Shark Cartilage for Pets

There are no negative side effects related to the use of shark cartilage in animals (or humans) other than, on occasion, an upset stomach with use. The only concern some people have with its therapeutic use is that so far, researchers have not been able to isolate the active elements that provide the benefits listed in the previous section. 

Some experts feel this is actually a positive thing, because as soon as the therapeutic agent is discovered, drug companies will begin to synthesize it to make a profit. Other experts believe it’s important to begin synthesizing it so that sharks do not become commodities in large demand. These two viewpoints have led to some controversy around the use of shark cartilage for therapeutic purposes.

But experts on either side agree that shark cartilage is beneficial and it does work. Along with chondroitin sulfates A and C, the proteins in shark cartilage seem to provide the angiogenesis effect shark cartilage is often touted for. 

 Other than the obvious fact that shark cartilage works to restore joint health more effectively and efficiently than other medicines, there is the fact that shark cartilage is not known for any negative side effects. The side effects of other products can be almost worse than the cure, and include stomach ulcers, intestinal bleeding, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, and skin rash. Dogs are especially susceptible to skin rash naturally, so there’s no reason to provide them with medication that encourages this painful condition. 

Not only that, but while the FDA is currently running numerous studies, shark cartilage is available without a prescription, unlike other common remedies for your pet’s joint pain. While that may cause concern, you don’t need to worry because the FDA does set certain regulations on the sale of shark cartilage. And most importantly, the FDA has deemed it non-toxic, so at the very least, it does no harm.

Shark cartilage can come in the form of a powder or a pill. Sea Pet Shark Cartilage Formula Powder for dogs and cats comes in the form of a powder. 

The amount of shark cartilage you give your pet depends on their weight. To start with, you would give the smallest pets, including most cats and dogs under 30 pounds, 1 teaspoon a day for an initial, or loading, period. The effects may not be seen for the first 2-3 weeks, so don’t discontinue use if you don’t see immediate results. You would reduce that gradually to ½ teaspoon a day after the first four to five weeks. For each 30 pounds, you would add 1 teaspoon for the initial amount, and ½ teaspoon to the maintenance dose, up to a maximum of 4 teaspoons a day for loading and 2 teaspoons a day for maintenance.

It’s easy to administer shark cartilage in a powder to your pets. You can simply sprinkle it over their food, or stir it in if they don’t take easily to changes in their food. 

Because of the antiangiogenetic effect, it is recommended that use of shark cartilage be discontinued a few months before anticipated pregnancy, or immediately upon finding out about an unexpected pregnancy. It should also be discontinued if your pet has heart problems, and three months prior to any surgical procedures. After surgery and pregnancy, wait three months to begin use of shark cartilage again at the initial/ loading amount.

When new products become as popular as shark cartilage has, people looking to make a fast buck off its popularity before it becomes entirely regulated tend to open up shop, sell as much as they can, and disappear again from the internet. When searching for a provider for the shark cartilage you want for your pets, you’ll want to look out for a few things.

First, any product that guarantees therapeutic benefits should be considered suspect because the FDA specifically prohibits this. There’s no telling what you may receive from companies that don’t follow the basic laws regarding advertising and selling shark cartilage.

Second, any company that seems to have been created solely for the purpose of selling shark cartilage is suspect, especially if they don’t have a physical address and phone number. Check the shop’s “Contact Us” tab and if a valid address and phone number are not provided, you should probably look elsewhere.

SeaPet has been providing health supplements for the health and wellbeing of your pets for more than two decades. You can call us anytime you have a question at (800) 434-8152. If you happen to be in Menomonie, you can drop by and see us in person from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm CST, and you can be sure of a friendly greeting. You can trust SeaPet when you’re looking to buy shark cartilage for dogs or cats.

image credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/shark-animal-hazard-teeth-fish-674867/