Where have all these collagen supplements suddenly sprang from?
It's now easier than ever for anyone with little knowledge of canine nutrition, much less extensive experience in orthopaedics to market a supplement for joint care, given that all that's involved in many cases is slapping a label for pets on a product that already exists for people.
A good example of this, is the latest trend in marketing collagen for stiff dogs - often by companies selling products based on limited clinical use.
With this in mind, lets look at the role of collagen in the body, and how focusing on this protein alone does not enhance mobility and joint comfort to the full.
In a previous post we pointed out that although glucosamine, chondroitin and green-lipped mussel (GLM) based supplements have been used for many years to help stiff dogs, they largely support joint cartilage, but do little for the health of many other musculoskeletal structures which are important for joint comfort and an active life.
This means that any improvements seen following the use of such products, is a fraction of what could be achieved if all tissues involved in movement were fully nourished with nutrients supporting maximum mobility.
Turning to collagen. Supplementation provides a range of polypeptides and amino acids (which can differ from one product to the next), can not only be important for the formation and maintenance of healthy joints, but also for other musculoskeletal structures, including muscles and fibrous tissues. As such it supports mobility in ways that glucosamine, chondroitin and GLM don't. And this wider range of nutritional benefits is why collagen has been a major component of Vince the Vet Joints from the moment it was launched over 10 years ago.
What collagen doesn't do however, is have a significant impact on other key areas of limb function such as joint lubrication, cartilage hydration, shock absorption and nourishment of chondrocytes which keep cartilage alive and in good condition. And this is why, in addition to hydrolysed collagen, Joints also includes hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid has the remarkable ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This amazing property helps joint fluid remain oil-like instead of watery, and cartilage remain hydrated, elastic, smooth-surfaced and able to soak up impacts without becoming damaged - which is essential for pain-free, frictionless movement of the articular surfaces in joints, especially as pets get older.
Vince the Vet Joints doesn't stop there.
The addition of kelp supplies more than 60 micronutrients which aid optimum cellular functioning of all the cells involved in forming, repairing and maintaining heathy joints and all other musculoskeletal tissues.
Plus the inclusion of bromelain, which has natural anti-arthritic properties, further boosts joint relief.
In summary:
Joints not only provides the most complete musculoskeletal nourishment available, its unique, quadruple fast-acting formulation means there's no need to give double the amount to begin with, or having to wait 6 weeks or more to gauge any effect.
Most pet parents report seeing a much happier and more mobile, active and playful dog within a few weeks - sometimes days!
It's also not uncommon for posture to improve, energy levels to increase and a desire to exercise return, along with puppy-like behaviour and the odd zoomie or two!
Combining Joints with PEA and our Joint plus Recuperation remedy provides the most complete and most effective nutritional support for all round musculoskeletal health available, for the reasons described here.
And for dogs with significant mobility issues of any kind this is the bundle of choice.
"I’ve had Max on a couple of supplements for a while (did I tell you he’s 14 years 4 months old, but I have noticed he’s getting a bit stiff and limpy now and again.
I had heard good reviews on Vince the Vet Joints (and I love his stuff anyway) so decided I would get a tub and give it a go.
Crikey was I shocked! This is the result! I want what he’s having!"
Sue
Westie Advice Group