Glucosamine is an amino sugar that appears to improve the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, one of the building blocks of cartilage. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound and is one of the more popular over-the counter arthritis therapies. Glucosamine itself, which is also sometimes referred to as chitosamine, is an amino sugar which occurs naturally in the dog’s body, mainly in the cartilage and some types of joints in the dogs skeleton. Glucosamine is also found in the dog’s claws, tendons, eyes, skin, bones, heart valves and ligaments. It is an important part of the canine’s overall health.
There are very few side effects when treating a dog with glucosamine. With some rare exceptions, they are mild and easy to treat. Mild side effects of glucosamine include vomiting, abnormal stool either diarrhea or constipation, drowsiness, fatigue, insomnia, excessive thirst and urination besides others. Severe side effects include allergic reactions if the dog is allergic to shellfish, a blood-thinning effect if the glucosamine is paired with chondroitin, or heightened blood sugar levels. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may be as mild as the dog chewing at its feet or as severe as anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock requires immediate treatment by a veterinarian. Glucosamine for dogs only brings the level of glucosamine in the canines body back to the normal amount found in healthy dogs. This means your dog must continue to take glucosamine for the rest of its life in order to experience the relief from arthritic pains. Never give medications or supplements designed for humans to your dog. Always consult with your vet before starting any medication for your pooch.
