Glucosamine for dogs may be recommended for pets that suffer from hip dysplasia or arthritis. Glucosamine is also available as a dietary supplement for humans and you may ask yourself if you could possibly give your pet human glucosamine.
Glucosamine for Humans
Glucosamine is an amino sugar that makes up bones and cartilages both in humans and in some animals as well.
Glucosamine is also a dietary supplement that may be prescribed to humans that suffer from osteoarthritis or a joint problem. The product can reduce pain and swelling of the joints, but will not provide a cure for osteoarthritis.
The supplement is considered neither a vitamin nor a mineral, but may help prevent joint problems.
There are several versions of glucosamine available on the market:
- Glucosamine sulfate
- Glucosamine hydrochloride (HCL)
Glucosamine may also be combined with sulfate compounds.
The recommended dose for humans will depend on the weight and the severity of the problem. However, on average, an adult can get around 1,500 mg of glucosamine per day.
The efficiency of glucosamine may start after several weeks or even months after the treatment is started.
Glucosamine for Dogs
The glucosamine for dogs has a similar formulation as the glucosamine for humans.
There are also 2 types of glucosamine available for dogs: glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine HCL. However, the use of glucosamine for dogs hasn’t been regulated yet. The supplement is still used under veterinary surveillance and has proven effects.
The use of glucosamine in dogs is also used for joint problems and will have the same effect as in humans: that of reducing joint swelling and alleviate the pain.
Just as in humans, the glucosamine treatment cannot treat the arthritis, but will help managing the condition and make the dog feel comfortable.
The dosage for the dogs will differ; the dog’s weight should be considered. A dog that has 70 pounds may get between 1000 and 1500 mg of glucosamine per day, but a smaller dog will require a reduced dose.
Is It Safe to Use Human Glucosamine for Dogs?
Given the fact that the human glucosamine and the dog glucosamine have the same formulation, the human glucosamine can be safely used in canines.
However, it is highly important to have the right dosage for your pet and never go over the recommended dose. The dose for a larger dog breed may coincide with the dose recommended for a human patient, but smaller dogs need less glucosamine. An excess of glucosamine can lead to bone growth abnormalities and even internal damage. The administration of glucosamine supplements may also affect the liver and the kidneys of the pet in the long run.
In any case, if you have the choice, it’s better to get glucosamine for veterinary use, as certain glucosamine for humans use have various salts that are included in the drug and these may irritate the dog. Be sure to talk it over with your vet first, as unique factors for each dog may need to be taken into account.