young dog viscosity reviews

If your pet has a medical condition and is taking other medication, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian to ensure that this supplement is safe to use.

Herbsmith Sound Dog Viscosity Joint Support Powder Dog Supplement

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Sound Dog Viscosity is a veterinarian-developed, glucosamine-based formula that aids in joint support by maintaining the normal viscosity of joint fluid. This formula also contains Chondroitin, MSM, HA, and herbs to better address all aspects of joint support, making it the most complete joint supplement available! Use with Herbsmith Soothe Joints or Herbsmith Comfort Aches for optimal joint care.

• The most complete joint supplement available in a highly palatable powder that is easy to administer.
• Glucosamine-based formula that contains 1000 mg per 2 teaspoons, helps maintain the normal viscosity of joint fluids.
• Contains chondroitin, MSM, HA, and a blend of herbs for additional support of all aspects of joint health.
• Great for daily use for dogs of all ages and sizes.
• Also available in easy to administer soft chews.

Active Ingredients: Glucosamine HCl (1000 mg Per 2 Tsp), Hyaluronic Acid (Ha)(10 mg Per 2 Tsp), and Chondroitin Sulfate (400 mg Per 2 Tsp) Promote Thick and Viscous Joint Fluid to Absorb Concussion Within the Body or Joint. MSM (1000 mg Per 2 Tsp) Manages Aches and Discomfort. Boswellia (180 mg Per 2 Tsp), Corydalis (180 mg Per 2 Tsp), Curcumin (180 mg Per 2 Tsp), and Yucca (180 mg Per 2 Tsp) Are Herbs That Maintain Joint, Bone, and Soft Tissue Health While Managing Discomfort Caused By Normal, Everyday Activities. Flax Seed (1830 mg Per 2 Tsp) Is A Rich Source of Omega-3.

Special Note

• 75 gram powder (one month supply*)
• 150 gram powder (one month supply*)
• 500 gram powder (over three month supply*)

*All supply estimates based on 50 lb dog, except 75 g powder, which is based on a 30 lb dog.

Weight	Dosage
Less than 10 lbs	1/4 teaspoon
11 – 19 lbs	1/2 teaspoon
20 to 29 lbs	1 teaspoon
30 to 59 lbs	2 teaspoons
60 to 99 lbs	3 teaspoons
More than 100 lbs	4 teaspoons

Why should I include vitamins & supplements in my pet’s diet?

Most commercial pet foods include baseline vitamins and nutrients, but some may not have the adequate amount to suit your pet’s exact health needs. Like in humans, vitamins and supplements can help support your pet’s long-term health, regulating everything from digestion to muscle growth. Consult your veterinarian to determine the best vitamins and supplements for your furry friend.

How often should I give this supplement to my pet?

It is recommended to give the suggested dosage based off your pet’s weight. Please refer to the Feeding Instructions tab and consult with your veterinarian for more information.

Is this supplement safe to use with the medication my pet is currently taking?

If your pet has a medical condition and is taking other medication, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian to ensure that this supplement is safe to use.

My pet is allergic to certain ingredients, will this product be safe to use?

For a complete list of ingredients, click on the ‘Nutritional Info’ tab, next to the ‘Description’ tab, just under the product photos. If you are unsure about the safety of this product for your pet, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian.

Does this product come in other product forms?

For a complete assortment of products by the manufacturer of this supplement, click on the link next to the item name at the top of the page. You can also find an assortment of supplements across all product forms on our page.

In addition to this, the brand claims that this product may stimulate the body’s natural ability to form connective tissues and give cartilage its structure and ability to resist compression.

Overview Of Young Dog Viscosity

Young Dog Viscosity is a 4-in-1 canine formula that aims to improve every single aspect of joint health. The formulation in this supplement may assist with the thickening of joint fluid, keep the joints well-lubricated, and reduce inflammation.

In addition to this, the brand claims that this product may stimulate the body’s natural ability to form connective tissues and give cartilage its structure and ability to resist compression.

If you consider a joint-health formula for your pup, keep reading to determine what Young Dog Viscosity Reviews reveal about the product.

Turmeric is a root related to the ginger family known as a flavoring and coloring agent in food. Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric and is a supplement in human medicine for painful and inflammatory conditions. In human studies, it protects against stomach, skin, and colon cancers. Turmeric also helps protect kidneys from damage due to toxins. When applied to tumor cells in a lab setting, it has been shown to stop the replication of tumor cells.

8 joint supplements for dogs to consider

In combination with NSAIDs, your vet may recommend a joint supplement to ease your dog’s discomfort. Joint supplements have protective effects on the joints by addressing inflammation and contributing to cartilage repair and regeneration. Supplements can also help slow the progression of cartilage breakdown and can have other remarkable effects throughout the body.

One important thing to note is that unlike NSAIDS, which can work overnight, joint supplements usually take four to eight weeks of use before reaching their full effect. Happily, they tend to have fewer side effects than most prescription pain medications for dogs.

Here are eight joint supplements for dogs you should consider discussing with your veterinarian:

1. Glucosamine/chondroitin

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are the two most common active ingredients in hip and joint supplements for dogs. They are complex sugars called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), one of the naturally occurring building blocks for cartilage in your dog’s body. They also inhibit the production of cartilage-destroying enzymes and inflammatory molecules that can hurt your dog’s joints and soft tissues.

Glucosamine and chondroitin protect existing cartilage by keeping it flexible and elastic. They are an integral part of the biochemical pathways in your dog’s body that are necessary to make new cartilage.

Glucosamine is in short supply when dogs have injuries and arthritis, so supplementing these elements may improve healing time. GAGs can also form a protective layer on the inside of your dog’s intestines and urinary bladder so that she is less susceptible to infection, toxins, and inflammation.

Supplemental glucosamine comes from the shells of crustaceans and bone meal in meat-based diets. Supplemental chondroitin can only come from animal cartilage, which makes it more expensive than glucosamine sources. It is essential to know the sources for GAG supplements because it will affect how your dog’s body absorbs GAGs. If the glucosamine and chondroitin are not harvested from optimal sources, your dog may not absorb the amount necessary to receive the health benefits.

2. Green lipped mussel (GLM)

Green lipped mussel is a shellfish that comes from New Zealand and is rich in GAGs like glucosamine and chondroitin. According to some studies, green-lipped mussel has an anti-inflammatory effect due to its ability to inhibit inflammatory mediators. It can also help with pain relief for dogs with osteoarthritis. This effect is further amplified when used in combination with other elements like deer velvet antler. The many virtues of green lipped mussel for dogs are the focus of next week’s blog.

3. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Methylsulfonylmethane is a compound present in small portions of foods like grains, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. The MSM available in joint supplements contains sulfur that is more biologically active than what is found in regular dog food.

Sulfur is a critical element utilized by intestinal bacteria to produce methionine, which is an essential amino acid. Methionine:

• Prevents damage to the liver
• Produces melatonin which helps your dog fall asleep
• Contains anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties
• Contributes to the formation of new cartilage

4. Deer velvet antler

Deer velvet antler is an element of traditional Chinese medicine that comes from the newly developed antler of a deer or elk. It is humanely collected from the deer, who goes on to live a normal life.

Deer velvet has been used in medicine for over 2000 years and provides a natural, holistic treatment for various chronic pathological conditions. It is the only quality renewable source of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, collagen and hyaluronic acid, so it’s no surprise that it was shown to provide pain relief from osteoarthritis in dogs in a scientific study. Deer velvet also boosts the immune system’s ability to fight infection.

I believe so strongly in the value of this ingredient, that I import my own brand of supplement called Dr. Buzby’s Encore Mobility Joint Supplement, which contains both deer velvet antler and green lipped mussel, both sourced from New Zealand. This combination of ingredients is formulated into a highly palatable, chewable tablet given as a dog treat. It is highly effective in helping dogs with arthritis and joint pain, but also helps renew my patients’ “vim and vigor.”

The benefits of Encore Mobility, a supplement that contains both deer antler velvet and green lipped mussel

The infographic below illustrates seven benefits found in Encore Mobility joint supplement for dogs. This natural supplement pairs deer velvet with green lipped mussel for a powerful combined effect.

5. Turmeric/curcumin

Turmeric is a root related to the ginger family known as a flavoring and coloring agent in food. Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric and is a supplement in human medicine for painful and inflammatory conditions. In human studies, it protects against stomach, skin, and colon cancers. Turmeric also helps protect kidneys from damage due to toxins. When applied to tumor cells in a lab setting, it has been shown to stop the replication of tumor cells.

There are only a few studies available that discuss the benefits of turmeric and curcumin in dogs. However, one study published in Research in Veterinary Science in 2016 demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin helped dogs with arthritis-associated pain.

6. Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is also a type of glycosaminoglycan (GAG), but it has a larger molecular size than glucosamine or chondroitin. It is the main component of synovial fluid—a highly viscous liquid that helps to lubricate joints.

Hyaluronic acid is vital in wound healing and makes cartilage more resilient to wear and tear by coating the tissue.

As dogs age, the concentration of hyaluronic acid in the body decreases and makes dogs more susceptible to joint pain.

This explains why older dogs with skin wounds take longer to heal than younger dogs. Topical ointments containing hyaluronic acid are useful in a variety of skin conditions. One study published on the National Institute for Biotechnology Information’s website found significant improvement of joint pain when the joint spaces received direct injections of hyaluronic acid in arthritic dogs with hip dysplasia. This technique has been utilized in racehorses for decades, and is also now commonplace in human medicine.

7. Omega fatty acids

Fatty acids are essential components of the cells in your dog’s body. Omega-3 fatty acids have numerous health benefits, but the body does not naturally produce them. Instead, your dog’s diet must provide them. This is why they are called “essential fatty acids.”

Most commercial dog foods have low quantities of omega-3s, and they may be damaged in the process of manufacturing the food, which typically happens at high temperatures. So your dog may need an additional omega-3 supplement.

Fish oil is a terrific source of two omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). (And yes, fish is better than a plant-based source, like flax seeds.) EPA and DHA reduce inflammation that affects soft tissues such as the intestines, the urinary bladder, and specifically the joints. Also, as cited by the VCA hospital’s article on fish oil, these fatty acids also promote heart health and may reduce the size of tumors via cell differentiation.

Years ago, two scientific studies suggested that dogs with chronic osteoarthritis who were fed omega-3-fatty acid-supplemented diets demonstrated improvement in their pain level and arthritic conditions. I’ve been a fan ever since and recommend it for virtually every one of my patients.

Like most supplements, fatty acids come in a variety of forms—chews, liquid, and capsules. But unlike most supplements, storage conditions matter a lot. Be sure to store the bottle properly, preferably in the refrigerator. Light, heat, and air can oxidize fatty acids, causing harmful free radicals to form, which gives the product a rancid, fishy smell. Always store Omega 3s at temperatures less than 80 degrees.

Nordic Naturals is the brand I recommend to my clients. This ethical company makes the Nordic Pet Collection, featuring Omega-3 Pet™ which comes in liquid and soft gel capsules. These supplements are formulated from EPA and DHA harvested from cold-water fish—specifically wild anchovy and sardines.

8. CBD

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a derivative of the Cannabis or hemp plant. CBD does not contain the psychoactive ingredient known as THC which is toxic for dogs.

CBD oil has become very popular recently for its use in supplements that alleviate pain, inflammation, and anxiety in dogs. Most of the research on CBD surrounds human medicine and its use for pain relief, glaucoma, seizures, and chemotherapy side effects.

There are very few studies that have proven the same benefits for dogs. Veterinary schools like Colorado State University, Cornell University, and the University of Florida are studying CBD and its use for dogs with seizures and arthritis pain.

There is abundant anecdotal evidence to suggest that CBD can be effective when used for dogs with anxiety and arthritis pain. However, I think the jury is still out on the safety aspect. Always use CBD under your vet’s supervision since there is a risk of side effects.

Joint supplements for dogs can make a world of difference

Joint supplements not only amplify the pain-relieving effect of NSAID medications, but they also have fewer side effects and may decrease the amount of medication necessary to relieve inflammation. When I meet a new patient who has come to see me for acupuncture to address joint pain, the very first thing I do is start that dog on a joint supplement, sometimes a combination of them.

There are many joint supplements available on the market to help your dog live a happier life, so talk with your veterinarian about their recommended products for your furry friend.

Keep in mind many of the best supplements will have a combination of the above ingredients. This way, you don’t have to give your dog so many products every day.

However, remember the principle of multi-modal pain and mobility management for senior dogs. Most of my patients are on a “cocktail” of supplements plus traditional western medications. This is because they work together to provide a syngergistic effect and maximum comfort to boost quality of life. Talk to your veterinarian about what’s best for your dog.

TRI-ACTA H.A. is designed to provide maximum protection against deterioration of cartilage while actively working to repair worn out cartilage, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve the viscosity of synovial fluid.

TRI-ACTA H.A. Maximum Strength with Hyaluronic Acid is an effective, easy to give powder that is mixed in your pet’s food every day. It can be used for the treatment of age-related soreness, osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, significant pain and/or immobility, physical injury, or surgery.

TRI-ACTA H.A. is designed to provide maximum protection against deterioration of cartilage while actively working to repair worn out cartilage, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve the viscosity of synovial fluid.

TRI-ACTA H.A. enhances the synthesis of new cartilage, muscle tissue, and ligaments, treating the cartilage matrix at the cellular level allowing the body to heal itself.

Designed to:

• Accelerate formation of cartilage
• Eliminate inflammation
• Expedite the healing process
• Increase joint fluid viscosity
• Enhance protective response of joint tissue
• Improve mobility and reduce pain

Optimal for:

• Visible signs of immobility
• Injury or concern
• Pre-/post-surgery
• Active and sporting dogs
• Senior animals

Benefits:

Joint pain due to an imbalance in normal cartilage production is common and degeneration on joint structures occurs naturally. TRI-ACTA H.A. is an ideal supplement which can be used daily to proactively prevent these conditions, alleviate the pain associated with them, and reverse the destructive process.

TRI-ACTA H.A. has been optimally designed to accelerate the formation of cartilage, minimize inflammation, expedite the healing process, and improve joint condition. The addition of hyaluronic acid leads to improved viscosity of the synovial fluid, providing maximum protection and even greater results.

The Tri-Acta Advantage!

• 100% active ingredients – No Filler!
• All Natural
• Therapeutic dosage
• Small serving size (1 g serving for a 35 lbs dog), resulting in better acceptance among all pets
• Economical, low cost per serving
• Pharmaceutical grade components
• Treats symptoms AND addresses the issue
• Health Canada approved Low Risk Veterinary Health Product (LRVHP) designation

Integricare follows GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards. Certificates of analysis have consistently validated our requirements for quality. We are very proud of the fact that we use only the highest quality ingredients with no fillers. Our labels make it easy to validate the contents in each container of an Integricare product.

Thoracic ultrasound is indicated to further evaluate abnormal radiographic findings including cranial mediastinal masses, pleural effusion, pulmonary infiltrates or solitary pulmonary masses. Radiographs typically guide the location a thoracic ultrasound is performed. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) or needle biopsy is used to obtain samples for cytology, histology, or culture. Mediastinal masses or diaphragmatic hernias may be masked by pleural effusion on radiographs and can be visualized with ultrasound. Echogenic characteristics of fluid can suggest the presence of fibrin, protein, and/or cells. If pleural effusion is present, the diaphragm can be assessed for abnormalities. While thoracic ultrasound can be helpful when combined with radiographs, there are limitations. The large acoustic impedance mismatch between the ultrasound beam and air and bone limits the diagnostic use of ultrasonography to evaluation of structures near the thoracic wall, utilizing an intercostal, thoracic inlet, or parasternal approach. Lesions surrounded by aerated lung may not be visualized due to reflection of the ultrasound beam. Trace pleural effusion or small pulmonary lesions may not be detected, as the entire thoracic cavity is difficult to evaluate with ultrasound (36).

Pathophysiology

Muscles of the diaphragm, thoracic cage, larynx, and abdominal wall work in concert to produce the forceful mechanical actions associated with the cough reflex. The cough response can be divided into inspiratory, compressive, and expulsive phases. Coordinated neural and muscle activation and intake of a large volume of air comprise the inspiratory phase. The compressive phase is characterized by a sharp increase in intrathoracic pressure against a closed glottis and is followed by the expulsive phase that involves rapid opening of the glottis and forceful ejection of air (13).

Afferent, central, and efferent pathways comprise the reflex arc that generates cough. The afferent pathway encompasses several branches of the vagal nerve (diaphragmatic, cardiac, and esophageal branches) and vagal sensory nerve fibers localized within the ciliated epithelium of the upper airway that have diffuse projections to the medulla. The central pathway coordinates afferent vagal signals with the cough center located in the pons and upper brain stem. The efferent pathway takes impulses from the cough center to the effector organs, namely the inspiratory and expiratory muscles and larynx (14).

Anatomical differences in afferent fiber distribution influence the response elicited by various cough stimuli. Proximal airways are most sensitive to mechanical stimulation, whereas the distal airways are more sensitive to chemical stimulants. Therefore, the expected cough response can often be anticipated based on the type of stimulation and the anatomical site affected (4).

As previously mentioned, cough can be initiated through mechanical, chemical, or inflammatory stimulation (15) (Figure 1). Endogenous stimuli, such as airway secretions and inflammation, and exogenous agents, such as smoke, aspirated material, or other inhaled foreign substances, both play a role in triggering the cough reflex (1). Specific disease processes can also amplify the response an individual has to particular stimuli. For instance, infection with Bordetella bronchispetica causes a marked increase in response of the rapidly adapting stretch receptors (RARs) lowering the cough reflex threshold (17).

Figure 1. Pathway showing initiation and propagation of the cough response (8, 13, 15, 16).

The cough reflex is activated via peripheral or central stimulation. Peripherally, activation of C-fibers and cough receptors are the most common triggers for cough. Centrally, only two excitatory transmitters mediate cough, glutamate and neurokinins (NKs), most importantly neurokinin A (NKA). Glutamate is thought to be the primary excitatory neurotransmitter while NKs predominantly maintain a modulatory role. NK expression peripherally is restricted to capsaicin-sensitive nociceptors (16).

Various stimuli activate cough receptors including RARs, slow adapting stretch receptors (SARs), and C-fibers. RARs, which are myelinated, exist primarily within the mucosa of the tracheobronchial tree and respond to weak mechanical stimulation. When RARs are activated, bronchospasms and mucus production are stimulated via parasympathetic pathways. SARs, which are also myelinated, are most sensitive to mechanical forces, largely moderate lung inflation, and are mainly found within intrapulmonary airways. C-fibers constitute the majority of afferents within the airways and are unmyelinated. They are located in close apposition to the blood vessels and are divided into two types, pulmonary and bronchial. Unlike RARs and SARs, these receptors are insensitive to mechanical stimuli and less responsive to lung inflation (4, 11, 14). C-fibers are directly stimulated by bradykinin and capsaicin. Pulmonary C-fibers are located within the small peripheral airways and supplied by the pulmonary circulation whereas bronchial C-fibers are found within the larger airways, supplied by the bronchial circulation, and are most sensitive to chemical stimulants (11, 15). Additionally, C-fibers are important for bronchoconstriction and neural control of respiration (11, 18). Results of C-fiber activation include increased airway parasympathetic nerve activity, as well as bradycardia, hypotension, and apnea secondary to activation of the chemoreflex (14). All stimuli are transmitted via the vagus nerve to the cough center, where a cough is initiated. Direct input to the cough center from the cerebral cortex can also elicit a cough (11).

Transient receptor potential channels are a family of cation channels found on vagus nerve endings located in and below airway epithelium and are triggered by pH, osmolarity, temperature, inflammatory and mechanical stimuli, and environmental irritants (15, 19, 20). The two most significant channels to evoke a cough are transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels. TRPV1 is stimulated by pollutants, capsaicin, allergens, bradykinin, and acids. TRPA1 is stimulated by smoke, ozone pollutants, and bradykinin. Once initiated, these stimuli activate the C-fibers. If a sufficient depolarization is created from the initial event, voltage-gated sodium channels open and an action potential travels to stimulate release of glutamate, substance P (SP), and NKs from neurons. Glutamate acts on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA receptors while SP acts on NK₁ receptors and NKA acts on NK₁, NK₂, and NK₃ receptors (15, 16). The nucleus tractus solitarius, which also receives direct input from other afferent nerves, is then stimulated to produce a cough (16).

Some studies demonstrate that dogs may have different pathophysiology of the cough reflex than people, cats, and guinea pigs. Guinea pig models are commonly used for airway research as guinea pigs respond to a variety of antitussives and cough similarly to humans (19). Boyle et al. demonstrated methods successful in inducing cough in cats, guinea pigs, and humans are not successful in dogs (6). A connection between cigarette smoking, environmental tobacco smoke, and wood smoke have all been associated with cough and pulmonary disease in people but the same association has not been established in dogs with chronic cough (21). Other studies have associated environmental tobacco smoke as an increased risk for lung and nasal cancer in dogs (22, 23). One study demonstrated bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained from dogs exposed to environmental tobacco smoke had anthracosis with increased macrophages and lymphocytes (24). Several laboratory studies have documented airway epithelial changes and airway inflammation in dogs with exposure to direct cigarette smoke (25–27). Based on these varying results, there is a gap in the knowledge regarding the effects of airway irritants and pulmonary disease in dogs and a lack of complete understanding of cough pathophysiology in veterinary patients.