Remember, every dog is unique, and what works well for one dog may not work as well for another. Keep an open dialogue with your vet to ensure your dog is getting the best possible care for their joint health. Conclusion

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the current gold-standard pharmaceutical therapy for dogs with osteoarthritis; however, NSAIDs may cause gastrointestinal ulceration as an adverse effect and are contraindicated in the presence of renal insufficiency or dehydration. Other pharmaceutical options include diacerhein, corticosteroids, and hyaluronic acid (Henrotin et al., 2005). Select nutraceuticals such as glucosamine, chondroitin, pentosane polysulphate, avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, green-lipped mussel, and milk protein have also been used (Henrotin et al., 2005). With regular use, chondroitin can help dogs maintain healthy joints and avoid the pain and discomfort associated with joint conditions. But generally, vets recommend around 500 mg of glucosamine and 400 mg of chondroitin per 25 pounds of body weight.

How Much Chondroitin for Dogs is Safe?

If you’ve got a dog that isn’t a fan of taking tablets, then the liquid formula of this supplement “gravy” can be an easier way to administer supplements for your dog. Though rare, there is a risk of side effects with these two ingredients. Keep a lookout for the following symptoms in your dog - it could mean they’re getting too much glucosamine and/or chondroitin, or may be allergic. Vomiting and/or diarrhoea Intervention: GHCl 500 mg + CS 400 mg + MA 75 mg dosed as either 2 caps AM and 1 cap in the afternoon for 30 days followed by 1 cap q12h for 30 days if <45 kg or 2 caps BID for 30 days followed by 2 caps AM and 1 cap at noon for 30 days if >45 kg

Growing Older: Chondroitin is especially effective for older dogs, but it can also be given to any dog once they’re reached one year old to help protect their joint health and prevent them from having issues as they are. Pain and decreased mobility resulting from osteoarthritis often have a negative impact on the affected canine’s quality of life, level of comfort, daily functioning (i.e. standing, walking), exercise tolerance, activity (i.e. playing, climbing stairs), behaviour, urinary and fecal habits, and client-pet companionship. Owners of severely affected dogs may decide to euthanize their pet (Rychel, 2010; Epstein et al., 2015). If you only started researching supplements after your pup started showing signs of needing extra support, you’re not alone. More often than not, supplements are used as treatment rather than as a preventative measure or maintenance. That said, under the guidance of your vet, supplements can be beneficial to maintaining healthy functions in your pup, particularly if they are prone to certain health challenges. Certain breeds like Great Danes, mastiffs, pugs, and bulldogs have a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia, while other breeds like Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and German shepherds are more prone to arthritis. However, no dog is immune from hip and joint issues, especially those who have active lifestyles that put pressure on these areas. Starting a supplement early on could help reduce the chances of arthritis or dysplasia progressing over time and nip symptoms in the bud. What Are the Side Effects of Chondroitin? CS): Chondroitin sulfate; (DMG): Dimethylglycine; (HCL): Hydrochloride; (IU): International units; (MSM): Methyl-sulfonyl-methane.We’ll try to explain a bit about each of these compounds and how they’re used in the treatment of dogs with joint issues below. Glucosamine for Dogs This is especially important for older dogs because chondroitin production slows down with age, leading to increased susceptibility to arthritis and other joint problems. Improved Mobility in Arthritic Limbs Objective outcome measures: Body weight, hepatic function (ALT, bilirubin), and renal function (BUN, Cr) were measured to monitor for adverse effects. The most commonly reported side effect is gastroinststinal upset, which could include vomiting or diarrhea, which can typically be avoided by starting with a lower dose and then gradually increasing the size of the dose over time. Most glucosamine supplements for dogs come in the oral form of pills, tablets, chews, powders, and liquids. Dog joint supplements are widely available OTC in pet supply shops, veterinary offices, and online stores. In some cases, dogs may receive a glucosamine injection instead, but these must be administered by a veterinarian.

Suitable for any breed of dog, you can give these to your dog so long as they’ve started on solid food. The tablets are chewy and designed to be administered just like a treat. You can also give them to any size of dog, simply adjusting the dosage accordingly. The Moreau et al. (2003) trial had several strengths. The study was double-blinded, prospective and subjects were randomized to treatment groups. Additionally, the authors claimed that mean age, weight, affected limb GRF values, radiographic scores, and subjective scores of the dogs in the four study arms were all similar at baseline, although data to support this claim was not provided. Weaknesses of the trial included that glucosamine and chondroitin doses are much lower in comparison to other clinical trials and the treatment regimens differed between study arms. You’ll have to consult your vet to obtain the best possible dosage and administration schedule for your dog — that’s the only way to know for sure how to provide your dog with therapeutic levels of the supplements and enjoy the best beneficial effects. Before giving your dog glucosamine, you should consult with your veterinarian to identify your dog’s condition and determine the correct dosage. Most available formulations of glucosamine for dogs are oral, such as flavored tablets, pills, powders, or liquids. These supplements are available in pet supply stores, veterinarian’s offices, and via online sources. Any supplement or medication comes with a risk of potential side effects, so it’s extremely important to follow the recommended dosage and consult with a veterinarian before starting your dog on a chondroitin supplement.To help prevent your dog from experiencing these issues, you might want to consider giving them a supplement containing chondroitin, as it’s known to help provide joint pain relief by supporting their hip and joint health. Liver Detoxification: Bone broth contains the amino acid glycine, which supports the liver's detoxification process. Form of Supplement: Supplements come in various forms, including tablets, capsules, chewables, liquids, and powders. Choose the form that's easiest for you to administer and for your dog to consume. Chondroitin supplements for dogs come in various forms, including powders, capsules, pills, liquids, and even chewy treats.