Nutramax Laboratories sells nutritional joint supplements under the brands Cosequin and Dasuquin. Both dietary supplements, or “nutraceuticals,” contain sodium chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, two components crucial for joint health.
For both cats and dogs, both products are offered in a range of formulations and forms. Boswella serrata extract, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and Omega-3s—the latter of which is only present in Cosequin—are among the added compounds found in some formulations.
However, avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, or ASU for short, are the main component that distinguishes Dasuquin from Cosequin. ASU is present in Dasuquin but not in Cosequin.
Avocado and soybean oils are the natural sources of ASU. ASU has been shown to reduce inflammation and relieve the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, autoimmune disorders, and other health issues in humans.
The makers of Dasuquin claim that glucosamine and chrondoitrin sulfate supplements for pets are more effective at preventing cartilage degradation when combined with ASU than when the two nutrients are taken separately.
The Cost Difference
Beyond their individual components, cost is another topic of discussion in the Cosequin vs. Dasuquin argument.
A 150-count bottle of Dasuquin costs about twice as much as a bottle of Cosequin at the time of this writing. This cost might be justified for some pet owners due to the inclusion of ASU. Some people might decide that Cosequin is efficient enough to avoid the extra cost.
Is Cosequin superior to Dasuquin?
Cosequin and Dasuquin are available for dogs and cats and share the same active ingredients—glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. Another essential element in Dasuquin is called ASU, or Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables.
Cost
Cosequin frequently costs less than Dasuquin. The formulation of the two supplements is essentially similar, with the exception that Dasuquin has ASU added. Dasuquin will work better for some pets, hence the price increase might be justified.
What is the ideal canine joint supplement?
Some owners claim their dogs have reacted poorly, vomiting or having diarrhea.
Veterinarians highly recommend Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Health Plus MSM & HA because, unlike many glucosamine supplements, it has been clinically proven to increase canine mobility.
This American-made supplement comprises sodium hyaluronate, also known as hyaluronic acid, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), in addition to glucosamine HCl from shellfish and chondroitin sulfate from cow cartilage (HA). Osteoarthritis and associated tendon and ligament diseases are commonly treated with MSM, a common anti-inflammatory drug. It also encourages sound digestion. A prevalent ingredient in skincare products for people, HA may be recognizable to you. It keeps joints moist in dog supplements and enhances the viscosity or thickness of the fluid in joints, providing a cushion between the bones.
The count of these chewable tablets ranges from 60 to 120. Large breeds will require a higher dose based on weight because they are safe for all ages. The initial dose should be taken every day for four to six weeks, followed by a switch to a maintenance dose that is roughly half the initial amount.
After experimenting with a variety of supplements, owners claim that their dogs were notably more energetic and mobile when given this particular brand. This brand is also offered in alternative formulations, soft chews, and lower standard and double strength concentrations.
Do veterinarians advise Cosequin?
High-quality components found in COSEQUIN Joint Health Supplements include MSM, TRH122 Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, and FCHG49 Glucosamine Hydrochloride (Methylsulfonylmethane). The components in this mixture support the health of the connective tissue and cartilage of your dog.
COSEQUIN is the top veterinarian-recommended retail joint brand and is designed for dogs of all sizes. It promotes mobility and keeps your dog’s joints healthy.
The dosage of COSEQUIN can be simply modified based on your dog’s needs and weight. The soft chews and chewable tablets taste good and are simple to administer.
Is Dasuquin the ideal canine joint supplement?
The Dasuquin with MSM soft chew is our top pick for the Best Joint Health Product. The greatest anti-inflammatory and joint-protecting components are in this supplement, and it comes in the form of delightful treats to make administering it to your dog each day easier.
By attacking the problem from various angles, using little doses of various sorts of goods improves how well they perform. Additionally, we are less likely to experience unpleasant side effects while using lesser doses of complimentary products.
Flavor chews are fantastic for dogs who are driven by food. Making medicine a treat rather than a job. If you don’t sure how your dog thinks about someone, this is a fantastic place to start.
Our animal pals greatly benefit from joint supplements. Often, getting them started young is best. In order to provide your family member with comprehensive medical care, make sure to consult your veterinarian and keep them updated on any supplements you use.
One request from Speedy
Dr. Peters spent a lot of time and effort writing this blog post to benefit the community of dog owners. If you think about posting it on social media, that would be great for me.
What negative consequences does Dasuquin have?
Dasuquin Adverse Reactions Bear in mind that your dog could have a variety of negative side effects. Loss of appetite, lightheadedness, and a little upset stomach are all possible side effects. These adverse effects typically disappear within a few days.
What item is similar to Dasuquin?
As our pets age, joint pain and other problems can develop, causing discomfort and posing a threat to their mobility. Cosequin, a joint supplement, has recently experienced a surge in popularity, but Dasuquin isn’t far behind.
The two joint supplements that are most frequently suggested on the market are Cosequin and Dasuquin. Both items guarantee to enhance the joint health of pets. Additionally, both of them are produced by reputable pet health product producer Nutramax Laboratories.
So what distinguishes Cosequin from Dasuquin? Which one is best for your pets, most importantly? To learn more, we dug deep.
Can cosequin worsen my dog’s condition?
At first, it moves along somewhat slowly. With a silly grin and wagging tail, your dog still wants to play and run around, but now and then you’ll observe your pup circleing around more frequently than usual before sitting down. The next thing you know, she’s taking her time getting up, and the same cues that once made her run now just cause her to saunter. You believe that “she’s just maturing.” She still finds the activity enjoyable, but she has learned patience.
Then all of a sudden, you’ll see that she rarely ventures outside of the comfort of her preferred places. She hardly ever invites you to play or take a stroll. Even if she still wants to leave when you ask, her timid movements towards the door make the wagging tail and broad smile appear fake. One day she’ll start to sit down when all of a sudden her legs will give way. “Aged is she. All there is to it is that.”
However, these are indicators of degenerative joint disease, not signs of good aging, so your dog doesn’t have to suffer in silence. Numerous joint supplements and drugs are available to help her regain her energy. Cosequin DS is one of the top supplements available for treating canine arthritis. This supplement has the ideal ratio of minerals, amino sugars, and carbohydrates to help dogs with degenerative joint diseases recover their joints.
What Makes Cosequin DS So Effective?
The greatest components for building and repairing the cartilage and synovial fluid that maintain healthy joints are abundant in Cosequin DS. Joints must have cartilage, which synovial fluid lubricates to prevent deterioration. Chondoritin sulfate, glucoasmine hydrochloride, and manganese ascorbate are constituents in Cosequin DS; the following is a list of their functions:
- One chemical version of the aminosugar glucosamine is called glucosamine hydrochloride. One of the substances that make up cartilage naturally in the body is glucosamine, although older animals typically have a declining supply of the substance. By replenishing this supply, your pet’s natural joint-maintenance system can function as intended.
- Proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid, two elements of cartilage, are stimulated by the carbohydrate chondroitin sulfate, which also aids in reducing inflammation. Hyaluronic acid is needed to create synovial fluid in addition to having a similar function to glucosamine in the development of cartilage.
- Manganese ascorbate: Due to its presence in vital enzymes that control inflammation, manganese plays a crucial part in a number of biological processes.
Despite the fact that these are the main components of Cosequin DS, the supplement is also available in a different formulation that incorporates methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). MSM is a substance that reduces pain and inflammation by providing the sulfur needed to create healthy molecules like chondroitin sulfate. Together, these components offer a thorough defense against arthritis and provide relief from its different symptoms.
Side Effects and Alternative Supplements
Cosequin DS is extremely safe for animals, although there are some negative effects from using it. Less than 2% of dogs that took the supplement have reported mild gastrointestinal distress, and some dogs may become more thirsty. Similar to the majority of supplements, when dose guidelines are not followed, negative effects are more likely to occur. Any lingering side effects are typically eliminated when the guidelines are followed by lowering the dosage from the loading level to the maintenance level.
For animals with various needs, Cosequin is also available in other formulations. The same active chemicals are included in Cosequin for Cats, but in concentrations tailored exclusively for felines. Dasuquin, a different joint supplement from Nutramax, is also available to provide further joint protection for your dog. Dasuquin contains the same components as Cosequin plus unsaponifiables from avocado and soy, which stop enzymes from degrading cartilage.
We trust that this article has assisted you in deciding if Cosequin DS is the best medication for your dog. See the following articles for further details on Cosequin DS and related joint supplements:
What are the recommendations for dogs with joint pain from veterinarians?
Reaching for a single powerful medicine is rarely the best course of action when seeking relief. Instead, working with your veterinarian to create a strategy specifically designed to help with your dog’s concerns will yield the best outcomes.
Your dog’s comfort and wellbeing can be maximized while the risk of adverse effects from some therapies is reduced with an integrative, multimodal therapy regimen. Here are a few tactics that have been proven effective:
Orthopedic Beds, Steps & Ramps
Off-draft locations with orthopedic beds are recommended. (Doing so will aid in avoiding the formation of pressure-point calluses.) To get on and off the bed or couch, it is recommended that there be carpeted, padded stairs or a ramp. Wherever surfaces are slick, non-slip flooring is also highly beneficial. A slightly sloped ramp outside can be simpler for your dog to navigate than stairs.
Massages & Body Work
Massages of the muscles, which encourage blood flow to wasting muscles, are popular among dogs with arthritis. Most regions of the country have access to certified canine massage therapists, and many are happy to demonstrate their skills. IAAMB is a good place to start your search. Warm compresses used to painful joints can be comforting, but caution must be taken to prevent damage from excessive heat.
Exercise & Water Therapy
Regardless of a dog’s age or the severity of their arthritis, maintaining mobility through appropriate exercise is crucial. (I’m convinced that a certain red Dober-gal of mine’s daily quarter-mile walk down the driveway, although at her own pace, is what kept her going to 15+.) More activity is beneficial for a dog with mild, early arthritis than it is for an older dog with significant cartilage erosion.
If additional medical issues do not make non-weightbearing exercise like swimming or hydrotherapy contraindicated, it is ideal. Find a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) for assistance in creating a suitable exercise regimen.
Therapeutic Laser Treatment
A type of low-level light therapy called a class IV therapeutic laser can significantly alleviate canine arthritic diseases. In order to promote quicker healing and lessen pain in the affected areas, the treatment induces muscular relaxation, boosts blood flow to tissues, and reduces inflammation.
A handheld laser wand is used to wave back and forth across the damaged area during this non-invasive procedure. The frequency of the laser therapy may be weekly for a few weeks, depending on the particular demands of the animal.
Joint Supplements
There are countless joint supplements on the market to support healthy cartilage and joints. They include different proportions of glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, and other chondroprotective ingredients. A few of these products, according to many doctors and pet owners, seem to be beneficial.
We don’t yet know whether giving supplements to dogs at an early age is advantageous for all of them. It is best to discuss this choice with your vet while taking into account elements like food and genetics/conformation (for example, was the dog’s hip or other joint abnormality identified early on?). Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit dogs that suffer from arthritis. Some diets for canine arthritis include these, but for them to work, greater doses through additional supplements may be required.
Adequan Injections
For the treatment of canine arthritis and other degenerative joint conditions, they have long been regarded as the gold standard. Adequan (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, or PSGAG), a strong chondroprotective agent, gives the body the cartilage building blocks it needs to aid in the repair of its own tissues.
Unfortunately, because the initial treatment requires six injections spaced out over three weeks and is fairly pricey, it is frequently not used. Rarely, though, have I encountered an arthritis patient who did not benefit from it, and in my own elderly dogs, I receive obvious reminders if I forget to give them a maintenance injection (every three to six weeks, depending on the dog). The main stated side effect of Adequan is the potential for increased bleeding, however in 20 years of treatment in dozens of patients (including dogs with von Willebrand disease), I have never experienced this issue. Adequan is generally free of side effects.
Tramadol
We can include an analgesic like the synthetic opioid tramadol. Tramadol is not an anti-inflammatory, but it is a rather effective pain reliever that is both affordable and quite safe. Although sedation and constipation are potential adverse effects, dogs handle tramadol extremely well when given the right dose range. Amantadine and gabapentin also affect the neurological system, changing how strongly and how quickly pain signals are transmitted.
Steroids
A steroid’s anti-inflammatory properties can be tested. The problem with steroids is that they eventually cause the destruction of body tissues, particularly joints. Additionally, if used for an extended period of time, they may aid in the onset of diabetes, Cushings disease that is brought on by medication, liver inflammation, immunological suppression, or other issues.
Veterinarians frequently give drugs like histamine blockers (famotidine, cimetidine), proton-pump inhibitors (omeprazole), or gastrointestinal protectants to avoid gastric erosion or ulcers (sucralfate). Steroid therapy should be stopped if symptoms of an ulcer appear. However, a long-lasting steroid injection can help many older dogs with severe arthritis for four to eight weeks.
NSAIDS
One of the veterinary NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines) may be an option if the aforementioned remedies are ineffective. Rimadyl, EtoGesic, Deramaxx, Previcox, Metacam, and Feldene are NSAIDs for dogs. Although these medications are quite good at relieving pain and inflammation, they shouldn’t be given out carelessly. I use them quite sparingly and with extreme caution.
Many medications have potential negative effects. Veterinarian NSAIDs have a wide range of potential side effects, some of which may be severe and even fatal, whose progression may be utterly unpredictable, and, most crucially, some of which may be permanent. Above all, I always keep the “do no harm” part of our pledge close to my heart. Unexpected, permanent side effects are frightening.
They can be fantastic for dogs whose systems tolerate an NSAID well. However, numerous dogs, including healthy non-geriatrics, have passed away from permanent organ-system failure after receiving NSAID medication for as little as a few days at a time. Additionally, I’ve heard of deaths caused by perforating gastrointestinal ulcers, convulsions, and other unfavorable circumstances. The FDA has recorded hundreds of these deaths, which, in its view, only account for a small portion of all cases.
Before prescribing an NSAID, blood tests should be performed to check normal red blood cell count, liver, and renal function, among other indicators. To ensure that the NSAID is tolerated, these tests should be done on a regular basis. Request a copy of the client information sheet from the pharmaceutical firm from your veterinarian, who should also provide you advice on the signs to look out for, most particularly any rise in water intake or frequency of urination. If symptoms appear, the medicine should be stopped right away. Never administer NSAIDs along with aspirin or any type of steroid; doing so can be fatal.
Last but not least, if you want to give your dog over-the-counter pain relievers, please see your veterinarian first. Many seemingly harmless medicines have tragically and needlessly caused the deaths of dogs, including a healthy 5-year-old dog whose owner gave her multiple doses of the poisonous to canines Ibuprofen (and cats).
