A healthy dog at home
Many dog owners want to give their pets the best possible health care, and if you're one of those people, you may have heard about MSM for dogs.
So what is it? What benefits does it offer?
And how can you use it?
Please keep reading to learn everything you need to know about MSM for dogs to give your pup the best possible care he deserves!
What Is Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) for Dogs?
MSM is a natural sulfur-containing compound that provides strength to connective tissues. Many athletes use this supplement as an aid for joint repair. MSM can also provide relief from symptoms of arthritis because it helps your body metabolize some types of arthritis medication.
What Does MSM Do for Dogs?
MSM is crucial for many biological processes in your dog's body. These include cartilage production, skin cell renewal, growth of bone tissue, collagen formation, which improves the elasticity of ligaments and tendons (and leads to better recovery post-injury), and liver health. So how does MSM benefit my dog? There are several ways it can help your pet: less joint pain; healthier joints, improved mobility; and an overall improved quality of life.
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Fight Viruses, Diseases and Cancers
Does MSM Help Dogs with Allergies?
It's not entirely clear how MSM may help dogs with allergies. Some veterinarians claim that MSM might be helpful due to its anti-inflammatory properties; it might also promote wound healing and immune function. Even though it has been hard to figure out what the benefits of MSM are in this situation, some people have been able to use the supplement orally or on the skin with good results.
What Are the Side Effects of MSM for Dogs?
Side effects of MSM for dogs are negligible at best. Although MSM supplementation has no side effects per se, some dogs may experience an increase in thirst due to the improved absorption of water in the intestines, which leads to better hydration. The level of thirst should subside as long as it is compensated by increased water intake. If not, talk to your vet about making your dog drink more water or lowering the amount of MSM it gets.
Is MSM Safe for Dogs?
Many people have difficulty believing that MSM can be safe for dogs. MSM is not FDA-approved for use on animals (and this is because no studies prove its effectiveness), but it does not mean that it can't be used. There are many anecdotal reports from pet owners about the benefits of MSM for dogs and what doses should be given for the best results. In addition, some holistic veterinarians will recommend MSM supplementation when they find deficiencies in other essential nutrients in their animal patients. If you're considering using MSM with your dog, talk to your veterinarian first before trying it out on your own.
How Much MSM Should My Dog Take?
It's always best to consult your veterinarian before starting your dog on any new supplement or medication.
Has MSM Been Studied for Dogs?
Many have been asking whether MSM has been studied for dogs. As with any new supplement, it is always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before deciding how much MSM to feed your dog. However, most dogs can tolerate 10mg of MSM per pound of body weight daily. Some supplements are not made available to veterinarians until they are proven safe through studies. In these cases, you may need to work closely with your vet to determine if MSM would be appropriate for your pet.
Again, as with any other supplement or medication, you must talk to your vet before giving your dog an MSM supplement to avoid adverse side effects from developing over time.
How Do I Store MSM?
MSM should be stored in a cool, dry place. Exposure to heat or humidity can make the MSM crystals grow large and lose efficacy. Be sure to store it at room temperature, as higher temperatures will cause it to harden, and lower temperatures will cause it to dissolve.
Do not store your product near any chemicals or sources of contamination (e.g., pets).
If you have leftover MSM that has become hard because it has been exposed to moisture, you can break it up with a hammer or other blunt object before putting it back in a container that keeps out air.
Where Does MSM Come From?
MSM is often abbreviated by the three letters of its name, Methionine Sulfoxide. This is because MSM comes from natural sources in the environment that are then converted into a dried supplement that can be fed orally to animals or mixed with their food. While most MSM supplements come from cow's milk and animal tissues, some may also come from vegetables, which is why many vegan dog owners will choose to use this supplement instead.
Summary
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring organic sulfur compound usually found in grasses, vegetables, fruits, and grains. This supplement has proven benefits for joint function as well as skin health. When given to dogs, it helps combat arthritis symptoms due to the body's natural production of synovial fluid. MSM also alleviates arthritic pain and inflammation by blocking the production of inflammatory prostaglandins. In addition, MSM supplementation can benefit older pets or those with ongoing health issues such as chronic kidney disease.
