Duralactin for Dogs
You may have heard of Duralactin for dogs, a natural medication that is great for arthritis and other related injuries in our pets. It is intended as a nutritional aid for the long-term management of chronic inflammation. Is Duralactin right for your pet? Read on to find out.
What is Duralactin?
Duralactin is an over-the-counter medication that is used to target inflammation. It contains a milk protein known as MicroLactin, which is a patented milk derivative and works differently than steroids or NSAIDs. The milk protein is derived from hyperimmunized cows. MicroLactin itself targets swelling in the patient, so it can be used to treat arthritis, hip or knee injuries, and more.
Duralactin can be used for both cats and dogs, and even horses! This medication is seen as a more natural remedy than prescribing steroids for a pet and is also viewed similarly to a supplement– these products support normal activity and wellness. Duralactin Canine comes in a chewable soft tablet and is vanilla flavoured. Duralactin also offers two other varieties. There are also the Duralactin Canine Soft Chews, and the Duralactin Canine Joint Plus Soft Chews, which have added ingredients such as Zinc and Omega 3s.
What Does Duralactin Treat?
The inflammation that Duralactin treats is a protective biological response made by your dog’s body tissues towards anything they perceive as being harmful. When inflammation occurs, blood vessels and cells activate in order to repair the damaged tissues. As blood and liquids flows to the site, your dog can experience swelling, pain, and redness. This can also often result in a limp or otherwise similar loss of movement.
Inflammation and swelling can be either chronic or acute. In chronic cases, this refers to a prolonged inflammation which can cause issues. Acute cases are when this inflammatory response comes on quickly and for a short amount of time, unlike with extended chronic cases. While inflammation actually helps to repair your dog’s body and tissues, it hurts them. It also causes issues with mobility. We as pet owners, of course, want to alleviate any pain or discomfort.
This is where treatments such as Duralactin come in.
Duralactin Research
Like any medication, Duralactin did also go through trials and testing. A double-blind, placebo clinical trial was conducted on the tablets for an eight-week study period. This trial, supervised by Veterinary Products Laboratory and Stolle Milk Biologics, Inc., concluded that when older, large-breed dogs suffering from musculoskeletal disorders took Duralactin regularly, they saw significant improvement within the trial period.
Research shows that, typically, dogs begin to improve in about 4 to 7 days. Peak effects were seen 10 to 14 days after beginning the daily Duralactin treatment plan.
Where to Get Duralactin
As Duralactin is not a prescription drug or medication, it is easier to obtain than some other treatments may be. It can be easily found by searching online and is currently available at online retailers such as Chewy, Walmart, and PetMeds. It will be easy to purchase this online, too, because it is not required for you to send in a prescription or have the company contact your vet, which is often the case when buying pet medications online.
Check-in at the local branch of your favourite pet store as well. Many chains, such as Petco, also offer Duralactin. It can be purchased in bottles of varying sizes, so you can choose to buy a smaller bottle to try out the medication, or be cost-effective and buy a larger bottle to stock up!
Administering Duralactin
Duralactin can be administered either on its own or with food. Because of the vanilla flavour, most dogs love the tablets and chews, and may even think it’s a special treat! Dosages are determined by your dog’s weight.
Canine Chewable Tablets
- 0-40 lbs should receive ½ tablet daily
- 41-80 lbs should receive 1 tablet daily
- 81+ lbs should receive 1 ½ tablet daily
Canine Soft Chews
- 0-60 lbs should receive 1 tablet daily
- 61-120 lbs should receive 2 tablets daily
- 121+ lbs should receive 3 tablets daily
Canine Joint Plus Soft Chews
- 0-60 lbs should receive 1 chew per day
- 61-120 should receive 2 chews per day
- 121+ should receive 3 chews per day
Side Effects of Duralactin
Since this is a natural remedy, we do not see many side effects like we would with other medications. Natural medications typically lack the severe side effects that can come with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or with corticosteroids. The situations in which we do see side effects with Duralactin are usually with dogs who are lactose intolerant.
Lactose-intolerant or lactose-sensitive pets may be prone to vomiting, diarrhea, or other digestive issues after taking Duralactin, which is to be expected due to the ingredients of the medication. That being said, the veterinarians C. Woods and D. Gingerich have said that Duralactin does not show any evidence of gastrointestinal tract irritation. While Duralactin does not require a prescription, it is advisable to consult your vet before starting your dog on this medication and treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Duralactin safe for dogs?
Duralactin is relatively safe for dogs and is in fact a highly recommended formula. Duralactin Canine is also available and comes in a vanilla-flavoured tablet.
How effective is Duralactin?
Typically, once on Duralactin, dogs see improvements in around 4 to 7 days. The peak effect of the medication is usually seen in 10 to 14 days.
Is Duralacatin a prescription?
Duralactin is available as an over-the-counter medication. It does not need to be prescribed by a veterinarian. It is typically used together with powerful anti-inflammatory medication.
What does Duralactin do for dogs?
Duralactin is a natural way to reduce inflammation for dogs. The chewable tablets contain Microlactin, which is a low-lactose dried milk concentrate that helps reduce swelling. It is a great way to treat inflammation related to arthritis, spinal injuries, etc.
Does Duralactin need to be refrigerated?
While Duralactin does contain a milk component, it does not need to be refrigerated like regular dairy items. As with most medications, be sure to keep it away from moisture and in a cool, dry space. Room temperature is ideal for medication storage.