Avocado and Soybean Unsaponifiables: Nature’s Secret Dog Arthritis Remedy

Nature has its many secret remedies. Who knew that avocadoes and soybeans could be good for arthritis?
The leading and most trusted publication on arthritis, The Journal of Rheumatology,” published a study by a Belgian university on the beneficial effects of avocado and soybean unsaponfiables or ASU on arthritic patients last August 2003. The article mentioned that ASU could increase the production of aggrecans.

Aggrecans are molecules that hold on to water molecules. This action keeps the cartilage tissue spongy, enabling to absorb mechanical forces. When aggrecan production is low, the cartilage tissue becomes dry and can be easily eroded by friction caused when the joints are moving.

There were other clinical studies that revealed the other benefits of ASU. A three-month study showed that patients taking ASU relied much less on pain medication. This is a breakthrough in arthritis treatment since many of these pain medications are very potent and have dangerous side effects. Another study, which was carried out over six-months supported the results of the three-month study. Clinical tests showed that patients treated with ASU felt less pain compared to those treated with a placebo.

The longest of these studies aimed at studying the long-term benefits of ASU use was over a two-year period. Arthritic patients were given ASU and the results of this study revealed less joint space narrowing and healthier cartilage.

The positive results of these studies have made vets consider that ASU can be effective treatment for dog arthritis. In fact, there are now many dietary supplements containing ASU are specifically formulated for dogs. One of the more trusted brands by vets is Maximize ASU. It lists ASU as its main active component; thus, it contains more ASU compared to other products. It is a common practice to use an ASU supplement with other supplements such as GlycanAid or Dasuquin.

Although avocadoes are toxic to dogs, ASU has been found to be very safe. There are no known side effects. Nonetheless some precautions should be considered. Firstly, ASU may interact with levothyroxine, warfarin and may affect iron absorption. Secondly, an allergic reaction should never be ruled out so owners should keep a vigilant eye on a pet being treated with ASU. An allergic reaction most likely will manifest as digestive problems. Before administering any ASU supplement always talk to your vet first.

Practical Tips for Dog Exercises

Dog owners need to provide their dogs with regular exercise. A dog should have enough exercise to keep the animal fit and healthy. Furthermore, exercise helps to improve a dog’s behavior. Dogs that do not receive enough exercise often become restless when bored. This can lead to the animal being destructive.

Therefore, aside from food, shelter, affection, and the occasional bath, a dog should be given sufficient physical activity. It keeps the dog fit, healthy and well-behaved (in most cases).

Nevertheless, exercise can be detrimental to a dog’s health if done incorrectly. There is always the chance for strain or injury. Also, any strenuous physical activity can exacerbate the destruction of cartilage in the joints. This can lead to the early development of dog arthritis. To avoid this, here are some dog exercise tips any dog owner can follow:

1. Exercise in moderation. Dog owners should know when their dog is “dog tired.” Pushing your dog to its limits defeats the purpose of exercise. The goal here is to keep the dog active, not to break records in dog sports.

2. Choose an exercise that is appropriate for your dog. If you are unsure, it would be best to consult your vet before you adopt an exercise for your pet. The dog’s breed, size, age and overall health condition should be considered. 

3. Enrol your dog in obedience classes. These classes provide a healthy amount of physical activity. It also sharpens a dog’s mind. Another advantage is that the interaction with other people and other dogs help transform the animal into a well-adjusted dog. You can take it up a notch by enrolling in a canine agility class. 

4. You do not need to spend a lot of money on exercise for your dog. If you do not have the change to spare for obedience classes, then there are many dog exercises that you can do for free. Walking your dog is a good example. Another example is retrieving. Just be careful with the object or toy used for fetching. Dog owners are advised not to use heavy objects or items that could cause choking hazards. It is also advisable not to throw the toy or object too high. The dog can get injured when the animal jumps and lands on its hind legs.

5. Have fun. Exercise should be viewed as an opportunity to bond with your pet. Exercise, ideally, should strengthen the dog’s body and sharpen the animal’s mind; but above all else, it should be fun.