Adequan Canine for Dogs (Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan)

PetMD’s medications content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer your most common questions about how medications function, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content shouldn’t take the place of advice by your vet. 

What Is Adequan Canine Used for in Dogs?

Adequan Canine is an injectable veterinary medication prescribed for dogs with non-inflammatory arthritis.  

Adequan Canine is an FDA-approved, disease-modifying osteoarthritis (OA) drug for dogs because it proactively treats the disease and not just its symptoms. 

Adequan Canine treats cartilage loss in joints and may also help improve joint lubrication, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the activity of cartilage building blocks to help your dog maintain mobility and comfort.  

Adequan Canine works best when used proactively to prevent osteoarthritis from worsening. 

OA is a chronic, painful disease of the joints that causes limping, stiffness, and slowing down, affecting dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. There are no age or breed restrictions for Adequan.   

How Adequan Canine Works in Dogs

The active ingredient in Adequan Canine is polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG).  

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are naturally produced by the body and are critical components in the growth of cartilage. Like the GAGs already present in your dog’s cartilage, Adequan Canine may help fortify the cartilage and maintain joint health in three main ways: 

1. Binds to other GAGs in the joint cartilage to help prevent them from continuing to degrade. This helps prevent arthritis from worsening. 

2. Blocks the release of enzymes that can degrade the cartilage in the joint. Adequan Canine can also block some of the naturally occurring chemicals that cause inflammation in the joint.  

3. Stimulates the activity of existing collagen in the joint and improves the quality of joint fluid.  

GAGs are also located in other parts of the body such as the lining of the urinary bladder. 

Adequan Canine for Dogs Directions

Adequan Canine is commonly administered by your veterinarian in an office or hospital setting. 

In consultation with your veterinarian—and if comfortable giving intramuscular injections to your pet—be sure to discuss how to properly inject Adequan Canine before starting the medication. Reading the drug label can provide helpful information.  

Adequan Canine is an injectable medication that is approved for injection into the muscle twice weekly for up to four weeks (maximum of eight injections), according to your veterinarian’s recommendations. This treatment protocol may be repeated as needed when signs of OA reoccur.  

Adequan Canine is approved for injection into your dog’s muscle. The most frequently used major muscle groups for injection include:  

• Front of the thigh (quadriceps) 

• Lower back (lumbar) 

• Back of the front leg (triceps) 

• Back of the thigh (hamstring)  

There are important nerves and other structures near all these locations, so it’s vital you receive training from your veterinarian before performing any injections into your dog’s muscles. 

Here are some tips for administering Adequan Canine to dogs: 

• When drawing up each dose from the vial, try to keep the vial and the syringe/needle as clean as possible to lower the risk of bacterial infection at the injection site. 

• Clean and disinfect the stopper of the Adequan Canine vial before each use. 

• Use only sterile needles and properly discard the needle after each use. 

• Needles should only be used once; do not reuse needles. 

• The vial stopper may be punctured a maximum of 10 times. 

• Use within 28 days of first puncture. 

• Do not mix Adequan Canine with other drugs or solvents. 

Missed a Dose?  

Speak with your veterinarian about what to do if you forget to give a dose of Adequan. Generally, they may instruct you to give it when you remember and resume your normal dosing schedule.  

Do not give extra or double doses.   

Possible Side Effects of Adequan Canine in Dogs

Side effects are rare but possible. In clinical trials, the following side effects studied were generally mild, and all pets were able to continue with their treatment: 

• Transient pain at the injection site 

• Transient diarrhea 

• Vomiting 

• Anorexia 

If the following symptoms occur, please contact your veterinarian immediately: 

• Pain, swelling, or hematoma (a blood blister or deep bruise) at the injection site that may be due to an infection  

• Decreased blood clotting that may cause:  

• Nose bleeds 

• Gastrointestinal bleeding (can cause bloody, dark coffee ground stool)  

• Vomiting 

Adequan Canine can have negative consequences on pets with known liver disease or kidney disease or if an overdose is administered. In healthy pets, its effect on the liver and kidneys is generally considered safe. 

Adequan Canine should not be used in dogs who are hypersensitive to it or who have a known or suspected bleeding disorder.  

Studies have not yet been performed on the safe use of Adequan Canine in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs at the time of this publication. 

In some cases, death has been reported. 

Human Side Effects  

If you accidentally ingest or inject yourself with this medication, contact your physician immediately and call the Poison Control hotline at 800-222-1222.  

Monitoring Your Pet 

No specific monitoring is required for this medication, but your veterinarian may recommend routine testing depending on your dog's individual needs.  

When To Call Your Vet  

Call your veterinarian if any of the following apply: 

• Severe side effects are seen (see above) 

• Your dog’s condition worsens or does not improve with treatment  

• You see or suspect an overdose  

• You have additional questions or concerns about the use of Adequan 

• Improper or accidental intramuscular administration of the drug occurred and resulted in harm 

Adequan Canine Overdose Concerns in Dogs

Pain, swelling, or hematoma formation at the site of injection is possible with an overdose of Adequan.  

An overdose can also cause low platelet counts which would increase blood clotting time. This may present as:  

• Nose bleeds 

• Gastrointestinal bleeding (which can cause bloody stool, dark coffee ground stool)  

• Vomiting 

Liver and kidney damage are also possible side effects of an overdose.   

If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply.  

• Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661  

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435  

How To Store Adequan Canine for Dogs

Keep the following storage tips in mind:  

• Adequan Canine should be stored at controlled room temperatures between 68–77 F (20–25 C). Brief exposure to temperatures between 59–86 F (15–30 C) are acceptable.  

• Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures greater than 104 F (40 C).  

• Properly dispose of used needles in accordance with all federal, state, and local environmental laws.   

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.