Glucosamine/Chondroitin for Dogs and Cats

Medically Reviewed by Joshua Conrad, PharmD on October 08, 2024
Written by Kathleen Claussen, DVM
4 min read

Glucosamine/chondroitin (Cosequin, Dasuquin, Glycoflex, Phycox) is a dietary supplement you can give your dog or cat to help treat osteoarthritis. It’s also used to treat feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). You can buy glucosamine and chondroitin separately, but they’re usually sold and used together. 

Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural parts of healthy cartilage, the connective tissues that cover and cushion the tips of long bones. The supplements are usually made from the cartilage of sea mollusks, sharks, cows, pigs, and chickens, though some are made in labs.

Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and helps your pet’s joints make cartilage, while chondroitin prevents their cartilage from breaking down and also helps their body produce more cartilage. 

You don’t need a prescription from your vet for glucosamine/chondroitin because it’s a supplement, which means it enhances your pet’s diet with things like vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. Because supplements like glucosamine/chondroitin are considered dietary, the FDA regulates them as a food, not as medicine. 

It’s best to talk to your vet before you give your pet glucosamine/chondroitin. There are many types available, and some are better than others. You can get supplements for your pet from your veterinarian or from most pet stores. 

Glucosamine/chondroitin comes in oral tablets and capsules, chewable tablets, or powder you can add to food. You might also find oral liquids. 

You can give your pet glucosamine/chondroitin supplements with or without food. But if your pet vomits when you give it to them on an empty stomach, give them the supplement with a small amount of food or treats. 

It can take between two and six weeks for you to see how well glucosamine/chondroitin will help your pet, but they should start having some improvement in a few days. Glucosamine/chondroitin is usually given at a higher dose for the first four to six weeks of treatment, then decreased to a lower dose for long-term treatment. Talk to your vet to see what’s best for your pet.

Always follow your veterinarian’s directions for giving medicines to animals. Tell them about any other medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies that you’re giving your pet. Talk to your veterinarian before stopping any pet medicines.

There are several benefits of glucosamine/chondroitin: 

  • Most cats and dogs don’t have side effects from taking it.
  • Giving it with an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) is helpful.
  • You can get it without a prescription.

There are usually no routine blood tests that your pet needs before starting glucosamine/chondroitin, but you should monitor your pet to see if their pain improves, as well as for side effects of the medicine. 

Glucosamine/chondroitin generally doesn’t cause problems for cats or dogs, but some may have side effects. They’re usually mild and include gas and soft poop. 

Don’t give your pet glucosamine/chondroitin if they’re allergic to it or to shellfish or mollusks. And be careful giving it to your pet if they have asthma or trouble breathing. Some supplements are high in potassium, so talk to your veterinarian before giving your pet glucosamine/chondroitin if they’re on a low-potassium diet.

If you think your pet is having a serious side effect, call your veterinary clinic right away. If it is outside of regular office hours, contact a local emergency veterinary hospital or an animal poison control center. Note that fees may apply for emergency consultation.

You can reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.

Using multiple medicines can sometimes change how your pet’s medicines work or increase their risk of serious side effects. Always tell your veterinarian about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements your pet takes.

Before giving glucosamine/chondroitin to your pet, talk to your vet if they take: 

Anticoagulants. These medicines, like heparin, rivaroxaban, and warfarin, prevent blood clots from forming. But if your pet takes them with glucosamine/chondroitin, they can be at risk of stomach and intestinal bleeding. Talk to your vet about what to look for in your pet for signs of bleeding.

Diabetes medicines. Diabetes medicines like glipizide, insulin, and metformin prevent your pet’s blood sugar from getting too high. But they may not work as well if your pet takes them with glucosamine/chondroitin, putting your pet at an increased risk of higher blood sugars. Talk to your vet about the risks and signs to look for. 

Doxorubicin. Doxorubicin treats cancer in small animals, but it may be less effective if your pet takes it with glucosamine/chondroitin. Talk to your vet about the potential interaction before starting them on glucosamine/chondroitin.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with glucosamine/chondroitin. Talk to your veterinarian about any medication changes.

Keep glucosamine/chondroitin out of the reach of children. Wash your hands after giving glucosamine/chondroitin to your pet, and don’t handle it if you’re allergic.

If you think your pet has taken too much glucosamine/chondroitin, call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic right away.

If you missed giving your pet their dose of glucosamine/chondroitin, give it as soon as you remember and then continue with the next dose as normal. If it’s closer to the next dose, skip the one you missed and give the normal dose. Don’t double it. 

Store glucosamine/chondroitin at room temperature, and protect it from moisture and light.