How much glucosamine for a limping dog due to osteoarthritis?

Question:
I’m the owner of a five year old Golden Retriever. Occasionally she limps on one of her front legs. After taking a few steps she walks normal again. I also walk about 2 to 3 hours a day (about a dozen kilometres).

The vet says it could be osteoarthritis and recommends glucosamine (no harm, no foul). Opinions about effectiveness often differ. My understanding is that a 1,500 mg dosage is for adult humans. My dog weighs 28 kg, so what would the proper dosage be? Could an excess be harmful?

Some websites talk about a scoop of 4 grams per day! And only the sulfate variant would work, is it regarding this form? How about combining it with chondroitin?

Answer:
We sell the glucosamine in sulfate form. Glucosamine sulfate works very well for most dogs. Within a few months you’ll notice whether this works or not because the stiffness of your dog will disappear if it does work.

Our experience is that for a dog of about 28 kg it is usually sufficient to give 1 glucosamine sulfate capsule per day. This may be increased to 2 capsules. However, at this stage one capsule is probably sufficient.

Chondroitin may be combined. It especially helps to slow down the progress of cartilage wear. Glucosamine does this as well, but the combination works better in this case. Flexibility and pain don’t seem to improve much with chondroitin (as determined in humans). One chondroitin capsule a day is sufficient.