FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSQ) Any similarities to the symptoms and restrictions that we humans feel when afflicted by arthritis/osteoarthritis?
A) The pain and stiffness caused by arthritis in dogs are really no different than what we experience as humans. Just like in humans, the weight bearing joints are most symptomatic. Limping, difficulty rising, reluctance to go up and down stairs are classic signs of arthritis in dogs. More subtle signs are a change in personality or sleep patterns.
Q) Do dogs get arthritis faster/earlier than we humans?
A) Dogs age much faster than humans. The result is that they develop arthritis at much younger ages than we do. The large breeds frequently have signs and symptoms of arthritis at age four.
Q) Will your product prevent arthritis/osteoarthritis?
A) No supplement can prevent arthritis. However, supplementation can maintain healthy cartilage longer, repair cartilage, and lubricate joints more effectively. The result is less pain and inflammation of joints as dog’s age.
Q) Can I or should I use heat or ice to reduce swelling in my old pups joints?
A) Unfortunately, ice or heat will provide only temporary relief to joint pains in dogs. In most cases, ice is the most effective but many dogs do not seem to enjoy the experience.
Q) Are there different types of glucosamine? What is best and why?
A) There are two forms of glucosamine available in supplements. They are glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride. The simple fact is that humans much better absorb the sulfate form while the hydrochloride form is better for dogs.
Q) Any toxins from the shells you use for your glucosamine source?
A) There is no scientific evidence that the glucosamine extracted from lobster, crab, or shrimp shells is toxic. There is also no risk of allergic reaction from a shellfish source. A major reason why glucosamine is so popular is that it has a safe reliable relatively inexpensive source from which to draw.
Q) Can my dog get “too much” glucosamine? It seems like it’s in every food they eat!
A) The amount of glucosamine needed to maintain healthy joints is determined by the size (weight) of your dog. The big commercial pet food companies now include small amounts of glucosamine in their products but the amount in not enough to maximize the benefit for dogs with arthritis. The smaller pet food companies do not include glucosamine. The chance of a dog getting “too much” glucosamine is very remote provided you follow instructions.
Q) Cartilage re-growth? Is that possible? What can I do to strengthen my dog’s cartilage? To re-grow destroyed cartilage?
A) The science supporting to the use of glucosamine hydrochloride in dogs is very good, in fact it is the reason we now use it in humans. Does it actually work by promoting cartilage re-growth or by simply repairing and maintaining existing cartilage? That fact is debatable. What is clear is that joint deterioration is significantly slowed when subjects given supplements of glucosamine are compared against test subjects not given supplements.
Q) What about chondroitin?
A) Chondroitin is an amino sugar similar to glucosamine. It is often given in addition to glucosamine because it is also a glycosaminoglycan found in cartilage. The belief is that the addition of chondroitin helps lubricate the joint. The problem is that there is no scientific validation as to how much chondroitin to use or its efficacy re dogs. Secondly, most chondroitin used in supplements comes from cartilage obtained from dead cattle (trachea) in China. The possibility of contamination is a concern. Lastly, a UK study has shown chondroitin present in the biopsies of dogs with mammalary cancer. All these factors made it difficult to include in any of our formulas.
Q) MSM seems to be a popular ingredient as well. Why don’t you include it??
A) MSM, methylsulfonylmethane, is another ingredient found in many arthritis supplements in dogs. MSM is an organic sulfur with anti-inflammatory properties. The data promoting the use of MSM came from studies on DSMO in humans. There are no validating studies showing its efficacy with dogs. Omega-3’s are a much more beneficial way to provide an anti-inflammatory agent in joint supplements.
Q) Is there an RDA for certain minerals for dogs?
A) There are twelve minerals essential for dogs. The National Academy of Science has recently published a new text that lists the mineral requirements.
Q) I keep hearing great things about fish oil…will it help my dog’s joints, too?
A) Fish Oil is a great source of omega-3s. These omega-3s have powerful anti-inflammatory effects on the body. They also have protective benefits on the eyes, heart, and brain. Their anti-inflammatory effect on the arthritic joint promotes both pain relief and improved range of motion.
Q) I know that Vitamin E is great for me. but for my dog? My cat?
A) The key to supplementing vitamin E in dogs and cats is the antioxidant benefits.
Q) I see you have both Vitamin C and Vitamin A in this product. Wasn’t there some negative press surrounding giving those vitamins to dogs? I mean, just because some human tests have been done to show their great properties what about tests on pets?
A) There are issues about vitamin C and vitamin A supplements in dogs. Dogs have the ability to produce their own vitamin C. For this reason, some people are strongly against giving supplemental vitamin C to dogs for any reason. Vitamin C is a vital nutrient in bone and cartilage metabolism and there is evidence that older dogs do not produce enough to meet the effects of aging. The issue with vitamin A is toxicity. Vitamin A is one of the nutrients that can accumulate in the body and cause problems. It is also a nutrient necessary for healthy eyes, muscle and nerve health. It is important to take vitamin A in the proper amounts.
Q) What does nerve and muscle health/stability have to do with joint health?
A) The main cause of arthritis is the deterioration of the cartilage that lines the joints. This is a result of the continuous use and stress on the joint. Any situation where there is weakness of the muscles or connective tissues that stabilize the joint will cause abnormal movement within the joint and cause accelerated joint deterioration.
