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Nutramax Dasuquin for Dogs Review 2024 (Vet Review)

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By Dr. Joanna Woodnutt

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Vet approved

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Written by

Dr. Joanna Woodnutt

BVM BVS (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Joint pain and stiffness are amongst the most common concerns of pet owners, particularly as our furry friends start to get older. Thanks to the many advances in pet nutrition and nutraceuticals, there are now whole host of joint care products on the market designed to help keep our pooches comfortable and enjoying the things they love.

It’s likely if you’ve been looking into joint care products that you’ve come across Dasuquin. In this review, we’ll be delving deeper into how the supplement works and look more closely at whether it may be suitable for your dog.Divider 1

What Is Dasuquin?

Nutramax Dasuquin is a range of joint supplements specifically formulated to support joint health in pets. These natural supplements have been scientifically researched and are one of the top vet-recommended products for both prevention and treatment of joint disease.

What Is Dasuquin Used For?

Our dogs live active and playful lives, and over time, the cartilage in the joints that provides cushioning and lubrication begins to wear down, causing pain, irritation, and inflammation. This can be a result of age, disease, or trauma and can occur in dogs of all ages, shapes, and sizes.

Dasuquin is used to aid the maintenance of normal movement and an active lifestyle for our furry friends. It is specifically formulated to improve joint mobility and flexibility by promoting healthy cartilage and relieving pain and inflammation.

So, when might your vet recommend Dasuquin for your dog? Most commonly, joint supplements are recommended for dogs of a more senior age who are starting to generally slow down, or as a complimentary supplement to other medications. Dasuquin can be used for dogs suffering from any condition that causes joint pain and inflammation, including osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cruciate disease, and can even be used to aid recovery from joint surgery.

But it’s not just dogs that are already suffering from joint disease that can benefit from Dasuquin. It can also be used as a preventative – the ingredients in Dasuquin may help to slow the progression of changes in the joint, meaning that your pooch can stay active for longer before developing any signs of slowing down.Divider 8

Dasuquin Ingredients

Dasuquin supports cartilage matrix production as well as slowing cartilage breakdown within the joints. It does this through its multi-synergistic formula containing several well-researched components.

Dasuquin contains the most common ingredients found in joint supplements: glucosamine hydrochloride and sodium chondroitin sulfate. When glucosamine and chondroitin are supplemented, they are considered chondroprotective, meaning that they help to protect joints and cartilage.

But Dasuquin also contains a third key ingredient that sets it apart from the rest. The addition of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) gives Dasuquin a superior effect. This combination has been shown in studies to be more effective at preventing cartilage breakdown compared to just glucosamine and chondroitin alone.

Let’s take a closer look at these ingredients, what they do, and how they work together.

Glucosamine Hydrochloride

Glucosamine is vital building block for cartilage as it is involved in cartilage matrix production. It’s actually produced naturally by the body, but as the cartilage in your dog’s joints wears down with age, the production of glucosamine reduces.

Glucosamine is found in many joint supplements, as the body can use it in the same way as its own naturally-produced glucosamine to maintain cartilage structure and function. There is evidence to demonstrate that supplementing glucosamine may slow the progression of osteoarthritis, but it is most effective when combined with other ingredients.

Low Molecular Weight Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin is a key component of cartilage that helps to keep it strong and healthy. It helps promote water retention and elasticity within the cartilage, and also prevents cartilage destruction. Supplementing chondroitin may repair damaged cartilage, as well reduce pain and inflammation.

Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU’s)

An ingredient taken directly from avocados and soybeans, ASUs work in the joint to prevent the process of cartilage breakdown. It also has an important role in the normal metabolism and functioning of cartilage.

Green Tea Extract

This is rich in antioxidants and helps to reduce inflammation not just in the joint, but all around the body.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

MSM is a sulfur-containing compound that is thought to have a variety of health benefits. There is very little scientific evidence to support this, but MSM commonly makes its way into various joint supplements, including Dasuquin.

It is said to reduce chronic pain by blocking pain impulses through nerve fibers, but it may also have anti-inflammatory effects, as well as aiding collagen production. It may improve cellular uptake of vitamins and nutrients, act as an anti-oxidant, and even alleviate the symptoms of some allergies. It’s important to remember, however, that there’s currently no proof for any of these.

So is MSM bad? MSM is used in many joint supplements, but there are limited studies on the effects and risk factors of MSM. The only evidence for this ingredient’s effectiveness is currently anecdotal. Due to the lack of scientific research to back up any assumptions or anecdotal evidence for MSM’s safety or effectiveness, we should be cautious with its use.

Although MSM is not known to be harmful, it can have side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, restlessness, and a decreased appetite. If a high dose is given for a long period, you might see some of these effects. If your dog is taking Dasuquin containing MSM and you notice any of these signs, you should stop giving it immediately and contact your vet.

There are no known interactions between MSM and other drugs, but it should be used cautiously in dogs taking anticoagulant or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and its safety during pregnancy and lactation are unknown.

Side Effects of Dasuquin

Nutramax do not report any safety concerns or adverse effects associated with Dasuquin products and they are generally considered safe for the majority of dogs. However, it’s important to speak to your vet first before initiating treatment. As your pet’s health care provider, your vet is best placed to discuss the suitability of Dasuquin for your individual pet’s needs.

If your dog tends to suffer for a sensitive tummy, it’s possible you may see some vomiting or diarrhea after giving Dasuquin. This may be short lasting, but if this occurs, stop giving Dasuquin immediately and contact your vet. Sensitivity to avocado has been reported in a small number of dogs, but Nutramax say that the amount of ASU in Dasuquin has been shown to be safe and in much lower amounts than eating a whole avocado.

There are no known contraindications or known interactions between Dasuquin and any other drug or supplement, but if your dog takes other medications or supplements, you must speak to your vet first.

As with all supplements, there is a rare possibility of allergic reaction to one or more of the ingredients, which may show as a skin reaction (itching, swelling, or redness), redness of the paws, or strange behavior. If you think your dog is having an allergic reaction after taking Dasuquin, you must stop giving it straight away and contact your vet.

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Photo Credit: Mylene2401, Pixabay

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Using Dasuquin With MSM for Dogs

Dasuquin is used to help dogs with the symptoms of arthritis and other painful joint conditions.

Clues that your dog may be developing joint disease include limping, difficulty/stiffness when rising, not wanting to walk as far, not wanting to use the stairs or jump into the car, and general stiffness. If you spot any of these signs, it’s important to speak to your vet before starting them on any supplements.Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM

The vet will want to examine your dog to determine whether joint disease is the correct diagnosis and, if so, which joints are affected and how severely. They will then discuss the different treatment options with you and advise you on whether Dasuquin is the most suitable choice for your dog.

Dasuquin is not just reserved for older dogs with osteoarthritis. It’s never too early to start considering joint care for your furry friend. Young healthy dogs can also benefit from Dasuquin as it may help to maintain healthy joints and delay the onset of disease.  This is particularly useful in large breeds and in those breeds that are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia.

If your vet recommends that you start giving your dog Dasuquin, there are a few things you might want to know:

What Does Dasuquin Do for Dogs?

One of the main things to keep in mind when using Dasuquin is the time it takes to have an effect on your pet. Nutramax state that it can take up to 4-6 weeks to see the positive effects of the supplement, but in some dogs, it can start to work sooner. If your dog is already painful, your vet may need to provide your dog with additional pain relief, such as NSAIDs for the period of time where the Dasuquin is taking effect.

Improvements in your dog’s condition will most likely have a gradual onset, and you may only notice subtle progress at first. Monitor your pet closely for changes, such as becoming generally more active and comfortable, being able to walk further, less reluctant to use the stairs, more able to jump into the car, and less stiffness in their general movements.

If you are giving your dog Dasuquin and haven’t seen any improvements in your dog’s comfort or mobility, or haven’t quite seen the results you hoped for after around 8 weeks, speak to your vet. Every dog is unique, and your pet may need different or further treatment to keep them comfortable.

Which Is Better: Cosequin or Dasuquin for Dogs?

Cosequin and Dasuquin are both joint support supplements made by Nutramax. So, what’s the difference and is one better than the other?

There are really very few differences between these two products, and they are both well-rounded and effective joint supplements.

  • Both Dasuquin and Cosequin contain glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate as the core ingredients.
  • Dasuquin contains the additional ASU which is shown in Nutramax’s data to enhance the anti-inflammatory properties of glucosamine and chondroitin.
  • Cosequin contains MSM, whose benefits are less well proven, as the additional ingredient, as well as omega-3 fatty acids which provide great additional benefits for your dog’s skin and coat.

Another key difference is cost. Cosequin comes in cheaper compared to the more expensive Dasuquin. So, if money matters for you, Cosequin may be the supplement of choice for your pet.

Ultimately, the suitability of a particular supplement for your individual dog should be discussed with your vet, as they will take into consideration the stage of joint disease as well as other factors, such as concurrent heath conditions and dietary requirements.

Where to Buy Dasuquin?

Dasuquin is available from your vet, and this is the best and safest way to purchase any drug or supplement for your pet.

You may also be able to find Dasuquin available online or in stores, and this may appear cheaper. However, you must be cautious when purchasing Dasuquin elsewhere, particularly online. Unfortunately, as supplements are not regulated, there are many knock-off versions widely available on the internet, which will not only be ineffective but could cause serious harm to your pet.

Avoid purchasing Dasuquin (or any other drug or supplement) from marketplace sites, as sellers may not be offering you the genuine article. Always do your research, and if you aren’t sure about a particular supplier, speak to your vet for advice. Reputable online pet pharmacies are usually accredited by relevant authorizing bodies and will display a logo on their page. In the UK this is the VMD (Veterinary Medicines Directorate), and in the USA, this is the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

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Conclusion: Nutramax Dasuquin

One of the key aims in treating joint disease is to maintain comfort and improve quality of life for our furry friends. Supplements like Dasuquin are a great tool for achieving this either when used alone or in combination with other medication. However, there is very little robust scientific research into the efficacy of some of the ingredients in joint supplements, and there is no evidence to suggest that they alone are enough as a treatment.

It’s essential to remember that supplements like Dasuquin will not cure your dog’s joint problems. Unfortunately, if the cartilage in the joint is severely worn, then supplements alone will be of little help, and your dog will need pain relief prescribed by the vet. Introducing a supplement like Dasuquin into your dog’s routine early on could slow the onset of arthritis and help avoid this scenario. Prevention is always better than a cure!

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