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The doorbell rings. The dog looks at you, and you look at the dog. You both slowly creep out of your comfortable position to answer the knock. As you move forward, you realize a symphony of cracking is coming from the dog's joints and yours.
It could be time for both of you to consider supplementing with Hyaluronic Acid.
This blog considers Hyaluronic Acid, what it is, how it works, administration, dosages, side effects, safety, and where to buy Hyaluronic Acid for dogs.
WHAT IS HYALURONIC ACID?
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally occurring molecule in the body, eyes, and skin that bonds with water to cushion joints. The gel-like substance is mostly found in dogs' joints, improving synovial fluid functions. Hyaluronic Acid is the primary ingredient in Synovial fluid, which lubricates joints to keep them gliding along smoothly. Joint lubrication is crucial to avoid using pain relief medications such as Carprofen or something stronger like Tramadol .HOW DOES IT WORK?
Hyaluronic Acid enters the body and proceeds to restore the previous HA the dog had that is now degrading with old age. Arthritic joints have smaller HA molecules inside, causing less fluidity in dogs. Hyaluronic Acid plays two important roles in a dog:- Lubrication – The sticky fluid provides great lubrication for the hip and joints.
- Shock Absorption – The fluid acts as a shock absorber and reduces potential inflammation.
HOW DOES A DOG TAKE HYALURONIC ACID?
Dogs can take Hyaluronic Acid two ways:
- Injectable - The Canine Arthritis Resources and Education Center stated the maximum benefits from injecting Hyaluronic Acid can be achieved in four to eight weeks and ease up in six months. Injection offers the greatest benefit, but the dog must be under anesthesia, which presents risk factors.
- Oral – Oral options are available for supplementing Hyaluronic Acid. One study by the Nutrition Journal found that oral daily supplements of HA can improve quality of life because the HA treatments were significantly better than the placebo (saline). Later in the blog, we break down simple ways to get HA in your pet's diet, like our Hip and Joint Mobility CBD Soft Chews.
HYALURONIC ACID DOSAGE FOR DOGS
Here is a table displaying body weight and daily dosage of Hyaluronic Acid for dogs.
| Body Weight | mg (Milligrams) |
|---|---|
| 1-10 lbs. | 0.5 kg | 7.5 mg daily |
| 11–20 lbs. | 5-9.1 kg | 15 mg daily |
| 21–40 lbs. | 9.5-18.2 kg | 30 mg daily |
| 41– 75 lbs. | 18.6-34.1 kg | 45 mg daily |
| 76–100 lbs.| 34.5-45.5 kg | 60 mg daily |
SIDE EFFECTS OF HYALURONIC ACID IN DOGS
While these side effects are uncommon, they are a possibility and need to be acknowledged.
- Diarrhea
- Gastric
- Kidney Issues
- Loss of Appetite
- Vomiting
IS IT SAFE FOR DOGS?
There are few studies regarding the potential side effects of Hyaluronic Acid in dogs. Injected HA may leave local aches, itchiness, redness, and swelling. However, it is generally understood HA is good for dogs, especially of an older age. The International Journal of Toxicity wrote the widespread use of HA by injection has been free of unusual reactions.
WHERE TO BUY HYALURONIC ACID FOR DOGS
Hyaluronic Acid is available in supplements, injections, topicals, and certain foods. Food that contains HA are:
- Bone Broth –Bones are cooked down for 24 hours extracting all the nutrients out, including HA.
- Sweet Potatoes –Most starchy vegetables supply the body with magnesium enabling the body to produce Hyaluronic Acid effectively.
- Chew Supplements –Our CBD chews for dogs with joint pain have 5 mg of Hyaluronic Acid per chew. The combination of CBD and Hyaluronic Acid may be just what your dog needs.
A study from The Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, stated CBD reduced the pain sensory-related to acute joint inflammation. The reduction of pain and the addition of new Hyaluronic Acid through supplements may work for your pet.
The Departments of Pharmacology and Anesthesia of the University of Halifax did a study that showed for the first time that local CBD administration lessened pain and peripheral sensitization in deep-rooted Osteoarthritis in dogs.
Hip and joint pain go hand in hand with Hyaluronic Acid levels lowering with advancing age, and CBD oil for dogs may offer mobility support. Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University clinical study suggests that 2 mg/kg of CBD twice per day can increase comfort and activity in dogs with Osteoarthritis. Our CBD oil for dogsfor dogs with Arthritis, contains this exact dose.
While these natural options might be good for getting some Hyaluronic Acid in your dog, be sure to always go to your vet for advice on supplements.
References
https://www.petmd.com/doghttps://www.webmd.com
https://www.health.harvard.edu/
https://caninearthritis.org/
https://www.spandidos-publications.com
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/
https://journals.sagepub.com
https://www.hindawi.com
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
