Home/Medicines/Glucosamine Hydrochloride
All medicines

Glucosamine Hydrochloride

Chondroprotective Nutraceutical
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Amino monosaccharide that serves as a substrate for glycosaminoglycan and proteoglycan synthesis in cartilage matrix. May inhibit cartilage-degrading enzymes and reduce inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α). Evidence for clinical benefit in OA is mixed but widely used.

At a glance

Class
Chondroprotective Nutraceutical
Schedule
OTC
Storage
Store in cool, dry place below 25°C; protect from moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Most commonly combined with chondroitin sulfate and/or ASU (avocado-soybean unsa
Dose
Route
PO
Frequency
q12–24h
🐈

Cat

Used for feline OA management
Dose
125–250 mg
Route
PO
Frequency
q24h
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 3

Strength
Strength
Strength

Storage

Store in cool, dry place below 25°C; protect from moisture

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Lameness/pain scores at 6–8 weeksBlood glucose in diabetic patients
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

Other markets

Cosequin
Dasuquin
Synovi G3

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Glucosamine Hydrochloride?
Glucosamine Hydrochloride is a chondroprotective nutraceutical used in pets. Amino monosaccharide that serves as a substrate for glycosaminoglycan and proteoglycan synthesis in cartilage matrix. May inhibit cartilage-degrading enzymes and reduce inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α). Evidence for clinical benefit in OA is mixed but widely used.
What is Glucosamine Hydrochloride used for in pets?
Glucosamine Hydrochloride is used in veterinary medicine for: Most commonly combined with chondroitin sulfate and/or ASU (avocado-soybean unsa; Used for feline OA management.
What is the Glucosamine Hydrochloride dose for dogs?
For dogs, Glucosamine Hydrochloride is typically dosed as follows — Most commonly combined with chondroitin sulfate and/or ASU (avocado-soybean unsa: undefined undefined PO q12–24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Glucosamine Hydrochloride dose for cats?
For cats, Glucosamine Hydrochloride is typically dosed as follows — Used for feline OA management: 125–250 mg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Glucosamine Hydrochloride need a prescription?
Glucosamine Hydrochloride is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database
Need help? 💬
Chat with us on WhatsApp