Glocosamine dosage? UPDATE

Honestly -- **before** she does that she really should vet the dog to be sure there isn't something ELSE going on underneath.  It's all to easy for people to buy time looking for an improvement that may or may not be there and meanwhile a sick dog can become much sicker?

Not nagging you -- but it would be the first thing *I* would say.

Glucosamine is simply a hydrator.  That means it helps any remaining connective tissue hold more moisture so it cushions better.  In that way it relieves pain.

 Chondroitin is similar but it also acts as a mild anti-inflammatory.

I'd give the adult human dose of both if I were giving them.

 Honestly, even with a lifetime of arthritis *I* don't use either!!  They only work IF IF IF there is connective tissue left.  Dogs are stoic -- so the degree of damage from the inflammation of arthritis is likely far far worse because dogs will tough it out and not "show" pain until it is absolutely fierce.

There is a product here called "Knox Nutra Joint" -- it's simply gelatin (like in Jello but no sugar) with some added calcium -- you can do the same thing by giving plain gelatin with a bit of extra calcium.  It actually helps the body re-build cartilage so it's a far more permanent solution -- not just a pain killer or temporary "hydrator".  With g/c when you stop giving them they stop helping.

If the dog has simply **suddenly** starting showing these signs -- frankly THAT is the best signal to go to a vet.  Because arthritis doesn't begin suddenly at all. 

All NSAIDs actually cause stomach bleeding and are hard on the liver.  There are times when you *gotta* use them to get that inflammation reduced to a tolerable level. 

I have a whole article I've done on arthritis -- if you want to email me I'm happy to send it to you for her.  (Not a PM -- I'd have to attach it -- it's a word document).  But you can minimize how much NSAID you do have to use by adding a mild relaxant or by using topicals (like an essential oil blend that's anti-inflammatory).  The topicals work WELL on dogs -- incredibly well, in fact.  Not greasy either -- but they bring almost immediate relief.

 Thanks Callie. I will pass it along.

Denise, I'd second the vet recommendation. Noticeably subdued for five days just doesn't fit with arthritis unless there was higher than normal activity right before to cause a flare us. There are so many things that it could be, but I just wanted to ask if she's been tested for Lyme? That could cause more sudden joint pain. She really needs to get the dog checked out. If it is arthritis after that, I love GlycoFLex III and Knox Nutra Joint as a combo.

I have used glucosamine very successfully I adopted a rottie that could barely walk I put her on 1500 at first and did not see many results so I doubled it and she was up and running up hills in a month of using it. She was 7 when I adopted her she lived to be 12 and never had any more problems with her hips . I used the Trader Joes chewable. Glucosamine is something we all manufacture in our bodies as we age it diminishes. It is the stuff that keeps our joints lubricated. A lot of dog food companies are adding it to the food. This is not something that will hurt your dog like the drugs that the vets will prescribe. I think they come in 500 I would start with 1000 and after 2 weeks if she does not see a difference go to 1500 that is morning and night

 Thanks everyone. I got an email today with a bit of an update.

Hey Denise, 

 

Hi Denise...I wanted to chime in here too, because I have been a long time fan of Glucosomine for my dogs.  Buddy (now 11, 125 pounds) has been on a regimine of Gluco since he was about 4 years old.  I firmly believe it has helped him as he ages.  I started him on it early because he is such a tank; and the possibility of joint issues were inevitable IMO.  I've used this Gluco product on other dogs as well...but typically as they get a bit older than when Buddy started on it.  I currently do not give it to the other dogs (ages, 3 and 2)...but I'm sure I will in a few years.

He gets a product for humans...in a liquid form...and gets 2 teaspoons at each meal (twice a day).

• 2000MG Glucosomine
• 1200 MG Chondroitin
• 200 IU Vitamin D
• 500 MG MSM

I know folks really enjoy the Knox product too....for both humans and dogs.  But, for me...the above is the preference. 

Best of luck to Calli!

CoBuHe

He gets a product for humans...in a liquid form...and gets 2 teaspoons at each meal (twice a day).

• 2000MG Glucosomine
• 1200 MG Chondroitin
• 200 IU Vitamin D
• 500 MG MSM

I know folks really enjoy the Knox product too....for both humans and dogs.  But, for me...the above is the preference. 

They wouldn't be muturally exclusive.  Glucosamine is a hydrator.  Chondroitin is but is also an anti-inflammatory.  MSM is a biological sulphur. 

The Knox NutraJOint is entirely different -- it's bovine cartilage and calcium (and a few other nutrients).  These literally re-build cartilage.  The G/C product you're talkinga baout is a supplement that simply helps keep the cartilage that's there in good condition and keeps it hydrated & flexible.  If the cartilage IS healthy it's going to last longer. 

You could use both with no problem.

 I haven't posted anything here for a long time now but I have a question. My dog, Amelia, has developed fast progressing arthritis.  She takes the above mentioned Glocosamine products.  1500 mg a day.  Plus fish oil 3 tbs a day.  My problem is she seems to still be getting worse. The vet said at this rate she may only last another 3 years or so.  She is only 5 1/2 y/o.  I can't afford any other prescribed products right now and not sure they will work.

 

She still has a lot of play in her and seems to want to play a good bit but she is having problems moving around and I hate seeing her in pain.  any help would be greatly appreciated.

If she is in a lot of pain, talk to your vet about putting her on an anti-inflammatory medication; it helps.  My Buddy is on a regimine of Prevacox as well as the Glucosomine product I mentioned in this thread.  There are things you can do to help manage the pain and discomfort.  If you've been around this board for a while, you've read Callie's information on Arthritis and some of the things that can be done to help manage her comfort level. 

Aside from meds and the Glucosomine products, massage can help...you can do this yourself.  And, although I've not done it, accupuncture treatments have helped many a dog get relief from the pain; although I understand there may not be extra funds.

Its hard watching our dogs live with arthritis; but maintaining quality of life and keeping them as comfortable as possible is what we strive to do.

Stay strong...give her lots of lovin; and give her a few pet pets from me.

 Thank you very much.

If you will **email me** (NOT a pm -- I have to send you a separate document in Word) I will send you my article on arthritis.

I'm going to tell you to go SUPER minimal on anti-inflammatories.  There ARE other ways.  In particular you want to use a relaxant along with any NSAID you do use -- because when you hurt you tense up and then bone rubs on bone BIG time.  So just a little relaxant can do a ton to help any nsaid you use to do MORE than it would otherwise.

However -- the first thing I'd suggest is KNox NutraJoint.

Knox (that word is a link)

About 10 years ago I was walking with two canes every where I went.  (I've had rheumatoid arthritis my whole life pretty much). A co-worker told me about the Knox -- we were poor as the proverbial church mouse at the time and I figured I could afford $10 every couple of weeks (you use half that dose on a dog generally)

She warned me it took about 3 months to kick in so 'be patient'.  No problem -- I put a scoop in my morning coffee and just forgot to stress over it.  3 months is a long time and I knew if I tried to obsess about it I'd make myself nuts.

One day about 2 1/2 months later I got up  and went into the bathroom ... and ...

 I FORGOT THE CANES!!!  Yep -- I just got up and walked across the floor-- WHOA!!! 

Talk about stellar???

It actually rebuilds cartilage.  Glucosamine/chondroitin DO NOT.  If you stop taking them they stop helping. BUT they *only* help if you still have cartilage IN that joint anyway -- and if the arthritis is already severe -- that may be why it's not helping much.

And g/c is pricey.  Knox isnt'.  Find NutraJoint in the Jello aisle of the grocery store.  (Call your store first to see if they carry it).

Walgreens and Wal=-Mart usually Do carry it.

Dont' bother with the expensive pills or the versions of NJ that add glucosamine -- frankly *I* don't see that they help.  A cannister of the NJ is about $9 or so -- that will last most dogs a month.  (if it's a small dog -- then use 1/3 or a bit less in the food).

Just dump it in the food -- it's kinda milky tasting and most dogs like it.

Holler if I can help you more.  Callie

I'd also like to add that because I do go the anti inflammatory route with my dogs who have acute arthritis...their blood levels are checked regularly to monitor their liver and kidneys.  It wouldn't hurt to have a (senior) baseline blood panel done on her so that vet has a place to start as time goes on. 

I was just reading and old article in the June 2003 whole dog journal that talks a lot about the side affects off the NSAID drugs and that they are supposed to be used for a short time. You are supposed to get a complete blood profile done once a month as long as the dog is on the drug. There are many side affects but the one we all do not want to see is death, witch is quite high according to the study. I was afraid to use it on my Rottie because my friend had a dog on it and it burned through her stomach lining. I know that is only one case but I just doubled the glucosamine mine was taking from 1500 morning and night to 3000 and that seemed to do the trick. The important thing is to be aware of all of the side affects and know what to look for and stop the meds if you even suspect a problem. That is the most reported problem that the meds were not stopped in time. Read the inserts the vets dont always stress this enough. The article says you should research the alternative drugs first and give them a chance to work before giving NSAIDS. If your dog is in such pain that the other option is euthanasia than by all means try the medication.

 I have to completely agree about the NSAIDs. My personal experience and experience of people I know is a clear indication that NSAIDS should be the LAST resort, and definitely not the first.

 There are many other options that are safe and can be at least as effective. In fact, a friend just started acupuncture for his dog and improvements are apparent already. We tried most of the things, including stem cell therapy, which I think can simply work miracles. Acupuncture, acupressure, laser therapy, hydrotherapy ... you name it.

 http://dawgbusiness.blogspot.com/2010/01/talk-to-me-about-arthritis.html

http://dawgbusiness.blogspot.com/2010/01/friends-or-foes-nsaids.html