Dog Arthritis Disease Modifier User Guides Part 6 – Niacinamide

Niacinamide for Arthritic Dogs

Niacinamide or niacin is more popularly recognized as Vitamin B3. Niacinamide is a water-soluble, B-complex vitamin. Good sources of the vitamin are eggs, nuts, diary, poultry, fish and meat, especially the liver.

There are many health benefits of niacinamide. One is that it helps keep skin healthy. It is even used as a treatment for pimples. Secondly, it promotes proper blood circulation as it can lower cholesterol in the blood. Thirdly, niacinamide facilitates in the proper absorption of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Lastly, it contributes to the overall health of the brain and the nervous system.

Clinical tests have shown that the vitamin has anti-anxiety properties in animals. In addition, it has been observed that it can help in the management of pain and inflammation related to arthritis.

Vet’s Recommendations

Niacinamide is now being used in dog arthritis treatment plans. Arthritis as a disease attacks the cartilage in the joints. As the diseases progresses, it becomes more painful. The pain and the inflammation, the two main symptoms of the arthritis, can cause a dog to become totally immobile. Hence, arthritis can greatly diminish a dog’s quality of life.

Niacin also helps in the treatment of dog arthritis because it can promote cartilage production. It also reduces programmed chondrocytes death or apoptosis. Furthermore, niacinamide helps in the improvement of a dog’s mobility, muscle strength and metabolism.

There are many vitamin B-complex supplements that are available in the market. For small dogs, it would be best to use a dosage of 250 mg. For bigger dogs, a 500 mg dosage would be more appropriate.

Niacinamide supplements are generally safe. Unlike artificial substances found in prescription medications, niacin is completely natural and as mentioned earlier, it is found in foods that are rich in protein. Since it is an organic substance, the dog’s system can easily metabolize or flush it out.

However, niacinamide can cause the capillaries to dilate. This can lead to redness, heat, and itching. The capillary dilation and its effects usually subside after half an hour.

An overdose of niacinamide is almost impossible, it would mean taking in more than 10 grams in a day. Nonetheless, if an overdose does happen it can lead to nausea, vomiting and ulcers aside from the capillary dilation.