How much glucosamine should I give my dog? Though many pet owners are aware that glucosamine can help with mobility issues, many of them don’t realize how much glucosamine to give their dog, or even how it works. Here are 5 things you need to know about glucosamine and dogs, so you can decide whether your pet needs this supplement.
1) Why do dogs need glucosamine?
2) The dosage depends on the age, weight and health of your dog
In order to avoid an upset stomach, wait at least one hour after eating or drinking before you give your dog a glucosamine supplement. The dosage depends on the age, weight and health of your dog.
For dogs less than 18 months old, give 250 milligrams once per day; for those more than 18 months old, give 375 milligrams once per day. It's important that you use a product made specifically for dogs.
Many products for humans are not properly balanced and may lead to illness in canines. Your veterinarian can recommend a good product and provide any necessary instruction about how much glucosamine should be given to your dog and when it should be administered as needed for their condition.
3) Dogs with joint problems often benefit from glucosamine supplements.
Dogs with joint problems often benefit from glucosamine supplements. It's easy for owners to feel like there's no end in sight and the vet is helpless, but glucosamine can provide relief. So how much is enough?
There isn't a one size fits all answer because dogs metabolize glucosamine at different rates. The first thing you need to do when starting a dog on a glucosamine supplement is make an appointment with the vet, who will be able to discuss the benefits and side effects of treatment and work out an appropriate dosage.
All dogs are different so your vet will want to know your dog's age, weight, breed and lifestyle factors before suggesting an initial dose.
4) Types of supplements
5) Glucosamine vs chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural substances that have shown some evidence in research studies as being helpful for arthritis pain relief in humans, including osteoarthritis. Because dogs naturally synthesize glucosamine in their joints, glucosamine is less important for them than it is for humans who may not be producing enough of it on their own.
For this reason, chondroitin is often considered more essential. While there isn't one correct dosage, studies have found that somewhere between 1 and 6 grams per day are typically required for arthritis treatment. It's best to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it until you notice an improvement in symptoms or your pet becomes lethargic. If you see no improvement after six months, stop giving the supplement.