Hyaluronic Acid: A Versatile Supplement for Supporting Your Dog's Health

As dog owners, we're always seeking ways to help our furry friends live their healthiest, happiest lives. While a balanced diet, regular exercise, and lots of love are essential, certain supplements can also play a valuable role in supporting our dogs' wellbeing. One such supplement gaining attention in veterinary medicine is hyaluronic acid, also known as sodium hyaluronate. This versatile compound has shown promise for a range of canine health applications, from joint support to post-surgical healing.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance found in the body, including in the synovial fluid that lubricates joints and the extracellular matrix that provides structural support to tissues. It's known for its viscoelastic properties, meaning it can act as both a lubricant and a shock absorber.

In supplement form, hyaluronic acid is typically derived from either rooster combs or bacterial fermentation. It's available in various formulations, including oral supplements, injectables, and topical preparations.

Potential Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Dogs

Research suggests that hyaluronic acid supplements may offer several benefits for canine health:

1. Supporting Joint Health in Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common condition in dogs, particularly as they age. It occurs when the protective cartilage in the joints breaks down, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. Several studies have explored the potential of hyaluronic acid to help manage osteoarthritis in dogs.

In one randomized controlled trial, dogs with cranial cruciate ligament injury received either oral hyaluronic acid or a placebo after undergoing surgery. The group receiving hyaluronic acid showed significant improvements in osteoarthritis biomarkers in the synovial fluid, suggesting a potential protective effect on the joint.¹

Other studies have investigated the use of intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections for dogs with experimentally induced osteoarthritis. These studies found that the injections helped reduce the progression of joint damage compared to untreated controls.^2,3

2. Promoting Healing After Surgery

Another promising application of hyaluronic acid is in post-surgical care. Surgery can often lead to the formation of adhesions, or bands of scar tissue that abnormally connect tissues and organs. These adhesions can cause pain and impair normal function.

Animal studies have shown that applying hyaluronic acid during surgery can help reduce adhesion formation. In one study on dogs, hyaluronic acid significantly decreased adhesions after flexor tendon repair compared to untreated controls.⁴ Similarly, hyaluronic acid has been found to reduce intra-abdominal adhesions in dogs following abdominal surgery.⁵

Hyaluronic acid may also promote tissue healing more broadly. A study on dogs undergoing flexor tendon repair found that hyaluronic acid application led to reduced inflammation and an improved healing response compared to controls.⁴

3. Relieving Dry Eye Symptoms

Hyaluronic acid has also been studied for its potential to alleviate dry eye syndrome, a condition where the eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. While research on this application in dogs is limited, human studies suggest hyaluronic acid eye drops can improve both objective and subjective measures of dry eye.⁶

Given the similarities in canine and human eye anatomy, hyaluronic acid may offer a safe and effective option for managing dry eye in dogs as well. However, more species-specific research is needed to confirm this potential benefit.

4. Serving as a Drug Delivery System

In addition to its direct health benefits, hyaluronic acid has been explored as a potential vehicle for delivering other medications in a controlled manner. In one study, a hyaluronic acid-based powder formulation was used to achieve sustained release of insulin in beagle dogs after pulmonary delivery.⁷

This suggests that hyaluronic acid could be used to develop advanced drug delivery systems for various medications in veterinary medicine, potentially improving their efficacy and convenience.

Is Hyaluronic Acid Safe for Dogs?

Hyaluronic acid is generally considered safe and well-tolerated in dogs when used appropriately. However, as with any supplement, it's important to choose a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer and to follow dosing instructions carefully.

It's always best to consult with your veterinarian before starting your dog on any new supplement, including hyaluronic acid. They can help you determine if it's appropriate for your dog's individual needs and health status, and can advise on the optimal dosage and formulation.

The Bottom Line

Hyaluronic acid is a promising supplement for supporting various aspects of canine health, from joint function to surgical recovery. While more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and optimal uses in dogs, the available evidence suggests it may be a valuable addition to a comprehensive wellness plan for many canine companions.

As with any aspect of your dog's care, it's crucial to work closely with your veterinarian to make informed decisions about using hyaluronic acid or any other supplement. With their guidance and a commitment to overall wellness, you can help your furry friend live their best life by your side.

References:

1. Serra, C. I., Ramos-Plá, J. J., Soler, C., Segarra, S., Moratalla, V., & Redondo, J. I. (2021). Effects of Oral Hyaluronic Acid Administration in Dogs Following Tibial Tuberosity Advancement Surgery for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury. Animals, 11(5), 1264. https://consensus.app/papers/effects-oral-hyaluronic-acid-administration-dogs-aguado/a03b9cfafe805dc9a63600a1d59a3729/

2. Schiavinato, A., Lini, E., Guidolin, D., Pezzoli, G., Botti, P., Martelli, M., Cortivo, R., De Galateo, A., & Abatangelo, G. (1989). Intraarticular sodium hyaluronate injections in the Pond-Nuki experimental model of osteoarthritis in dogs. II. Morphological findings. Clinical orthopaedics and related research, (241), 286–299. https://consensus.app/papers/sodium-hyaluronate-injections-pondnuki-model-schiavinato/35cf1f0e13395111ae5c4e893443b573/

3. Abatangelo, G., Botti, P., Del Bue, M., Gei, G., Samson, J. C., Cortivo, R., De Galateo, A., & Martelli, M. (1989). Intraarticular sodium hyaluronate injections in the Pond-Nuki experimental model of osteoarthritis in dogs. I. Biochemical results. Clinical orthopaedics and related research, (241), 278–285. https://consensus.app/papers/sodium-hyaluronate-injections-pondnuki-model-abatangelo/fe32d6b59cdd563498cfb23338dd0b54/

4. Amiel, D., Ishizue, K., Billings, E., Jr, Wiig, M., Vande Berg, J., Akeson, W. H., & Gelberman, R. (1989). Hyaluronan in flexor tendon repair. The Journal of hand surgery, 14(5), 837–843. https://consensus.app/papers/hyaluronan-tendon-repair-amiel/4cd615d29d18551c99260261ffb32222/

5. Shatha, M. H., & Serwa, I. S. (2016). An effect of hyaluronan as abdominal post-operative anti-adhesive in dogs, macroscopic, laparoscopic and histopathological study. The Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 40(1), 1-8. https://consensus.app/papers/effect-hyaluronan-dogs-macroscopic-study-shatha/dd8f7870bab75580990250f6055aa679/

6. Condon, P. I., McEwen, C., Wright, M., Mackintosh, G., Prescott, R. J., & McDonald, C. (1999). Double blind, randomised, placebo controlled, crossover, multicentre study to determine the efficacy of a 0.1% (w/v) sodium hyaluronate solution (Fermavisc) in the treatment of dry eye syndrome. The British journal of ophthalmology, 83(10), 1121–1124. https://consensus.app/papers/blind-randomised-placebo-controlled-crossover-condon/7cdbc1bc251e5bd79317aa8d98e8288a/

7. Surendrakumar, K., Martyn, G. P., Hodgers, E. C., Jansen, M., & Blair, J. A. (2003). Sustained release of insulin from sodium hyaluronate based dry powder formulations after pulmonary delivery to beagle dogs. Journal of controlled release, 91(3), 385–394. https://consensus.app/papers/sustained-release-insulin-sodium-hyaluronate-based-surendrakumar/dff7175a1e905b16839ffc4ad8c4b7db/

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon or perceived as specific medical or veterinary advice.

We recognize there may be different points of view or opinions on some aspect or even the premise of this article. Our goal at LongTails is to provide the best, clearest, and most helpful information possible to help keep your dog happy, healthy and safe.