German Shepherds, or GSDs as they are often called, which is short for German Shepherd Dogs, are one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world. Known for their loyalty, intelligence, and courage, they are a favorite of law enforcement and families alike. However, these large, active dogs are also prone to joint problems as they age, which can greatly impact their quality of life. That's why many veterinarians recommend adding glucosamine to their diet. Glucosamine is a natural supplement that can help protect and repair joint cartilage, reducing the risk of arthritis and other joint-related issues. In this blog, we'll explore the best glucosamine for German Shepherds and how it can help keep them healthy and active for years to come.
GSDs of Yesterday and Today
German Shepherds were originally bred in Germany in the late 19th century. They were developed for herding sheep and protecting flocks from predators. The breed's founder, Captain Max von Stephanitz, aimed to create the ideal working dog that combined beauty and intelligence with a strong work ethic.
Today, German Shepherds are used for various purposes, including police work, search and rescue, military service, and as loyal companions for families. They excel in performance sports such as agility, obedience, and tracking due to their eagerness to learn and please their handlers.
German Shepherds have a distinct appearance, with a strong, muscular build, a straight back, and a thick double coat that can range in color from black and tan to sable or all black. They have a noble head with a long muzzle, erect ears, and dark, intelligent eyes.
Socialization and proper training are essential for German Shepherds from a young age, as they can develop behavioral issues if not given adequate mental and physical stimulation. They are protective of their families and may be wary of strangers, making them excellent guard dogs.
Despite their many positive qualities, German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, arthritis in dogs and degenerative myelopathy. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventative care, such as joint supplements, can help ensure a long, healthy, mobile life for this breed.
Find out more about German Shepherd dogs (GSD) at our blog all about Why We Love German Shepherd Dogs!
Glucosamine for German Shepherds
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound that plays a vital role in the health and maintenance of joints, cartilage, and connective tissues. It is an amino sugar derived from glucose and the amino acid glutamine. Glucosamine is one of the major building block of cartilage, which helps provide cushioning and support for our dog's joints.
Just as in humans, as our dogs age or undergo physical stress, the production of glucosamine tends to decrease, leading to the degeneration of cartilage and increased joint pain. This is where the best glucosamine joint supplements for German Shepherds come into play, as they can help compensate for this decline in natural glucosamine production. These supplements are often sourced from shellfish exoskeletons or produced synthetically.
Glucosamine supplements are commonly used to alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs. It can reduce inflammation, improve joint mobility, and slow the progression of the disease. It is often combined with other natural substances, such as chondroitin and green-lipped mussel, to enhance its effects.
To find the best glucosamine supplement for your German Shepherd, follow these steps:
- Consult your veterinarian: Before starting any supplement regimen for your pet, consult with your veterinarian. They can provide guidance on appropriate dosages and recommend brands or products with the best track record for safety and efficacy.
- Choose a reputable brand: Look for brands that have a good reputation for quality and manufacturing practices. Check for independent lab certifications or testing, customer reviews, and recommendations from other German Shepherd owners or pet experts.
- Read the label carefully: Ensure that the glucosamine supplement contains the right amount of glucosamine for the size and weight of your dog. Also, look for supplements that include other joint-supporting ingredients like chondroitin and green-lipped mussel.
- Opt for a suitable form: Glucosamine supplements for dogs come in various forms, such as chewable tablets, soft chews, liquid, or powder. Choose a form that your dog is likely to accept and consume easily.
- Monitor your dog's response: After starting your German Shepherd on a glucosamine supplement, observe their progress over time. Keep an eye out for any improvements in their mobility, energy level, and overall joint health. If you don't see positive results, discuss alternative options with your veterinarian.
How much glucosamine does a German Shepherd need?
As mentioned earlier, glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance that helps to keep joints healthy. Glucosamine is important for big dogs like German Shepherds because they are more prone to joint problems such as arthritis. Joint diseases that are inherited, such as hip or elbow dysplasia are more prevalent in big dog breeds. Glucosamine can help to reduce pain and inflammation, and it can also help to improve joint function.
Glucosamine for German Shepherd dogs can help protect your dog's joints from the painful signs of these joint diseases. While it cannot reverse the problem, it can help your dog's joints from deteriorating more rapidly than they would without it.
Since Glucosamine is an all-natural supplement, you can give Glucosamine to German Shepherd puppies. All-natural joint supplements with strong levels of proven ingredients, like Glyde™ Mobility Chews, can be given to your German Shepherd puppy or dog for the duration of their life.
Here is a guideline based on the weight of your dog to determine how much glucosamine a German Shepherd needs:
- The average size for an adult male GSD is around 24 to 26 inches tall and weighs between 85-105 pounds.
- The average size for a female GSD is about 20 to 22 inches tall and weighs from 60 to 80 pounds.
- Based on these weights, the amount of glucosamine a male German Shepherd needs per day is 1800 mg.
- The amount of glucosamine a female German Shepherd dog needs per day is 1200 mg.
When you consider adding a joint supplement for your dog, Glyde Mobility Chews is an excellent source of glucosamine because there is 600 mg of glucosamine per chew. Based on the weight chart above, or the average weight listed in the bullets, consider when you use Glyde Mobility Chews, you can add 3 chews per day for your male German Shepherd, and 2 chews per day for your female German Shepherd and get the right amounts of glucosamine to keep your dog happy, healthy and active.
How old should your German Shepherd Dog be when you begin adding glucosamine to their diet? Because of the size and activity of the GSD, it is a breed that is recommended to begin adding glucosamine at age 1. The great thing about adding all-natural glucosamine, such as in Glyde Mobility Chews for dogs, is that your German Shepherd can take it for the duration of their life with no side effects or negative impact on their health. Unlike taking NSAIDs for years, which can have a negative impact on liver function, and other organs, if taken for a long period of time.
There are now a few dog foods on the market that offer glucosamine as an ingredient in their food. In those foods, there is not enough glucosamine in dog food ingredients to get the proper amount for your German Shepherd. The best way to get glucosamine is to add it with a joint supplement, like Glyde Mobility Chews.
Glyde Mobility Chews Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs
Parnell Living Science created a unique formula with key anti-inflammatory ingredients to combat the signs of aging. The result is the best joint supplement for dogs: Glyde Mobility Chews. We use all-natural, gluten-free ingredients to promote healthy joints to let your dog do everything he or she loves to do! Glyde is the only nutraceutical that contains proven levels of three key components that work to relieve the painful signs of arthritis.
Glyde uses all-natural ingredients to promote healthy joints that let your GSD do everything he or she loves to do. Glyde is the only APVMA-registered nutraceutical that contains a proven level of three key components that work to relieve the painful signs of arthritis. They are:
- New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel (GLM) (760 mg per chew): Works as a powerful anti-inflammatory.
- Glucosamine (600 mg per chew): Reduces cartilage degradation
- Chondroitin Sulfate (300 mg per chew): Helps rebuild cartilage
Here's what we heard recently from a GSD pet parent!
Heidi said in her testimonial (image above), submitted on August 13, 2022:
"We have a 10-year-old Shepherd Mix who started to show back issues over the past 12 months. She had problems jumping into the back of our SUV, and often clearly looked like she was in pain. About 5 months ago, instead of starting her on pain meds, we decided to give [Glyde Mobility Chews] a try. We followed directions for administration (first 3/day, now 1/day), dropped our ball-chasing routine, and she really got much better! No signs of limping, and she's jumping into our car even after a strenuous hike. They smell disgustingly fishy, but the dog loves them!"
- Heidi on August 13
We know your German Shepherd is not like most dogs. They are part of your family! Be sure to get the best joint supplement for German Shepherds: Glyde Mobility Chews for Dogs!
