As your dog ages, the wear and tear on their joints can become more noticeable, resulting in joint pain. Glucosamine supplements may help prevent further damage and provide relief to an arthritic dog—but when should you start giving them? In this guide, we explain when it's time to give your pet glucosamine supplements to protect their joint health.

What is Glucosamine and What Does it Do?

Glucosamine is a natural substance found in the fluid that surrounds your dog's joints and acts as a lubricant. It also helps to build up cartilage so that the bones don't rub together. When given in supplement form, glucosamine can help reduce stiffness, improve joint mobility, relieve pain, fight inflammation and reduce further damage to the joints. Combined with proper diet and exercise, glucosamine supplements can make a significant difference in your pet's quality of life.

Is My Dog at Risk of Joint Pain or Mobility Issues?

Osteoarthritis is a major cause of mobility issues in dogs and it generally affects older or overweight animals. If your pet is displaying signs of stiffness, difficulty getting up from lying down, hesitancy to exercise or reluctance to move around, a glucosamine supplement could help ease their symptoms. Even if your dog isn't showing any of these signs yet, providing them with glucosamine can also be an effective preventative measure against joint problems later on.

What Should I Look for in a Glucosamine Supplement for Dogs?

When shopping for a glucosamine supplement for your dog, it's important to find one that contains the right combination of ingredients. Bring your veterinarian in on the decision so they can provide you with advice. Generally speaking, a quality glucosamine supplement should contain vitamin C and E, as well as chondroitin sulfate, MSM and hyaluronic acid to help reduce inflammation in the joints. With so many brands on the market, you may need to conduct some research on products before making a purchase decision.

How Much Glucosamine Should I Give my Dog?

When it comes to giving your dog glucosamine supplements, the amount you give them will depend on their weight and health needs. It is best to speak with your veterinarian when determining the appropriate dosage for your pet. Generally speaking, a dosage between 15 and 25 milligrams per pound of body weight per day should be given as an initial dose. After that, reduced doses may be recommended depending on the individual's health needs. Speak with your veterinarian before selecting a dosage schedule for your pup!

Can Anything Else Be Done to Support My Dog's Joint Health?

Yes, there are many other ways to support your dog's joint health in addition to providing glucosamine supplements. For example, exercise can help increase muscle tone and flexibility, both of which help keep the joints healthy and strong. Additionally, feeding your pet a high-quality diet with ample omega-3 fatty acid content can also aid in the preservation of joint health. Lastly, you may want to consider

adding joint supplements such as chondroitin sulfate, Omega 3 oil supplements, and turmeric to your pup's diet to further promote joint health. 

Cod & Plum Superfood Oil – rich in EPA and DHA omega 3 fatty acids, as well as antioxidants from the Kakadu and Davidson plums. EPA and DHA decrease 

inflammation and DHA in particular helps with joint support,  learning ability and memory. 

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