Are Joint Supplements Safe for Dogs? Side Effects and Ingredient Safety

Dog joint supplements can cause side effects, and safety depends on the full formula, serving size, and what else your dog takes. Soft stool or gas can occur with glucosamine and chondroitin products, and MSM can cause stomach upset or diarrhea. Check with your veterinarian if your dog takes medication, has a health condition or is on a restricted diet. ^{[1] [2]}

On this page Side effects · Human products · Chicken allergy · Combining supplements · Accidental extra servings

Can glucosamine or MSM cause diarrhea in dogs?

Yes. Some dogs may develop softer stools, gas or stomach upset after starting a joint product. Flavors and other ingredients may also matter. If your dog develops diarrhea, vomiting or another new symptom after starting one, pause the supplement and call your veterinarian for guidance. Seek emergency care for trouble breathing, facial swelling or collapse. ^{[1] [2]}

Can dogs take human glucosamine or human collagen?

Use a product your veterinarian has checked for your dog. Human tablets, powders and gummies may have different concentrations, added vitamins, sweeteners, or other ingredients. Some human supplements contain xylitol, also called birch sugar, which is toxic to dogs. If you suspect xylitol exposure, call an emergency veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately, even if your dog seems fine. ^{[3] [1] [7]}

Can dogs with chicken allergies take chicken-flavored joint supplements?

Read the full list, including flavor sources. Anivex tablets contain hydrolyzed chicken liver powder. If your dog has a known or suspected chicken allergy or is on a prescribed elimination diet, ask your veterinarian to approve the exact product before giving it. During a food trial, even small amounts from flavored supplements can affect the result. ^[4]

Can I give fish oil, glucosamine and type II collagen together?

A veterinarian can help decide if a combination makes sense. Bring the labels for all products and any joint-support food your dog eats. Two blends may duplicate glucosamine, collagen or minerals, and fish oil has its own precautions. For glucosamine and undenatured type II collagen, ask about the exact formulas and amounts before stacking them or trying a timing schedule you found online. ^{[5] [1] [7]}

Can a dog take joint supplements with arthritis medication?

Ask the veterinarian who prescribed the medication. They can check the exact supplement against your dog’s medication list, medical history and planned procedures. Bring a label photo or the bottle so they can see amounts and all the ingredients. Keep giving prescribed medicine as directed while you discuss any changes. ^{[1] [6] [5]}

Should dog joint tablets be given with food?

Follow the directions for your specific product. The Anivex directions say to give the tablet during or after a meal. You can give the label amount at once or split it between meals. The score line makes it easier to break the tablet in half when the label calls for a half tablet. If your dog is a picky eater, start by offering the label amount with a small portion of their regular food so you can tell whether they ate it. Ask your vet before using a new food for a dog on a restricted diet. ^{[1] [4]}

What if I miss a serving or my dog eats too many joint tablets?

Check the product’s directions or call your vet about a missed serving. Resume the scheduled amount and avoid doubling up. If your dog gets into the bottle or eats more than directed, promptly call your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service. Have the label, your dog’s weight, the amount they may have eaten, and the time ready. ^{[1] [3]}

Keep reading

• Ingredient forms and amounts in dog joint supplements
• When to start and what to expect from a joint supplement
• Browse dog health guides by topic

Sources

1. VCA Animal Hospitals, glucosamine and chondroitin
2. VCA Animal Hospitals, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
3. FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, xylitol toxicity in dogs
4. VCA Animal Hospitals, elimination diet trials in dogs
5. VCA Animal Hospitals, fish oil use and precautions
6. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, joint supplements and orthopedic conditions
7. VCA Animal Hospitals, undenatured type II collagen

For general education. Your veterinarian can recommend a plan for your dog’s health, diet and medications.