Has anyone tried glucosamine for arthritis in dogs?

Answer 1

We generally supplement our older dogs with glucosamine (or a glucosamine/chondroiton mix) and, in the long run, it really does seem to help. The glucosamine works to lubricate the joints, and I can see a difference in my older guys (most of whom are retired sled dogs, and have been athletes their entire lives). Two good products to consider:

Joint Health, made by Springtime, Inc. These are chewable tablets that my guys readily eat, and include not only glucosamine, but a number of other good, natural arthritis relief supplements:

http://www.springtimeinc.com/product/94/2

Osteo Bi-Flex: I've not used this myself, but I have a friend whose vet recommended it for their dog, and it has made a world of difference. You can buy it at the drug store, rather than having to order it online. It is a human product, but because it is made with natural ingredients it would be hard to "overdose". Not sure about the dosage, though. You may want to dicuss it with your vet.

http://www.osteobiflex.com/

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

it helps but it doesn't cure. After the first day or two (yep that soon) you can see a difference in the way the dog walks and runs. Again, it is not a cure because the dog will still have arthritis but the glucosamine will make it easier on the joints and some bones. I used it for my old rott a couple years ago and it worked. Unfortunately, he died of cancer a year later but at least he was walking somewhat normal again.

Answer 3

glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate can help but have mixed results - they work better in some dogs than others and no-one knows why. Always go for the pure forms from the vet rather than the cheap sulphate forms from health food shops. Start with advise from your vet re the dose and if using a pure form and it works then you can try the cheaper versions. magnetic collars sometimes help too. however you must remember the dog must not be overweight or overexercised these alone can help in the management of arthritis and you might not need any meds!

Answer 4

We give the glucosamine/condroiton to our 14 year old cocker spaniel and it has made a dramatic difference for her. She could hardly get around and now she is doing wonderful and seems to be pain free. We use the one called: Cosequin. How much you give depends on the size of your dog. Also for the first month or two they are on it, you give twice the amount and then give a once a day maintenance dose. It can take up to a month or two for it to start helping (sometimes it has to build up in their system) so if you don't notice any change with in the first month or two, don't be discouraged, it just might not be at it's full strength yet.

Answer 5

My 4 year old Yorkie was attacked by a large dog a year ago and her shoulder is no longer attached to her back. Yes it does help and it was given to me by my Vet after my yorkie was healed from the attack and of course she will be more prone to arthritis in her shoulder joint at a very early age. It's more of a proactive arthritis solution and not a cure. I also got a Boxer a month ago and his breeder gave us Nupro which has glucosamine in it too. Seems like all it can do is help and given to me by 2 great references. 1) My Vet and 2) a top breeder of Boxers in my tristate area. I notice a shinier coat too!

Answer 6

My dogs are like springs (Jack Russell and Toy Fox). The vet recommended glucosamine and it has helped with both dogs. They were getting to where they just wouldn't jump at all but after a week they were almost back to normal. It isn't a cure but it did help my dogs.

Answer 7

Yes, I had a German Shepard / Malamute cross (BIG girl) and she was on glucosamine and chrondroitin mix. I believe that it did help make her joints a little less painful.

I had a horse on the same because he had arthritis too! I guess my animals have such wonderful lives that they live long and I have to provide geriatric care!

Answer 8

yes i have give it to my black lab who is 8 yrs old he has bad arthritis and has bad hips as well. i have been giving it to him for about 3 1/2 yrs and it helps him with the daily things he does in the day like get up from napping, playing. you can give them the glucosamine for this and or bad joints as well.

Answer 9

Yes, I give it to my bloodhound. She's not all that old (5 or 6) but had a bad start in life, so was in poor condition. She acts much younger than she did at first, before she would just walk slowly but now she runs and plays.

Answer 10

If you feed your dog the proper food...it will not need supplements...I feed my two Golden pups Nutro food...it already has Glucosamine and Condrontant in it.