The main reason why silicon is so valuable for dogs with joint problems: it supports all parts of the skeleton and helps to strengthen the entire movement chain. Silicon does this in a natural way, namely by getting the body to work on its own.

Essential mineral

Silicon is an essential mineral. It helps the body in the production of synovium (joint fluid), collagen, cartilage, and bone. Not only the bones and cartilage, but also the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and ligaments need silicon. Silicon stimulates the body's own production of glucosamine and chondroitin. These substances work inside the cells of the bones and tissues to build a healthy skeleton, sufficient synovium and cartilage, and strong tendons and ligaments. Research shows that giving silicon is better than a supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin. The latter two substances are much less absorbed and therefore do not reach the right place in the body. However, a supplement with liquid (hydrolyzed) silicon is well absorbed. The mineral stimulates the body's own production of glucosamine and chondroitin precisely where it is needed in the body.

What happens when you give silicon to your dog?

When you start with a supplement of well-absorbed, hydrolyzed silicon, the effect goes from the outside to the inside. It takes a few months for your dog to feel the full effect of this supplement. First, silicon stimulates the production of joint fluid. Wear and tear from, for example, osteoarthritis slows down when your dog produces enough joint fluid, so that is a good result right away. If you continue to give silicon, the tendons also become stronger, and then the collagen in the connective tissue is boosted. When the soft parts of the skeleton and joint muscles become stronger, less stress is placed on the joints themselves. This makes movement easier for a dog with joint problems. After a little more time, silicon helps to build up cartilage and joint capsules. Finally, silicon also stimulates bone formation and bone density. This has been proven in scientific research in women with osteoporosis.

Which type of silicon for your dog?

Unfortunately, dog food often contains little silicon. Therefore, it is wise to give your dog a supplement with a well-absorbed form of silicon. Magnesium trisilicate is a well-known supplement for dogs. Unfortunately, scientific research shows that this is not well absorbed and can cause kidney stones in dogs. The same applies to sodium silicate. Hydrolyzed silicon (silicon dioxide) is liquid, well absorbed, and does not have these negative side effects.

Combination?

If your dog has joint problems, it may be wise to give an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving supplement in addition to the mineral silicon. Or medication from your vet. A natural anti-inflammatory and pain reliever is for example, clove. A clove extract contains powerful cannabinoids that support your dog with joint problems. In addition, an herbal extract of devil's claw and horsetail, for example, can help to remove accumulated waste products such as uric acid crystals. Devil's claw also has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Herbs and minerals can strengthen each other. Feel free to contact us to discuss the ideal combination for your dog.