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Many dogs suffer from arthritis as they age. This painful condition, which occurs in dogs and people, results when cartilage, the cushioning between the bones, begins to thin and wear away. As a result, the ends of the bones start to rub against each other, and you may notice your dog starting to limp. Trauma, disease, or normal wear and tear that comes with use over years all may cause arthritis.

鈥淲hile there is no cure for canine arthritis, some treatments can lessen pain and improve mobility,鈥� says Dr. Jerry Klein, the AKC鈥檚 chief veterinary officer.

What Is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine, a naturally occurring compound, is one of the more popular over-the-counter arthritis remedies. It is one of several natural substances, or nutraceuticals, that are known as chondroprotective agents, used in the treatment of arthritis in humans, dogs, horses, and other animals. In dogs, glucosamine is also often used to:

• Alleviate pain and joint wear caused by hip dysplasia or other structural changes.
• Aid in the treatment of spinal disc injury.
• Ease recovery from joint surgery.
• Try to keep performance dogs in peak condition.

Glucosamine joint supplements are said to alleviate the symptoms of joint damage by boosting the repair of damaged cartilage, specifically articular cartilage, or the moist, spongy material that forms a cushion between joints. Joint supplements are often used as an early intervention and throughout the progression of arthritis, as they are safe for long-term use in most patients.

鈥淐artilage plays an important role, and when damaged, it won鈥檛 usually repair or duplicate itself on its own,鈥� says Dr. Klein. 鈥淪o the bones of the joint may rub against each other, causing pain and inflammation.鈥�

Dr. Georg Ledderhose first identified glucosamine in 1876. Glucosamine is supplied in one of three forms: glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, or N-acetylglucosamine. No one knows exactly what the mechanism of action is, but glucosamine, an amino sugar, appears to improve the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, one of the building blocks of cartilage.

Glucosamine is often used in conjunction with another natural substance, chondroitin sulfate, which is also aimed at stimulating cartilage repair. Chondroitin is made from cow or pig cartilage and is also derived from the shells of crabs, oysters, and shrimp, or synthesized from plant sources in laboratories.

The (FDA) regulates these products as dietary supplements, not drugs, and as such, they are not subjected to the same stringent FDA review and approval process as pharmaceuticals. Dietary supplements are evaluated for safety after they are on the market, mostly through 鈥渁dverse event monitoring.鈥� Glucosamine has been used in veterinary practices in Europe and the U.S. for about 20 years.

Does Glucosamine Work?

Starting in the 1980s, scientists began investigating glucosamine and chondroitin to try to prove whether they work, but so far, there is still not a common consensus, and studies in humans have been inconclusive.

In 2012, an examination of studies in humans found that one form 鈥� glucosamine hydrochloride 鈥� had little effect, while another form 鈥� glucosamine sulfate 鈥� offered pain relief superior or equal to 鈥渢he commonly used analgesic or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.鈥� The scientists determined that 鈥渢he question of the benefit of glucosamine treatment remains largely unanswered.鈥� But, they noted that, because the supplements have 鈥渓ow and rare adverse effects, it represents a viable option for the management of osteoarthritis.鈥� They also expressed the opinion that it could be useful in combination with drugs and other natural products.

Unfortunately, there鈥檚 little in the way of veterinary research thus far. In 2007, scientists at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, conducted a review of 16 clinical trials of treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs. They reported their results in the and found that preparations containing glucosamine provided a 鈥渕oderate level鈥� of comfort, and were on a par with some prescription drugs.

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Senior Golden retriever laying down outdoors in the grass.

鈥淕lucosamine and chondroitin are commonly recommended by veterinarians as an alternative for treating osteoarthritis in canines unable to tolerate the adverse effects of NSAIDs, or as add-on therapy,鈥� concluded a . 鈥淎lthough glucosamine and chondroitin have benign adverse effect profiles, the clinical benefit of using these agents remains questionable. Further study is required to clarify the uncertainty around the clinical benefit of using these agents and quantify any treatment effect that exists.鈥�

Does Glucosamine Have Side Effects?

There have been very few side effects observed in patients taking glucosamine, including:

• Allergies (specifically among those who are allergic to shellfish)
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Excessive thirst and urination (at high doses)
• Some are wary about the sugar-based substance鈥檚 use in dogs with diabetes

How Do I Give My Dog Glucosamine?

Before giving your dog glucosamine, you should consult with your veterinarian to identify your dog鈥檚 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鈥檚 offices, and via聽online sources.

So what鈥檚 the bottom line? If your veterinarian agrees, a glucosamine supplement may be worth a try to relieve your dog鈥檚 arthritis pain and help boost their energy and mobility.