to glucosamine used for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Depending upon the doses (about 500-2000 mg/day) and its general health, the pet may cure within one or two weeks. Due to anti-inflammatory properties of glucosamine, your dog's health improves very rapidly. It is observed that glucosamine supplements are more effective for treating osteoarthritis among the larger dog breeds.

Commercially, glucosamine is produced either by hydrolyzing the exoskeleton of crustaceans or by fermentation of grains (e.g. corn and wheat). Chrondroitin sulfate is added in majority of the glucosamine supplements in order to increase the elasticity of the joints and also to prevent the cartilage destruction. There are very few cases of side effects and/or complications from glucosamine. At times, the dog can suffer from vomiting or diarrhea for one or two days after the administration of glucosamine.

Research studies have shown that glucosamine, after being swallowed, is absorbed by the connective tissues of the joints, which then helps in repairing and regeneration of the tissues. However, it is is to be noted that even though glucosamine is used for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis, there is a lack of clinical data that supports its usage in therapies.