Not all dogs need a MSM supplement if they are fed a well-balanced, natural raw diet. However, MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) supplements can be used to help treat dogs with arthritis, joint problems, allergies or hip dysplasia. Dogs fed commercial pet food should be given supplemental MSM since MSM is easily destroyed with cooking or during food storage
What Is MSM?
MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound produced by sea plankton and found naturally in such foods as meat, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seafood (e.g. kelp) and cow’s milk. It evaporates quickly since it is extremely water soluble.
Sulfur is essential in the formation of amino acids, healthy skin, blood proteins and connective tissues. It is stored in almost every body cell with the highest concentrations found in nails, hair, joints, muscles, bones and skin.
The concentration of MSM in the body decreases as the body ages making MSM deficiencies part of the aging process. Low concentrations of MSM can result in:
- organ
- tissue malfunctions
- fatigue
- psychological
- physical stress
Sulfur deficiency in dogs can produce joint pain, arthritis, poor digestion system, poor immune system, dull coat and skin problems.
Benefits of MSM
MSM is essential in maintaining and supporting healthy cells. MSM decreases the inner pressure of the cell and makes the cell walls permeable. Water and nutrients are able to flow into the cells while at the same time toxins flow out. Working synergistically (together enhancing each others’ function) with Vitamin C, MSM allows the body to rejuvenate cells, thereby maintaining a healthy level of cells.
Responsible for the flexible bonds between cells, it maintains healthy skin by enhancing tissue flexibility and promoting the repair of damaged skin cells. Working as an antioxidant, MSM helps clean the blood stream by flushing toxins from the cells. It acts as a “scavenger” of foreign proteins and free radicals, helping to eliminate toxins through the skin thus reducing the burden on the liver and kidneys. Allergens can be eliminated from the body more quickly, which in turn helps to reduce allergy symptoms.
The most important function of MSM is to relieve pain and inflammation. Inflammation causes cells to swell, producing pressure and pain. MSM allows fluids to pass through tissues more easily, thus equalizing pressure and reducing or even eliminating the cause of pain.
MSM Supplements
MSM supplements can help dogs with:
- Maintenance of healthy coat and skin
- Relief and/or reduction of some allergy symptoms
- Support of joint and connective tissues
- Relief of pain from hip dysplasia, arthritis or other joint problems
MSM acts as an anti-parasitic against roundworms, giardia and other intestinal worms by competing for the receptor sites on the mucous membranes of the intestines, robbing the parasites of places to attach themselves, which then are flushed out of the digestive system naturally.
Dosages for MSM supplements are approximately 50 to 100 grams per every 10 pounds of body weight. For example, a dog weighing 20 pounds should receive approximately 100 grams of MSM since 20 pounds (dog’s weight) divided by 10 equals 2 times 50 grams equals 100 grams. MSM is available in both powder and capsule form, with no known side effects.