Determining the Best Glucosamine for Dogs Dosage

By Brian McIntosh

Proper Glucosamine for Dogs Dosage

When your dog appears to have difficulty in walking or getting up the stairs, it may be beneficial to give him glucosamine supplements that are made for dogs. These can be provided by his vet. Giving your dog the right glucosamine for dogs dosage can provide relief of painful problems such as arthritis and hip dysplasia. The glucosamine can improve the health or your dog's joints and reduce fatigue.

The US Food and Drug Administration regulates the supplement glucosamine and those who wish to use it on their dogs need to use it correctly. Glucosamine is naturally found in cartilage which is a type of tissue found in the joints of the body. When a dog becomes older, his body uses up its internal supply of this substance and is not able to produce it fast enough for its needs. The cartilage deteriorates and arthritis begins to form in the joints of the body. Supplemental glucosamine can replenish the body's supply of this natural substance and relieve symptoms such as pain and stiffness.

Dogs are not able to express pain, like humans do, and hence providing relief from pain should be considered seriously. Before comparing different glucosamine products, it is essential to know about the right quality, the delivery method, and the cost of a daily dosage. There are three choices available for this supplement, and they are glucosamine HCL, 2KCL and sulfate. Of these glucosamine HCL and glucosamine sulfate are quite affordable and powerful as well. The weight of the dog plays a major role in determining the correct dosage. 375mg liquid or tablet, of either HCL or sulfate glucosamine, should be administered daily, for every twenty-five pounds of the dog's weight. This treatment should be given for the rest of the dog's life, and the daily dosage should be divided into two equal dosages, having a gap of 12 hours, between them. In the beginning, for a couple of weeks, the dosage can be doubled to make it more potent. Once the dog starts moving without any issues, one should come back to the regular dosage. If the painful symptoms return, certain vets advise an increase in the dosage again.

It is best to put the supplement into small food items such as cheese or meat. Liquid forms of glucosamine can be mixed into dry or moist dog foods so the taste will be improved.

The dog's movements and manner of walking should improve within two to four weeks. Stopping glucosamine usage can easily cause a natural disintegration of joint cartilage in old and sick pets within a few months. For dogs that have delicate stomachs or skin wounds, people should ask a veterinarian if taking these supplements will improve health. The doctor may suggest the supplement for pets that are recovering from joint operations or have spinal disc problems.

It is important to observe the dog very carefully for signs of improvement. If no positive outcomes occur within a month, the glucosamine for dogs dosage could be too low. Dogs that refuse to consume capsules could benefit from consuming more tolerable powder or liquid mixtures. If there is no improvement the following month, the vet may cease the doses or include anti-inflammatory medicine.

About the Author:

Knowing the proper canine glucosamine dosage is needed for the health of your senior dog. Come to my website to learn more about joint pain supplements for your dog.