Frequently Asked Questions about Dasuquin
What is Dasuquin and how does it work?
Dasuquin is a line of joint supplements for dogs and cats that is made with a patented, scientifically researched formula. Dasuquin is the number one joint health brand recommended by veterinarians. These products are made with glucosamine, chondroitin, and ASU (avocado/soybean unsaponifiables)--three ingredients that work together to support and maintain joint health and prevent cartilage breakdown.
Why should I use Dasuquin in my pet?
Your pet's joints become less flexible and cartilage may break down as they age. This may affect their mobility, capacity for play and exercise, and their overall quality of life. Dasuquin is a nutritional supplement that helps restore cartilage and joint function to help older pets stay active. It also helps pets with arthritis, overweight animals, working breeds, and healthy animals that show an early need for joint support. However, be sure to consult with your veterinarian before starting your pet on Dasuquin or any other type of supplement.
How should Dasuquin be used?
Dasuquin can be given for life, and many times this is necessary, because there is no cure for arthritis and other degenerative joint diseases. Dasuquin is usually given daily as a treat or mixed in with your pet's food. If your pet needs additional joint support, Dasuquin is also available with added MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) which may help ease joint pain and inflammation.
What are the side effects?
Nutramax Labs does not report any major side effects associated with Dasuquin and Dasuquin with MSM. Some animals may expereience mild stomach upset and diarrhea similar to what may occur when you switch pet food brands. Giving them Dasuquin with a meal may reduce the chances of this occurring.
Does Dasuquin increase saliva production in dogs?
The manufacturer does not list an increase in salivation as a potential side effect of Dasuquin. You should discuss this with your veterinarian.
What should I do if a side effect occurs?
Discontinue use if lameness worsens and contact your veterinarian. If you know of or suspect an overdose in your pet, seek immediate emergency veterinary care.
Do I need a prescription for Dasuquin?
All Dasuquin products are over-the-counter supplements, not drugs. They do not require a prescription.
What are the differences between Dasuquin products?
Dasuquin for Dogs is available with or without MSM (a substance) in two sizes for either large dogs over 61 lbs. or small dogs weighing 60 lbs. or less. These products are available as liver-flavored chewable tablets or liver-flavored soft chews. Dasuquin for Cats is available in tuna and chicken-flavored sprinkle capsules.
How long does Dasuquin need to work?
Dasuquin works more gradually than prescription pain relievers due to its nature as a nutritional supplement. Most Dasuquin products have a recommended initial period of 4 to 6 weeks, after which pets usually show improvements. Some pets will respond quicker to Dasuquin, and some may show dramatic improvements in a shorter period of time.
Is Dasuquin better than other joint support supplements?
The manufacturer claims that Dasuquin is superior to other similar products because Dasuquin is made with high purity glucosamine and low molecular weight chondroitin. These factors make it easier for your pets' digestive systems to absorb Dasuquin. Also this brand features proprietary ASU, which works synergistically with glucosamine and chondroitin, increasing their effectiveness. Nutramax also manufactures Dasuquin under strict quality control standards like those employed by the pharmaceutical industry.
Can I give my dog a joint supplement labeled for human use?
Many human joint supplements use substandard glucosamine and chondroitin. However, Dasuquin is designed for pets, so the levels of active ingredients are calibrated for animal use. Also, Dasuquin is flavored specifically to be palatable to pets. Thanks to Dasuquin's strict manufacturing guidelines, each tablet or soft chew contains exactly what is stated on the bottle. These ingredients have been shown to be safe in pets.
Do I still need to give my pet Dasuquin if their dry pet food contains glucosamine and chondroitin?
Most likely you would still need to give your pet Dasuquin if you want to make sure their joints are properly supported, even if their current food contains glucosamine and/or chondroitin. The qualities and amounts included in commercial pet foods are often inferior to those used in Dasuquin. To get the same daily amounts, your pet would need to consume more than their recommended allotment of calories.
Can Cosequin and Dasuquin be used together?
Both Cosequin and Dasuquin are excellent joint supplements, but they should not be used together.
My pet won't accept Dasuquin Chewable Tablets. What should I do?
If your pet won't accept the chewable tablets, there are multiple options you can try. You can crumble up the tablets and mix them in with your pet's wet food or with treats. Another option is to hide the tablets inside Pill Pockets. Dasuquin Soft Chews are also another option; many dogs accept them just like treats.
Can I give my cat or dog Dasuquin even if they're taking an NSAID for joint pain like Rimadyl?
Because Dasuquin is an over-the-counter supplement, it can be given to pets who are already taking NSAIDs like Rimadyl, Carprofen, Previcox, Vetprofen, etc. However, because every pet may react to supplements differently, consult with your veterinarian administering it to your pet if they are already taking a prescription joint pain reliever.
Is Dasuquin mixable with steroids?
Consult with your veterinarian first before starting your pet on Dasuquin or any new supplement regimen if your pet is already taking steroids.
Can I give canine products to my cat or vice versa?
No. Only give Dasuquin to the animals listed on the label and according to your veterinarian's instructions. Formulas for dogs tend to have higher concentrations of active ingredients and would be too much for cats.
Will Dasuquin affect my dog's diabetes?
Pets with diabetes may require extra monitoring of their blood glucose levels while using Dasuquin or other glucosamine-containing supplements. Consult with your veterinarian.
Is there a generic form of Dasuquin?
No. There is no generic equivalent available that has the same proprietary combination of glucosamine, chondroitin, and ASU. However, there are a wide variety of other joint supplements available like Cosequin by Nutramax Labs, Glyco-Flex by Vetri-Science, and S3 by Henry Schein. Each brand has different active ingredients, so you can find one that fits your pet's needs best.
Can I give Dasuquin for life?
Dasuquin is designed for long-term administration at the maintenance level. Unless your veterinarian recommended something else, your pet may benefit from daily joint supplements for life because the ingredients in Dasuquin support cartilage production and help inhibit the enzymes responsible for cartilage breakdown. Dasuquin may also be used as a preventative to help prevent joint deterioration in younger dogs.
Would Dasuquin without MSM be easier on my pet's stomach and kidneys?
Consult with your veterinarian to find out if Dasuquin or Dasuquin MSM is right for your pet, especially if your pet has a serious health condition like renal failure.
Is there an option for senior dogs?
Dasuquin can be given to senior dogs as is.
Would taking Dasuquin cause my pet to drink more water?
Increased thirst is not listed as one of the potential side effects by the manufacturer. If you notice a marked increase in your pet's water intake, talk to your veterinarian.
Is Dasuquin made in China?
No. Dasuquin, Cosequin, and other products by Nutramax Laboratories are manufactured in the United States.