Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Adequan for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects & History (Vet Answer)

vet administering medicine to pembroke welsh corgi dog

If your dog has osteoarthritis, your veterinarian may have prescribed a drug called Adequan. Adequan improves the quality of joints, which can increase your dog’s mobility. It circulates throughout the body, benefiting all load-bearing (synovial) joints.

Normally, joints like the hips and knees are capped with cartilage, which acts as a protective cushion against the forces placed on the joint in everyday life. When dogs have osteoarthritis, joint cartilage becomes damaged due to injury or wear and tear, and inflammation and pain develop in the joints.

Older dogs develop osteoarthritis because the cartilage wears with age. Dogs with conditions like hip dysplasia or cranial cruciate ligament injury tend to develop osteoarthritis earlier in life due to abnormal forces on the joint.

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

What Is Adequan?

Adequan is the brand name of an injectable drug called polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, or PSGAG. It’s classified as a “chondroprotective” or cartilage-protecting drug and is used to manage osteoarthritis in dogs.

The exact way Adequan works is unknown, but it has some proven effects that improve joint health.

  • It provides a source of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which make up part of the cartilage structure. These GAGs absorb water to create the soft cushioning effect seen in cartilage.
  • Anti-inflammatory effects on the joint, which minimizes cartilage destruction in arthritis.
  • Increases the production of joint fluid, which further cushions the joint.
  • Inhibits enzymes and other cell signals that degrade cartilage.
  • Anabolic effect on cartilage components like protein, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and proteoglycans.

Adequan comes in a box with two vials. Each vial has 5 ml of liquid containing 100 mg/ml polysulfated glycosaminoglycan. For those administering Adequan at home, these vials should be ideally stored at 68° to 77°F, and you need to avoid prolonged exposure to more extreme temperatures. Once the vial is punctured, it must be used within 28 days and no more than 10 times.

How Is Adequan Given?

Adequan is an injectable medication. The FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) approves it for intramuscular (into the muscle) injection with a veterinarian’s prescription. However, it is technically off-label for veterinarians to give Adequan by subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.

Some veterinarians administer Adequan themselves, but others may allow nurses to do so under their supervision or even instruct owners on administering the injections themselves. You can find the dose of Adequan based on your pet’s weight here.1 As it needs to be prescribed by a vet, you should know how much to give and have been coached on how to give the injection.

A dose of Adequan is typically given twice a week for four weeks. This course may be repeated throughout your dog’s life, as needed. Read through the drug label before administering this medication at home, and carefully follow the veterinary instructions regarding dosing, technique, and sterility.

Did you know you can talk to a vet online? Click on the image or button below to schedule a call: PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1


What Happens if You Miss a Dose?

If you missed an appointment with the vet to administer the next dose of Adequan, call them to reschedule the appointment. They should let you know when the next dose is due and what the treatment plan entails.

If you’re administering Adequan at home, administer the dose when you remember. A day or two late should not make any difference to the effectiveness of this medication; however, being weeks or months late can mean needing to start the course over again.

Once you have administered the dose, call your veterinarian for advice on how to proceed. Depending on your dog’s unique situation, they may recommend giving the next dose in 3-4 days, another time, or restarting the whole course again. Never give your pet a double dose of Adequan to compensate for the missed dose.

vet administering a medicine to jack russell terrier dog
Image by: Reshetnikov_art, Shutterstock

Potential Side Effects of Adequan

Adequan, like any drug, can have side effects. For instance, it’s known for reducing blood clotting. In clinical trials using Adequan on 24 healthy dogs at the recommended dose twice weekly for 4 weeks, side effects were noted after 2.1% of injections.

These effects were mild and resolved, and the dogs were able to continue their Adequan treatments. Signs noted in clinical trials include:

  • Pain at the injection site
  • Diarrhea
  • Abnormal bleeding

With any drug, an allergic or anaphylactic reaction is possible. Thankfully, they are uncommon, and severe cases are rare. If your dog is having an allergic or anaphylactic reaction, you may see signs like:

  • Vomiting
  • Hives
  • Swelling
  • Lethargy
  • Collapse

The FDA has also received reports of vomiting, anorexia, lethargy, and diarrhea post-injection. However, they are unable to verify they were caused by Adequan or estimate how often they occur, as not all cases will be reported to the FDA

Call your veterinarian if you are worried about any signs your pet is showing after Adequan injections. You can report adverse effects or complaints to American Regent Animal Health (1-888-354-4857) or the FDA (1-888-332-8387).

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Other Treatments Are Available For Osteoarthritis?

One of the best ways to manage osteoarthritis is to keep your dog at a healthy body condition score by not overfeeding them. One study found that weight loss alone can improve mobility in obese dogs with osteoarthritis.

Joint supplements help with arthritis by providing cartilage building blocks or anti-inflammatories through nutrition. Adequan can be used with pain-relieving medications like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) or Librela to improve quality of life. Prescription diets can also work to treat arthritis through nutrition.

golden retriever dog lying on the floor at home
Image by: Prostock studio, Shutterstock

How Long Does it Take for Adequan to Start Working?

Adequan reaches the joint around 2 hours after the injection. A noticeable improvement in mobility may be seen after 4 weeks. The best effects are usually seen in milder cases of osteoarthritis since Adequan works best when used as a preventative for joint deterioration.

How Effective Is Adequan?

One study into the effectiveness of Adequan in treating dogs with hip dysplasia did not find any statistically significant difference between dogs treated with Adequan and a placebo, and there is surprisingly little in the way of further evidence regarding its use and effectiveness.

This supports the suggestion that this treatment works best as a preventive therapy or adjunct to additional treatments.

Can Some Dogs Not Have Adequan?

Most dogs can have Adequan, with a few exceptions. Dogs that have previously reacted to Adequan should not be prescribed it. Dogs with joint infections should not have Adequan.

Dogs with blood clotting disorders or on blood-thinning medication should use Adequan cautiously but may be able to do so at the discretion of their vet.

It’s unknown if pregnant and nursing mother dogs can safely have Adequan. It should also be used with caution in dogs with liver and kidney disease at the discretion of their veterinarian.

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

Conclusion

Adequan is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis in dogs, and it needs to be prescribed by a veterinarian. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments like pain relief and nutritional support. Adequan is usually administered by a vet via intramuscular injection. Side effects are relatively uncommon, and most dogs tolerate Adequan well enough to complete the course.


Featured Image Credit: fast-stock, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Is IBD in Dogs Contagious? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a well-known group of issues that can affect the digestive system in humans and canines. The accompanying signs...

Can Vaccines Make Lymph Nodes Swell? Vet-Reviewed Health Facts

The stress level of taking your dog to the vet for their annual shots can depend on the situation and the individual dog....

How Much Do Westies Bark? Read Before You Bring One Home

West Highland White Terriers are some of the most popular dogs, and it’s easy to see why. They are smart and entertaining, but...

Fred’s Reverse Sneezing: Why He Does It & Why I’m Not Worried (with Video)

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred....

More related

9 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Charlotte, NC in 2025 (With Pictures)

Humans have plenty of places to socialize and enjoy, but what about your pups? If you live in or are visiting Charlotte, North...

Trifexis for Dogs: Our Vet Explains the Uses & Efficacy

A TV news report says a common heartworm and flea preventative may be killing dogs -- but it has all the hallmarks of...

White Dachshund: Info, Pictures, Origin & History

You are probably all too familiar with the adorable Dachshund, one of the most popular breeds on the AKC popularity list.1 This spunky,...

ASPCA vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance Comparison 2025: Pros, Cons, & Verdict

Both ASPCA and Nationwide are reputable names in the pet insurance world. They offer comparable plans that can help pet owners save significant...

Keep reading

Solid Gold Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros, Cons, & FAQ

If you are a dog owner, you know that finding the right food for your pet is essential to their health and well-being. Many dog food brands are on the market, but one of the most popular is Solid Gold....

Dogster_Solid Gold Dog Food Review

Loyall Life Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ

Review Summary All dog owners are looking for the best nutrition for their dogs in the food they buy for them. There are so many options available today, some with great nutrition and some without. Loyall Life dog food is...

Dogster_Loyall Life Dog Food Review

9 Best Grain-Free Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Most dog owners want to provide high-quality food for their pets. Providing your dog with optimum levels of nutrition on a daily basis helps keep them happy and healthy, something that everyone wants for their pet. For some dogs, this...

Labrador dog eating

8 Best Dog Foods for Shelties in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Renowned for their intelligence, athleticism, and sweetness, Shetland Sheepdogs—also known as “Shelties”—have qualities in abundance that make them such a hit with dog lovers the world over. Luckily, like many small breeds, Shelties have a long lifespan. Nevertheless, the breed...

Shetland sheepdog eats food from a food bowl

Can Dogs Eat Baking Soda? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Baking soda is a common pantry item, and it can be easy for dogs to get a taste of it if they happen to break in and snoop around your kitchen cabinets. So, is baking soda safe for dogs? Baking...

Can Dogs Eat Baking Soda

9 Best Inexpensive Dog Foods for Large Breeds in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

If there’s one thing that everyone can agree on, it’s the desire to feed our dogs the healthiest food there is. But this isn’t always possible, as high-quality dog food is less than budget-friendly. When it comes to large breeds,...

labrador-retriever-dog-eating

Can Dogs Eat Coleslaw? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Coleslaw is a tasty side dish that typically makes appearances at cookouts and BBQ restaurants. If your dog likes to hang around when you’re cooking or eating, then they may want a taste of the foods on your plate, including...

Can Dogs Eat Coleslaw

How Much Food to Feed a Lab: Feeding Guide & Nutritional Tips

Wouldn’t you love to feed your Labrador dog the best, high-quality food in the exact quantities it needs to thrive? Every dog owner wants this more than anything, yet they can never figure it out. We don’t blame them! Thousands...

labrador retriever eating dog food