Human Glucosamine For Dogs

Before discussing glucosamin for dogs, it’s important that you are able to identify the symptoms of arthritis in dogs. If you recognize any of these symptoms or changes in your dog’s behavior, we recommend consulting a veterinarian as soon as possible. In addition, any treatment that you offer your dog should be approved beforehand by a professional. Symptoms of dog arthritis include:

• Walking at a slower pace than normal.
• Stiffness and difficulty getting up.
• Limping.
• Decrease in desire to play, run or walk.
• Lethargy.
• Difficulty climbing stairs etc.
• Whining from pain.
• Mood changes.
• Loss of appetite.
• May become aggressive.
• Show signs of pain when licking, scratching or moving their legs.

For more, we recommend taking a look at our article where we discuss everything you need to know about arthritis in dogs.

The best supplements for dogs are those made with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. These are both natural substances that are found in a dog’s joints which are possible to synthesize in laboratories. Therefore, we recommend opting for dog glucosamine chondroitin tablets. What is the best glucosamine for dogs?

• Flexadin Plus is a chondroprotective supplement to ease join pain in dogs and cats. It comes in the form of a chewable tablet or granules that combine these substances and it aims to prevent and relieve the symptoms of arthrosis, as well as other joint problems. Flexadin Plus stands out as an easy-to-administer supplement. This supplement can be purchased through PetClic, an online store specializing in animal products.
• Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM is a chewable and easily digestible tablet that helps treat join pain in dogs.
• FlexComplete Vegetarian is a liquid glucosamine for dogs. This is a great option for dogs that suffer from food allergies or intolerances.

If your dog suffers from food allergies or intolerance to food, we recommend reading our article where we discuss dog food allergies and intolerance.

Glucosamine chondroitin for dogs

Because these substances act as anti-inflammatories and favor the production of glycosaminoglycans, they therefore include that of proteoglycans and glycolipids. Chondroitin sulfate is a type of glycosaminoglycan.

These compounds are essential to carry out correct joint treatment and recovery of worn articular cartilage and, therefore, the administration of joint supplements that combine glucosamine and chondroitin obtain better results. In addition, this is a much cheaper and less invasive option for your dog, since instead of giving the dog two separate supplements, you can offer them one single dosage.

The dose glucosamine chondroitin for dogs will depend on the problem that you are hoping to treat. Thus, it is essential to review the product's leaflet and consult your veterinarian, since inadequate administration can result in possible side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea. Side effects of glucosamine for dogs, although few, include: fatigue and insomnia.

As we’ve already mentioned, glucosamine for dogs does not usually present side effects, except in the following cases:

• For dogs suffering from diabetes. Glucosamine, being a sugar-based supplement, should only be admjinistered to a dog with diabetes under veterinary consultation. For more, take a look at our article where we discuss normal glucose levels in dogs.
• For dogs with allergies to molluscs, its administration is prohibited because some of the compounds of the chondroprotectors are sometimes extracted from molluscs, such as shellfish.

So, you may be wondering, can you give human glucosamine for dogs? Yes, but, only in some cases. You can only give your dog glucosamine by itself, in its pure form. If you notice other ingredients on the packaging, they need to be taken into consideration. There are many human products that are are incredibly poisonous for dogs.

Many human glucosamine products contain flavorings and sweeteners which are harmful to dogs. In addition, the glucosamine form matters. For example, if you want to offer your dog pure liquid glucosamine, it will be easier for your dog to digest than hard tablet form.

We here at AnimalWised recommend offering your dog only glucosamine for dogs. A dog’s digestive system is very different to a humans and, therefore, any human product can in fact cause problems in our dog’s digestive tract. For more, take a look at our article where we discuss 4 human medicines forbidden for dogs.

In addition to the already above mentioned arthritis treatment for dogs, there are other ways, in addition to glucosamine, to help treat a dog with arthritis and joint pain. Take a look at these suggestions on how to help a dog with arthritis;

• Make sure your dog has a high-quality diet and remains as healthy as possible.
• Keep your dog slim and healthy. If your dog is overweight, it can add extra painful pressure to its joints. Therefore, this needs to be addressed.
• Make sure your dog exercises its joints, but not excessively. Favor of softer grounds and games.
• Consult a veterinarian about additional anti-inflammatory drugs for dogs. This prescription will however depend on the individual dog and has to be approved by a professional.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Human Glucosamine For Dogs, we recommend you visit our Prevention category.