DMSO for dogs is a solventwhich is used, among other things, for joint problems in dogs for external use.
It was originally used in human medicine, but is also said to be effective for inflammation and pain in dogs.
The following guide will tell you whether and how the active ingredient can help your dog.
DMSO for dogs: what is it and what is it used for?
DMSO for dogs is said to be an effective pain reliever anti-inflammatory effect for dogs be.
The abbreviation stands for dimethyl sulfoxide. It is obtained from tree wood, among other things, and has the property of dissolving water-insoluble substances.
This property is now also valued in veterinary medicine. DMSO can help ensure that accompanying active ingredients are absorbed more quickly through the skin.
As a result, a better and, above all, faster effect can be achieved in the case of inflammation and pain.
In addition to joint problems in dogs, DMSO is also used for swelling, sprains and bruises.
The following properties are also attributed to DMSO for dogs:
In addition, DMSO is said to contain antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
DMSO can also be used in dogs to defend against parasites, as a repellent against ticks.
DMSO for dogs is available in the form of a tincture, with specific guidelines for use and dosage.
Proper use and dosage of DMSO for dogs
The correct dosage of DMSO in the dog is related to the body weight and the concentration of the tincture and is enclosed maximum 20 g per kg body weight per day.
The information relates to solutions that contain either 50 or 90 percent DMSO.
Proper use is by diluting the correct amount for the dog with water.
Undiluted application of DMSO to the dog should never be done. Because that would not help your dog, but harm.
If DMSO is used for an eye condition, the dilution takes place with isotonic saline solution.
Consult the treating veterinarian for the correct dosage.
Important
The veterinarian must always decide whether, how and when DMSO is used on your dog. You should never carry out applications on your own.
How fast does DMSO work in dogs and how long is it used?
Unfortunately, we do not have any precise information on how quickly DMSO takes effect in dogs. But we suspect that this is the case very fast happens.
The duration of use can include a few days as well as a longer period of time.
However, serious side effects can occur with long-term use. That’s one of the reasons it needs to be discussed with the vet.
What side effects can DMSO cause in dogs?
DMSO can cause side effects in some dogs, which – as with many veterinary drugs – often in the form of vomiting and diarrhea to express.
DMSO is a controversial active ingredient due to some other side effects, because the following side effects can also occur:
If DMSO is administered over a long period of time, it can have a negative effect on liver functions. In fact, it is said to contribute to liver degeneration.
When should I not use DMSO on my dog?
It’s with your dog liver dysfunction or liver damage before, you should not carry out a treatment of DMSO with him.
An exception here can be the duration of use. There may be nothing wrong with short-term external use.
In addition to liver problems, kidney diseases are usually an exclusion criterion for the use of DMSO. You should clarify this with the vet beforehand.
Is your dog hypersensitive to DMSO? Then there is no question that you should look for a suitable alternative together with your veterinarian.
Where is DMSO for dogs available?
DMSO for dogs is in pharmacies and at the veterinarian available. However, a prescription requirement depends on the form in which you want to purchase DMSO for your dog.
There is usually no prescription requirement for a tincture. The situation is different with DMSO-containing medicines, including those in tablet form.
What alternatives are there to DMSO for dogs?
You can find alternatives to DMSO that have a similar effect in, for example Buscopan for dogs and Traumeel for dogs.
The two over-the-counter medications are used for stomach problems (Buscopan) and joint pain and problems (Traumeel).
Traumeel for dogs is also a natural remedy that can be classified as homeopathic.
If there is inflammation and pain, there are other pharmaceutical options, such as meloxicam for dogs or carprofen for dogs.
The options above may be useful if your dog’s experience with DMSO has not been the best.
Just as with DMSO, the same applies here: dosage, application and duration of application are determined by the veterinarian.
Has your dog had experience with DMSO? How do you look? We are happy to read these and your useful tips in the comments.