VitaHound » Dog Supplements

Canine Joint Supplements

bigdog — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 05:15:55 +0000

Today’s canine joint supplements have reached a level of efficacy that truly returns a dog’s mobility to near normal. No question canine joint products vary in quality, however dog owners need only understand a few simple aspects of how a dog’s bones are connected to each other. The biochemical function of a dog’s joints is the target of joint supplements; this article briefly explains how to identify the most advanced formulations. The most effective dog joint supplements are devised to treat the entire cycle of cartilage degradation in addition to rebuilding the joints strength. Modern advanced biochemistry has identified synergistic combinations of essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support joint integrity and function, these superior formulations are ideal for active and senior dogs with Degenerative Joint Disease. Past joint support products and current less expensive formulations contain one or two active ingredients and may offer some benefit, however they lack the ability to fully support joint health.

Today’s family pet experiences a level of health care far above any level in the past, nevertheless a dog’s lack of mobility is still a common condition that leads to a dog being euthanized. Today’s joint supplements offer a real method for preventing the pain, stiffness, and eventually lameness aging dog’s suffer from. Innovative supplements now utilize carefully balanced formulations of five or more compounds proven to support cartilage growth and reduce inflammation. More and more dog owners are finding the joint supplements be powerful treatments for their aging dog’s joint issues. The highest degree of joint support is achieved by supplements that include these primary elements:
Glucosamine HCl, an amino sugar produced naturally in the body whose primary function is to stimulate the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAG’s) in the articular cartilage.
MSM (Menthyl-Sulfonyl-Methane), a natural anti-inflamatory and analgesic whose levels in the body decrease with age.
EPA and DHA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid), anti-inflamatory omega-3 fatty acids that work by inhibiting inflammatory prostaglandins.
The first step in treating joint deterioration is understanding the principal role of synovial fluid and its friction reducing function. Arthritic joints develop when the synovial fluid and cartilage are broken down by free radicals, enzymes, and other substances. The synovial fluid loses viscosity and its ability to provide nutrients to cartilage is reduced. Cartilage then becomes brittle and weak. The undernourished joint cells (chondrocytes), which make up the cartilage, cluster and die, and the resulting disruption in joint cell activity initiates degeneration and inflammation. The affected animal experiences pain, within the cycle of cartilage degradation, there are two phases that contribute most to joint pain: 1) inflammation leading to cartilage loss, and 2) decreased joint lubrication and nutrition. After the initial insult to the joint, the body tries to fix itself. In the process, white blood cells from the immune system release free radicals that cause further damage and inflammation.
Free radicals are unstable molecules produced during biological processes such as breathing and digestion. Free radicals are also the result of environmental factors including injury or infection. Once active, the free radical steals electrons from molecules in many body tissues and cells. Free radical damage has been linked to many diseases including arthritis. Joint tissue cells may be damaged by free radicals as your pet gets older, which often explains the stiffness associated with aging. Reducing the negative forces of free radicals is accomplished via supplementing the diet with OPC flavonoids (bioflavanols), which are potent antioxidants, to protect against damaging free radicals and enzymes. Antioxidants remove or neutralize the reactive free radical. Antioxidants benefit the joint tissues by providing greater flexibility, strength and endurance. They may improve the immune response and healing and may also reduce inflammation caused by free radicals. VitaHound recommends utilizing two different supplements, employing one for reducing the impact of free radicals and one for joint support that includes antioxidant elements targeted to joint tissue.
Comprehensive joint support formulations contain some well-known nutrients, including vitamin C, manganese, zinc, and cysteine (sulfur source). These are necessary for maintenance and proper synthesis of joint tissues. All four support the body’s antioxidant defenses as well.

Treating Dog Osteoarthritis with Supplements for Dogs

bigdog — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:01:50 +0000

Today’s dog owner is realizing their pet shares several of the health conditions that humans suffer from. The American dog’s standard of living is both extending their lifespan and creating a lifestyle that encourages many of the conditions human’s experience. Millions of American men and women suffer from one form or another of arthritis; a painful, frequently debilitating and potentially crippling disease of the joints. Twenty five percent of the 55 million dogs in the U.S. are affected by some level of this disease. A vast majority of canine arthritis instances fall into the category of osteoarthritis commonly referred to as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease. This condition causes a degradation of a dog’s joints, including articular cartilage and the subchondral bone. Symptoms may include joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, locking, and sometimes an effusion.

The physical wear and tear on a dog’s joints develops gradually as a consequence of several factors including lifestyle, inherited mechanical abnormalities (genetics), and the absence of nutrients important to bone structure. The well-known Genetically inherited malformation, hip dysplasia, is fairly difficult to prevent, however recent advancements in canine nutrition provide supplements capable of preventing the various other forms of the disease. Arthritic symptoms present in larger joints typically involve stiffness in the shoulder and elbows of dogs, and is regularly observed in its early stages allowing for its effective treatment. The diseases presence in the smaller joints and the spine generally progresses unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages. Supplements formulated to support a dog’s joint physiology are very effective at preventing the damaging effects of arthritis and aging have on their joints.

As dog’s age their cartilage erodes, the cartilage is a smooth tissue that protects the ends of bones from rubbing directly against one another within the moveable joint. The cartilage may be worn down to the point where the bones come into contact with each other at the joint. The bones contact with other bone results in inflammation and a disfiguring of the socket causing the joint to experience sever pain and weakness. The result is stiffness and a reduction in dog’s physical activity, the area of the effected joint will be warm and tender to the touch. The lack of physical strain results in muscle atrophy as dog compensates for the pain caused by using the limb. Untreated, the condition eventually leads to the dog losing the ability to effectively use the limb. Since the lively hood of our pet dogs requires their ability to get around without assistance, arthritis can easily be the reason for a dog to being euthanized.

A dog’s joints consist of cartilage, ligaments, bone, synovial tissue, and synovial fluid. Osteoarthritis affects the ability of these joint components to function without pain and inflammation. Dog supplements formulated to support the health of the various bone, tissue, and fluids involved in dog’s joints can significantly reduce the impact of canine osteoarthritis. Although osteoarthritis is incurable the emergence of powerful formulations to support dog joint health are proving effective at minimizing the diseases impact on their physical mobility. These advanced all natural products utilize the compounds glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and omega unsaturated fatty acids. Dog owners need to seek out canine joint supplements that use the best types and combination of ingredients known to support the structure and function of joints.

It is essential for dog supplements designed to advance the health of a dog’s bones and joints to contain the following ingredients.

Glucosamine HCL derived from Aspergillus Niger is the best form of glucosamine for building a dog’s joint cartilage. This form of glucosamine enhances the processes in a dog’s body that manufacture collagen, this substance is the most abundant protein in dogs and is the main component of their connective tissue. Additionally it contributes to the function of synovial fluid’s capacity to lubricate a dog’s joints.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic form of sulfur, a mineral that is necessary for the production of proteins in a dog’s body. Sulfur is necessary for the formation of a dog’s skin and coat, muscle, bone, teeth, cartilage, and the hormone insulin. MSM’s secondary benefits are the results of its ability to synergistically react with the vitamin C in the synthesis of collagen.

Hyaluraonic Acid is a component of a dog’s connective tissue whose function is to cushion and lubricate. It is a primary component of synovial fluid, which lubricates and reduces friction between bones for healthy, pain-free join movement.

Grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from radical damage. It is anti-inflammatory, it supports the circulatory system, and it promotes healthy skin and coat, especially when MSM is present.

Boron is involved in proper bone structure and strength, and has been used effectively in the treatment of arthritis and osteoporosis. It appears to have a regulatory effect on calcium and potassium metabolism.

Bromelain is an enzyme that helps to inhibit pro-inflammatory compounds, which reduces pain and swelling. It has been found to be very effective in helping to control the progression of degenerative joint diseases.

Vitamin C contributes to the synthesis of collagen, and to the synthesis of a neurotransmitter that is critical to brain function and temperament. It is important to bone growth and mineralization, and it may help to prevent hip dysplasia.

Manganese is an essential trace element that enhances the effectiveness of Glucosamine. It is responsible for the activation of a number of enzymes, such as enzymes required for the synthesis of proteoglycans that are utilized in the formation of healthy cartilage and bone. It is essential for a healthy immune system.

Omega 3, 6, & 9 essential fatty acids reduce the inflammation associated with arthritis and alleviate joint stiffness. They are useful in the prevention of cardiac problems, and they help to maintain proper eye function. They are also very helpful in restoring a dull dry coat and reducing the symptoms of allergic dermatitis.

Several medical and surgical treatments are available to relieve the pain dogs experience with this disease. But dog owners interested in both improving the a dog’s joint health and or treating existing osteoarthritis are using the advanced formulations found in the canine joint supplements.

Dog Supplements Benefit the Domesticated Canine Physiology

bigdog — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:29:27 +0000

Dog Supplements

Today’s domesticated dog suffers many of the nutrient deficiencies of their human owners. The family dog’s physical well-being is experiencing many of conditions the human physiology is experiencing. Our long relationship with the dog has influenced its lifestyle and diet, therefor their physical health and well-being is declining from its natural state. The modern dog’s diet lacks the ability to support the physical and chemical functions of the tissues, organs, and organ systems of canine biology.

Filling in the nutrition gaps of the typical dog food is best accomplished with dog supplements that boost the health of the canine digestive system. While the dog food industry is offering hundreds of different formulations among their various brands, commercial dog food all suffer from the same limitation. The dog’s digestive system is unable to assimilate the vast variety and amounts of nutrients contained in most dog foods. Various brands have attempted to add probiotic ingredients to assist the dog’s digestive process however the probiotic concentrations and activeness are rendered ineffectual by the manufacturing process of the dog food. The addition of dog supplements formulated to improve a canine’s digestive system allow the typical dog food to be a beneficial aspect of the modern dog’s diet.

Today’s dog supplements provide a synergistic blend of substances including mild detox and cleanse properties combined with pro and pre biotics. These powerful bacteria blends provide powerful enzyme activity that boosts the vitality of a dog’s digestive system. The supplements allow the dog’s digestive system to assimilate all the nutrients in their food supporting the physical and chemical functions of the dog’s tissue and organ systems. A healthy digestive process strengthens the canine immune system; a vigorous immune system sustains a healthy skin and coat. The unhealthy condition of a dog’s skin and coat frequently initiates and complicates several health conditions that affect the average dog.

Selecting a dog supplement that will function as a digestive aid and deliver the ultimate health benefits for the typical dog is best accomplished by knowing what ingredients are important and what ingredients deliver little benefit. The formulation utilized by the VitaHound Daily Supplement is the ultimate combination of nutrients, bacteria blends, and detoxifying compounds. The VitaHound organization represents an element of the dog nutrition industry that provides exceptional supplements via a true understanding of the canine physiology, while the remaining majority of dog nutrition products are basically useless. Dog owners should avoid a majority of dog vitamins and supplements that are simply human products relabeled to sell to pet owners and utilize products formulated specifically for the canine biology.

One specific dog supplement ingredient is extremely beneficial to the canine biology and is completely absent from the modern dog’s diet. The substance is known as taurine, an amino acid present in every cell of a dog’s body. The only food containing taurine is red meat, since red meat is rare in the average dog’s diet, supplements containing this nutrient provide an essential nutrient responsible for the healthy function of a dog’s various cells. The VitaHound Daily Supplement contains taurine in the proper concentrations to properly benefit a dog’s physical health vitality at the cellular level.

Probiotic Dog Supplements

bigdog — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:42:16 +0000

Recently probiotics have become available in a variety of foods and supplements that promise a wide range of health benefits for humans, however the greatest use of these friendly bacteria have been used in raising healthy livestock for the past 30 years. The agriculture industry’s incentives to advance the nutritional science in animal-rearing resulted in the most advanced probiotic supplements ever developed. These formulations are the bases for the VitaHound Daily Supplements.

As with other vitamins, supplement formulations, and nutrient aids the level of efficacy varies from product to product. For this reason dog owners need to recognize what makes a probiotic supplement work. Probiotics are favorable bacteria that are available in different strains providing different health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Probiotics also exist naturally in foods such as cultured or fermented yogurt, cheese, and vegetables. It is very uncommon for these food sources to be included in a dog’s diet. Although humans can easily adjust their eating habits to include the specific probiotics desired, dogs are best served by probiotic dense supplements, the microbes that benefit a dog’s physiology matches that of livestock, this match allows canine supplement developers access to the finest research and development known increasing domesticated animal health.

A dog’s ability to assimilate nutrients from their food is the cornerstone of the health and well-being. A healthy digestive tract is important for the overall health and wellness of the family dog. A normal digestive tract includes a balance amount of beneficial bacteria, but various factors can upset this balance. Today’s dog food contains adequate nutrients to sustain the natural vitality of the canine biology nevertheless commercial dog food contains several inherent nutritional limitations. Dog food processing requires high levels of heat, this heat destroys both beneficial and harmful bacteria eliminating any meaningful probiotic characteristics of the dog food. Adding a probiotic dense supplement is the optimal method of assuring your dog’s digestive system is receiving effectual amounts of the probiotic.

Not all microbes sold as probiotics have been tested for health benefits and not all products should be expected to work the same.

Probiotics contain different genera, species, and strains of the same species- not all microbes sold as probiotics have been tested for health benefits and not all products should be expected to work the same. Therefore, product claims of the average pet supplement are based on probiotics influences in general and are not related to institutional studies of specific microbes. VitaHound’s formulation is a synergistic blend of high-potency multi-strain probiotics, proven in the agriculture industry for years to provide peak health.

Sixty percent of the canine body’s immune cells are located in the digestive system, the health of the dog’s digestive system directly affects their natural immune defenses. Dog digestive aids optimize the canine immune health by reinforcing the protective barrier of the intestine. The synergistic blend of probiotics with other vital nutrients delivers multiple health benefits to the various organ systems in a dog’s body.

Combining a high quality probiotic with a nutrient dense substances provides a dual level of support for the dog’s immune system, while boosting the digestive systems ability to assimilate the vital chemical compounds a dog’s cells require to be especially healthy. The combination of probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and prebiotics (Included In VitaHound Daily Supplement) works in harmony with the immune system ensuring the delivery of probiotics to the gut and vital nutrients to the stomach for optimal absorption.

Superior probiotic supplements will identify the genera, species and strain of the probiotics used in the formulation, example Bifidobacterium(genera), bifidum(species), MF20/5(strain). Next the level of probiotics delivered per dose for the life of the product, this number is expressed in “colony-forming units” or “CFUs”. Probiotic supplements range from useless to life extending, of health digestive system is the cornerstone to a dog’s health, therefor only the best products available should be feed to your dog.

Dog Vitamins

Staff — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 05:33:41 +0000

It has now been 90 years since it was observed that dog vitamins deficiencies could cause health problems just as it does in humans. Although in general dogs require low concentrations of vitamins they are still essential to good health. They are actually classified as micronutrients because compared carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and water the body needs them in relatively small amounts. One important fact about the majority of vitamins cannot be synthesized by the body so they must be provided with food or if necessary dog supplements.

Vitamins are organic substances that regulate the metabolism and assist the bio-chemical processes that allow basic cells to grow, reproduce, and remain healthy. Depending on the particular vitamin they are sometimes the catalyst or just a partner working with essential chemicals (enzymes) help make sure the process is carried out correctly in the body.

There are 13 identified vitamins. They are generally classified based on their solvability which determines how they are stored by the body. The classifications are fat or water. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat soluble and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, and C are water soluble.

The fat soluble vitamins are stored mostly in the liver and somewhat in fatty tissue which is the same way the body deals with dietary fats. As excesses build up they are normally excreted through the feces. Since this class of vitamins is stored by the body many deficiencies develop slowly. But if proper diet is not maintained or supplemented your dog’s health is eventually adversely affected. One must be careful with trying to control these vitamins since the body can build up toxic levels that also either adversely affect the health or counter the good effects of the vitamins themselves.

The vitamins that are solvent in water are stored by the body in only small amounts usually not longer than a day and sometimes for as little as 4 hours. They are usually absorbed by the body in the small intestine with the excess simply expelled in the urine. Vitamin B12 is an exception in that the body can actually store up to five years of its need. With this class of vitamins it is important that your dog is provided a healthy diet or supplements that supply the daily requirements. Also since the body does not store these vitamins it is much less likely that toxic levels are reached.

The following table contains useful information on the 13 vitamins:

Generic	Chemical	Solubility	Dietary	Function	Toxin
Name	Name	Class	Dosage	Disease	Symptom
Vitamin A	Retinol, Retinal,	Fat	350ug	Night-Blindness	Liver problems, osteoporosis, skin
	Retinoid			Dry Cornea	discoloration, hair loss, excessive
	Carotenoid				skin dryness/peeling
Vitamin B1	Thiamine	Water	0.5mg	Beriberi	Drowsiness or muscle relaxation with
					large doses
Vitamin B2	Riboflavin	Water	1 mg	Ariboflavinosis
Vitamin B3	Niacin	Water	4 mg	Pellagra	Liver damage
Vitamin B5	Pantothenic	Water	4 mg	Paresthesia	Diarrhea, nausea
	Acid			(pins and needles)	heartburn
Vitamin B6	Pyridoxine	Water	.4 mg	Anemia	Nerve damage
Vitamin B7	Biotin	Water	30 ug	Deratitis	None Known
				enteritis
Vitamin B9	Folic Acid	Water	400 ug	Birth defects	Low risk other than hiding B12
					deficiency
Vitamin B12	Cyanocobalamin	Water	2 ug	Megaloblastic anemia	None
Vitamin C	Ascorbic Acid	Water	490 mg	Scurvy	Low risk
Vitamin D	Ergocalciferol	Fat	3 ug	Rickets Osteomalacia	Low risk
	Cholecalciferol
Vitamin E	Tocopherols	Fat	8 mg	Extreme low risk of	Low risk
	Tocotrienols			deficiency
Vitamin K	Phylloquinone	Fat	100 ug	Bleeding diathesis	Liver damage
	Menaquinones

Dog Supplements

Staff — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:22:40 +0000

VitaHound’s supplements are full of the enzymes that provide dogs an ultra healthy boost to their digestive system. Our organic formula is a highly effective supplement for healing a unhealthy dog. Our industry leading supplements remedy the lack of nutrition in dog food, and deliver the ultimate benefit to a dogs over all health. VitaHound is the ultimate supplement, for your much-loved hound.