Glucosamine for Dogs: Does It Really Work? A Vet-Backed Guide to Joint Health

Hello to our Reksi family! 

Ever notice how dogs run around like the best Olympic sprinters around the house, and suddenly they start performing like the Australian Olympic breakdancers? Well, that can happen if they are aging, have arthritis, hip dysplasia, or some other mobility issue. 

When owners see this, the best idea is to consult a vet and provide them with some supplementation like glucosamine, phosphorus, and collagen. Glucosamine for dogs has become very popular in veterinary medicine, and many joint supplements contain it. The issue is that you have to find the best on the market. 

Stay with us, and we will educate you about dog joint health and glucosamine-containing supplements! 

Jump To: 

• What Is Glucosamine for Dogs?
• Why Do Dogs Need Glucosamine? 
• How Will I Know if My Dog Needs Glucosamine?
• Dog Categories That Would Benefit From Glucosamine
• Scientific Evidence: Does Glucosamine Really Help?
• Effects of the combination of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate
• Effects of glucosamine sulfate given in different forms 
• Effects of glucosamine, chondroitin, marine-based fatty acids, and carprofen 
• Medical Conditions Where Glucosamine Helps 
• Potential Side Effects and Risks
• Choosing the Right Glucosamine Supplement
• To Sum Up: Vet’s Recommendation - Is Glucosamine Worth It?

What Is Glucosamine for Dogs?

Glucosamine is a substance that naturally occurs in the joints' cartilage and is classified as an amino sugar. It maintains the joint structure and supports the production of cartilage and synovial fluid, which are the main parts of every joint. 

Since I have been in the pharma industry for a few years now, I have noticed the importance of this supplement and its popularity, especially in senior populations, in both dogs and humans. 

This is understandable because as dogs age, their metabolism slows down in every aspect, and they also produce less glucosamine. So, that is why vets highlight the importance of glucosamine supplementation - to improve mobility and reduce stiffness. 

And since we all want to compensate in a natural way, here is where glucosamine can be found: 

• Shellfish shells: It can be extracted from crab, shrimp, and lobster shells in large amounts
• Animal bones: Glucosamine can be found in chicken feet, pig trachea, and bone broth 
• Lab-synthesized forms: This type of glucosamine is the best for those animals that have shellfish allergies; these manufacturers use plant-based or synthetic versions of glucosamine. 

If chemistry in school was not your favorite subject, we get it, and we won’t disturb you with details. However, the most common forms of glucosamine that are used in supplements are: 

• Glucosamine sulfate
• Glucosamine hydrochloride 
• N-acetyl-glucosamine 

Why Do Dogs Need Glucosamine? 

First, think of cartilage like walking in your favorite shoes. When you buy the shoes, the cushions are thick, supportive, and soft, and every step feels comfortable and smooth. When the cushions wear down over time, you start “feeling the hard pavement,” which makes walking in those shoes painful. 

Well, joints work in a similar way; cartilage cushions the bones and joints and makes the movement smooth. Over time, as dogs age, the amount of cartilage is reduced or destroyed, and the bones start rubbing together which leads to stiffness, pain, and even arthritis in a worst-case scenario. 

So, what helps in these cases? Well, glucosamine serves as a building block for cartilage, which cushions the tissue that protects joints. So, glucosamine helps in: 

• Production of glucosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, which are essential for cartilage repair 
• Promoting the production of synovial fluid, which is the natural lubricant that reduces friction and improves movement

Source

Glucosamine is not an actual drug, it is not a direct pain reliever, like, for example, NSAIDs. It only has mild anti-inflammatory properties that reduce this discomfort. 

But what makes glucosamine so good? 

Well, with this supplement, you will focus on solving the core problem. It’s like having a cavity in a tooth that occasionally hurts. If you cover it with a dental crown, it will only look good, but it won’t solve the core issue. Joint issues are similar, if you work only on masking the symptoms, and you don’t solve the main problem, you will do more harm than good.  

This supplement will help in the following: 

• Improving flexibility and mobility 
• Reducing stiffness 
• Slowing down cartilage-destroying 

How Will I Know if My Dog Needs Glucosamine?

There is no doubt that owners know their dogs the best. So, you might notice several signs that show that your dog will benefit from glucosamine supplements. Here are the most common physical symptoms that you might see in your dog: 

• Difficulty getting up and lying down 
• Reluctance to perform some physical tasks (climbing onto the sofa or getting into the car) 
• Limping 
• Decreased activity level 
• Unwillingness to play 
• Visible stiffness 

When you read all of this, you might think: Oh, this is only for senior dogs' mobility. Well, you are wrong. 

Dog Categories That Would Benefit From Glucosamine

Glucosamine is also highly recommended for younger dogs. You might not see the benefits immediately, but if you have a dog breed that has high energy levels or a large breed, this supplement is a good choice. Large breeds like, let’s say Labradors grow up in no time. Imagine the stress on joints and bones because of this rapid growth. 

Source

But also, this supplement is great for breeds that are prone to bone issues. That is why we highlight the importance of educating yourself about the breed you adopt. 

These dogs won’t thank you because you included glucosamine in their diet, but after a few years, you will thank yourself for doing that. 

It is true that senior dogs would benefit the most. As said before, their metabolism slows with aging, and also their ability to produce glucosamine is decreased. So, giving them a supplement that contains glucosamine is the perfect choice. 

And here also come the “food lovers” or overweight dogs. These dogs have an extra weight that puts more pressure on the joints, so glucosamine can improve their mobility. But it does mean that you should ignore their “chubbiness”. 

Always aim to solve the root of the problem. In this case, solve the problem with extra pounds and continuously give your dog glucosamine-containing supplements. 

The dogs that would benefit the most from this compound are dogs with mobility issues or arthritis. Glucosamine will offer them relief, but other measures, supplements, and drugs must also be taken into consideration. 

Disclaimer: Consult with a veterinarian to get personalized advice. Or you can contact our Reksi team and get advice from our vet. 

Scientific Evidence: Does Glucosamine Really Help?

Here are some studies that prove the efficacy of glucosamine in dogs. 

Effects of the combination of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate

One study with 35 dogs showed the efficacy of an orally administered glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate (Glu/CS) in cases of osteoarthritis of the hips and elbows. Dogs were re-examined on days 14, 42, and 70 after initiating the treatment. After that, the medication was stopped, and the dogs were re-examined on day 98. 

The response to treatment was assessed through subjective evaluations by the participating veterinarians. Dogs treated with Glu/CS demonstrated statistically significant improvements in:  

• Pain levels 
• Weight-bearing ability 
• Severity of the condition at the end of the treatment 

These scientists concluded that glucosamine might have a slow effect, but it has a positive outcome in dogs with osteoarthritis. 

Effects of glucosamine sulfate given in different forms 

Researchers are also exploring treatments that can slow or reverse the effects of osteoarthritis (OA). In another study, the impact of glucosamine sulfate was tested in dogs, using both intra-articular (injection into the joint) and oral forms.

This research included 32 dogs with OA who were divided into four groups and treated for 8 weeks with either glucosamine (400 mg) by injection, placebo by injection, glucosamine (200 mg/kg) orally, or a placebo orally. 

After 8 weeks, the results showed that both the injected and oral glucosamine significantly reduced signs of OA compared to the placebo treatments. These findings show that glucosamine can help reduce the symptoms of OA in dogs.

Effects of glucosamine, chondroitin, marine-based fatty acids, and carprofen 

This study looked at the effectiveness of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, marine-based fatty acids (PCSO-524 and EAB-277), and carprofen for relieving pain in dogs with hip OA. It included 75 dogs randomly assigned to one of five treatment groups: 

• PCSO-524
• Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate
• EAB-277
• Carprofen
• Placebo (sunflower oil).

The dogs’ progress was measured before treatment and at weeks 2, 4, and 6. Results showed that glucosamine had some effect, but the marine-based fatty acids and carprofen showed more significant improvements in pain relief and mobility for dogs with hip OA.

Note: That is why we emphasize that you should always consult with a veterinarian and get personalized advice to determine the best treatment approach for your dog. Osteoarthritis is a disease that requires a multi-modal management, which in translation means treatment with various drugs and supplements. 

Medical Conditions Where Glucosamine Helps 

Various medical conditions can benefit from glucosamine supplementation. It is important to know that glucosamine is NOT A MEDICATION, but a supplement that might improve a certain condition. 

We emphasize this because you should be aware that no supplement can do magic. You always need to consult with a veterinarian and see the other alternatives and drugs that are crucial for your dog. 

So, this supplement might help in joint-related issues like: 

• Osteoarthritis 
• Joint pain and inflammation 
• Age-related joint issues 
• Joint injuries 
• Hip and elbow dysplasia 
• Ligament injuries 
• Patellar luxation 
• Degenerative joint diseases

However, it is totally recommended to provide your dog with glucosamine supplements even if your dog does not have any particular disease. Glucosamine-based products are good for dogs, even during the period of growth, for proper bone growth and high energy levels. 

Potential Side Effects and Risks

The truth is that glucosamine may or may not help your dog. It all depends on the: 

• Chosen supplement and its quality 
• The dog’s health condition 
• Other concurrent diseases of the dog 
• Age of the dog 
• The dog’s activity levels 
• Weight of the dog 
• Your consistency and duration of use 

Glucosamine is generally safe, but like any supplement, drug, or food, when it is not given as recommended, it might lead to certain side effects. 

Bear in mind that these side effects are mild and rarely happen: 

• Digestive issues: It might include diarrhea, constipation, or any stomach discomfort 
• Allergic reactions: Some dogs might show allergic reactions like itching, swelling, or rashes. 

Note: If you notice any side effects after including glucosamine, contact a veterinarian and immediately stop using the supplement. 

Our advice is to always read the label of the supplement carefully. Since glucosamine is often sourced from shellfish, dogs with shellfish allergies might experience allergic reactions. If your dog has any known allergies, consult a veterinarian before including anything new in their diet. 

Also, always monitor your dog for any side effects and tailor the treatment to your dog’s needs. 

Source

Choosing the Right Glucosamine Supplement

Even if your dog does not have any medical issues, supplementing them is the key to a healthy life. It will give you more memories, more playtime, and more years by your side. 

When choosing a supplement, always be careful of these 6 key elements: 

• Pick a product with a science-backed formula 
• Pick an affordable, high-quality product 
• Choose a product with 100% natural ingredients 
• Make sure the product is delicious so you don’t experience pet reluctance 
• The quality of the product in manufacturing should be very strict 
• Always read the label 

One of those products that is a game-changer on the market is REKSI Joint chewies which are made with 100% natural, high-quality ingredients, free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

 

 

 

These chewies are suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes, and as you remember, glucosamine for dogs is recommended for all breeds and sizes. 

This product is especially effective for older dogs, where it can help promote joint health and reduce stiffness and pain. It’s also effective with dogs that are regularly active or engage in sporting activities to prevent injuries. 

This product is great for hip and joint care for dogs, not only because of glucosamine, but because of the other ingredients like: 

• Collagen
• Green Lipped Mussel 
• Fish oil 
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
• Calcium Carbonate 
• Hyaluronic Acid 
• Phosphorus 
• Collagen Type 2 

This whole combination provides support for joint health, reducing pain, and promoting mobility in dogs with any joint issues or osteoarthritis. 

Source

To Sum Up: Vet’s Recommendation - Is Glucosamine Worth It?

Short answer: Yes, glucosamine is worth it, and vets adore it. Glucosamine joint supplements for dogs can significantly improve the health of the animal and improve their activity. 

The only thing that you have to do as an owner is to consult with a vet and pick a good product for your dog. 

Has your pet ever had a mobility issue? What supplements did you include in their nutrition? We are curious, let us know in the comments below! 

 

Author:

This post was written by Sandra Tashkovska, DVM

Sandra is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) with a passion for combining veterinary expertise and writing. She is dedicated to animal welfare and focuses her research work on developing a strategy for dealing with stray dogs. With experience as a veterinary advisor in the pharmaceutical industry, she excels at breaking down complex veterinary topics into simple and practical advice for pet parents. Sandra’s mission is to educate and empower pet owners, making it easier to care for their furry companions.