How to Dose Glucosamine for Dogs

Glucosamine improves the mobility of aging dogs.

If a dog has difficulty ascending stairs, walking or standing up after resting, a veterinarian may recommend glucosamine dietary supplements for the pet. These common symptoms of canine osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia can be alleviated by giving a daily dose of glucosamine to improve overall joint health and reduce lethargy, according to The Glucosamine Osteoarthritis Resource Center. The supplement naturally boosts the amount of glucosamine in the dog's cartilage and synovial fluid. After digestion, the glucosamine is directed to the joints where regeneration of connective tissue and anti-inflammatory properties have been observed.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator
• Glucosamine supplements
• Cream cheese
• Peanut butter
• Lunch meat

Instructions

1. Choose among glucosamine sulfate, HCL or 2KCL. The most cost-effective and potent form of the supplement is glucosamine HCL or glucosamine sulfate.

2. Give the dog 375 mg of glucosamine HCL or glucosamine sulfate per 25 lb. of weight each day for the rest of his life. Use oral tablets or liquid supplements.

3. Double the dog's dosage during the first two to three weeks of treatment to expedite the benefits of glucosamine.

4. Hide glucosamine oral tablets in a small treat such as a soft ball of cream cheese, peanut butter or rolled-up lunch meat. Choose a flavored glucosamine tablet for dogs on a limited diet.

5. Mix the liquid supplement into dry dog food or moist canned food to make it more palatable.

6. Notice improvement in the dog's gait and mobility within 10 to 30 days. Discontinuing glucosamine supplements will lead to the natural deterioration of joint cartilage in aging and ill pets within four to six months.

Tips & Warnings

• If your pet suffers from skin wounds or a sensitive stomach, consult a veterinarian about using glucosamine supplements to improve the dog's health.

• A veterinarian may also recommend doses of glucosamine after spinal disc injuries or during recovery from joint surgery.

• Glucosamine is not federally regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, according to the Doctors Foster and Smith website.

References

• The Glucosamine Osteoarthritis Resource Center: Glucosamine for Dogs
• Doctors Foster and Smith Pet Education: Glucosamine & Chondroitin for Hip Dysplasia & Arthritis in Dogs