MSM for Dogs (Methylsulfonylmethane)
Joint Supplement for Dogs

This page looks at MSM for dogs (Methylsulfonylmethane), in particular using MSM as a joint supplement for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis and other dog joint and back pain. Learn more about how to use MSM to treat canine osteoarthritis including dosage and safety.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), an organic compound that contains sulfur, and is present in trace amounts in many foods and drinks. It has a vitamin-like normalizing influence on body functions.

However, MSM is unstable and can be destroyed easily (e.g. by cooking). It is also water soluble and can evaporate rapidly.

Sulfur is essential to the health of the skin and connective tissues and is necessary for the formation of amino acids and blood proteins, promotion of cell regeneration, and maintenance of membrane flexibility.

A lower than normal level of Methylsulfonylmethane in the body can cause various health problems, such as fatigue, malfunctioning of organs, as well as stress (both physiologically and mentally)..

Although sulfur is present in all cells of the body, the concentration of MSM in the body begins to decrease with age. A deficiency of MSM in a dog's body will result in joint pain, arthritis, dull fur and skin problems, brittle nails, poor gastrointestinal system, and a generally weak immune system.

MSM for Dogs - What are the Benefits?

The main benefit of MSM for dogs is its anti-inflammatory properties, making MSM very effective in pain relief.

MSM works by improving the flexibility and permeability of cell walls, so that fluids can pass through tissue cells more easily, thereby relieving pressure and pain caused by swollen and inflamed cells.

Thus, dogs with osteoarthritis can benefit greatly from the anti-inflammatory properties of MSM to relieve joint pain. In fact, MSM has in recent years been widely used as one of the canine joint supplements to prevent arthritis and control the symptoms brought on by the disease such as joint pain and inflammation.

In addition, it has been found that MSM has anti-oxidant properties. Since MSM improves the permeability of cell walls, and since high concentrations of MSM are stored in skin cells, it follows that the skin cells are made more permeable by MSM. As a result, toxins can be more easily eliminated through the skin, thereby reducing the burden on the liver and the kidneys for removal of toxins from the body. MSM can therefore be used on dogs (and on people) with allergies because it helps remove allergens (a kind of toxin) from the body quickly.

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MSM for Dogs - Dosage and Safety

Dosage depends on the size of the dog. As a general rule of thumb, give around 50 and no more than 100 grams per 10 pounds of the dog's body weight.

MSM is found to be safe for use on dogs. However, since MSM is a nutraceutical, it is not regulated by the FDA and there are supplements of MSM that differ a lot in terms of cost and quality. Choose carefully and find a product manufactured by a trusted company.

A high-grade MSM supplement is Vetri-Science MSM. Vetri-Science's products are approved by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC).