Reduce your dog's joint pain with perna canaliculus. A study performed in the 1960s found the use of the joint supplements reduces arthritis, joint pain and stiffness in humans. The same benefits are possible if you add the dietary supplement to your dog's daily diet.
Where Does Perna Canaliculus Come from
Perna Canaliculus is another name for the Green-Lipped or GreenShell Mussel. The mussels grow readily in New Zealand. In the late 1960s, small-scale farming of the Green-Lipped Mussel began to reduce the impact on both the wild mussels and the ocean they live in. Green-lipped mussels sell throughout the world in seafood retailers and in healthy living stores as joint supplements.
The meat of a Green-Lipped Mussel is removed, freeze dried and then ground into a powder. The shells also go through the freeze-dry process and are then ground. This powder is then formed into chewable tablets or a powder mixture that is added to moist dog food.
Benefits to Green-Lipped Mussels
The mussels contain protein, carbohydrates, Omega-3 fatty acids and a high percentage of glycosaminoglycans, including glucosamine. The combination of Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosatetraenoic acid and glucosamine play an important part in reducing inflammation that causes joint pain.
The glycosaminoglycans absorb water depositing it in the joints and cartilage. This helps lubricate joints ending some of the pain and deterioration that dogs feel as they age.
Studies Show Impressive Benefits
In the 1990s, a study was done to see if Green-Lipped Mussels would improve mobility in arthritic dogs. Forty-seven dogs were used in the test.
Fifteen dogs received a placebo. Fifteen received a dose of the Perna Canaliculus powder mixed with olive oil and Vitamin E. The remaining 17 dogs received undiluted Perna Canaliculus.
Of the control group given the placebos, one dog showed less than a 30 percent improvement. The remaining dogs retained the same pain levels as before.
The group with the mixture of olive oil had seven dogs showing signs of improvement. Only two of them improved more than 70 percent and three of them improved by 50 percent.
However, the best results came from the group of 17 that received the undiluted form. Fourteen of those dogs showed impressive improvement. Three of those dogs improved more than 70 percent and six of them improved by 50 percent.
Using the results of this study, it became clear that Green-Lipped Mussels helped reduce pain and improve mobility in dogs affected by arthritis.
Standard Doses of Green-Lipped Mussels
Most companies recommend giving half a tablet to dogs under 30 pounds and increasing it by another half tablet every additional 30 pounds. For best results, give half a full day's dosage at breakfast and then at dinner.
If you are able to find the granules, they usually require dosages of one-half scoop per 60 pounds. The granules mix easily with canned dog food.
Perna Canaliculus benefits dogs currently afflicted with arthritis and those at risk for developing joint and bone disease. Large dogs like Great Danes or Labradors should be given the correct dosage in their youth to keep their joints healthy later in life.