MSM as a Pet Supplement for Pain and Inflammation
Research indicates that 1 in 5 dogs has arthritis. And if your dog is more than seven years old, there's a 65% chance he's suffering from arthritis. In other words, more than half of all older dogs have this debilitating condition. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a form of sulfur that can be beneficial for treating arthritis, joint pain, and inflammation in humans as well as dogs. It can be particularly useful for muscle injuries and types of arthritis because it strengthens connective tissue. Also, it helps to increase the permeability of the joint and muscle membranes allowing the release of excess fluid. This can result in the relief of swelling as well as drainage of inflammatory toxins. MSM is also good for skin hydration and elasticity. MSM for dogs with arthritis can be very helpful, but not all supplements are the same.
Where Does MSM Come From?
MSM is a form of sulfur that is organic. In the oceans, microscopic plankton dies and decomposes. As the plankton decays, it creates a gas called dimethylsulfide (DMS). Oxygen and sunlight react with DMS causing it to go through a series of oxidation steps that include the formation of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and other sulfates. In order for clouds to form in the atmosphere, they require particles of these sulfates in order to take shape. Water droplets in the air absorb the DMSO and MSM. And, eventually, when clouds release these water drops in the form of rain, trace amounts of these sulfate compounds drop to the earth to be used by plants or returned to the sea to repeat this process over and over again.
While MSM occurs naturally, it can also be manufactured in laboratories by reacting dimethyl sulfoxide with hydrogen peroxide. This is how commercially available MSM is produced. The purity of MSM is achieved by distillation or crystallization process. For more detailed information on MSM production refer to this FAQ.
MSM Benefits
MSM is a powerful antioxidant. Free radicals cause damage to body cells, they have been found at the root of disease, and of aging. Free radicals injure cells and destroy DNA. Antioxidants, such as the ones found in MSM, bind to these free radicals and assist in removing them from the body. MSM is a natural pain reliever in that it can block pain signals in the nervous system. It's detoxifying properties aid in allowing fluids to pass through body tissue. It also signals the body to produce more cortisol and is, therefore, a natural anti-inflammatory.
Is MSM For Dogs?
This natural form of sulfur, MSM is stored in almost all mammal body cells. However, as part of the aging process, MSM levels decrease. And, as a result, your dog may develop skin problems and joint pain. Therefore, MSM for dogs can be helpful because it plays a major role in the formation of healthy skin, connective tissues like ligaments, amino acids, and blood formation. This is in addition to decreasing pressure inside cells that allow nutrients and water to hydrate the body. As a result, it assists joint elasticity to allow stretching without pain.
The reason why MSM is commonly paired with glucosamine in supplements is that MSM (a small chemically simple molecule) increases the absorption rate of larger compounds like glucosamine. This allows the body to better process these compounds and makes them more effective.
Without this combination, your pet will not get the full effect of the Glucosamine. If you give your dog too much MSM, it may cause some loosened bowel issues. Therefore it is important to give your dog the recommended dosage.
How Flexpet Can Help
If you're looking for a product that contains MSM to help your dog's joint pain, Flexpet is the choice for you. It is one of the key ingredients in our formula which also contains:
We strive to make it as easy as possible for new users to try Flexpet. We give a money-back guarantee so there is no risk. If you don't feel like you saw results from Flexpet, you can return the empty bottles/pouches and we'll refund your full purchase price (minus shipping and handling). We also have a fantastic and knowledgeable customer care team available to answer all of your questions at 1-800-505-0575.
We have a maximum strength soft chew product for large dogs and those in severe pain, as well as a regular strength chewable tablet (our standard formula).
If you have a dog who is suffering from joint discomfort, we encourage you to give Flexpet a try. You have nothing to lose but your dog's pain!