Actistatin: An Animal’s Best Friend
Health is everything - whether it be your heart health, digestive health, or mental health (and everything in between). We look out for our loved ones, and make sure that they are receiving the best supplements, care, and attention. This should include our pets, right? That’s the mission of the Actistatin line by GLC Direct. Longer, happier, and healthier lives is their ultimate goal for human, canine, and equine health.
The star of the GLC Direct show is their joint care supplements. It doesn’t matter if your dog is big or small, joint health is super important. My angel dog Reo only weighed 13 pounds. She was never overweight for her frame, yet had arthritis in her hips and spine. Did you know that 20% of dogs will develop arthritis in their lifetime?
Some vet experts think that number is even higher. With horses, joint health is just as important. A horse’s joints power their movement and motion. Without joint support, your horse may become uncomfortable with any physical action. According to a study done in 2012, 60% of lameness in horses is related to osteoarthritis.
One of the most painful things to witness is your companion animal hurting or sick. Most of the time, humans are more willing to care for their companion animals than they are to care for themselves.
Actistatin® Equine
This equine formula boasts a substantial ingredients list that is ideal for long-term joint support. It doesn’t matter whether you are administering this for preventative measures or to ease some joint discomfort. This formula also has a 63% absorption rate to the bloodstream - the highest of any oral joint supplement for horses on the market! Clinically proven to increase range of motion and fight inflammatory responses, it is truly a high-quality option that is proven to help your horse.
If you do a brief Google search of the most important ingredients for a horse’s joints, glucosamine will probably pop up. The GLC Formula in this supplement is full of glucosamine derived from shellfish and bovine. The main benefit to horses is that new cartilage is encouraged to grow to improve the overall joint health in the horse. The regeneration of cartilage is also supported, which can reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. The dosage is as follows:
Up to 500 pounds: ½ of a scoop AM and PM
501-1000 pounds: 1 scoop AM and PM
1001-1500 pounds: 1 ½ scoops AM and PM
1501+ pounds: 2 scoops AM and PM
Jennifer Coleman purchased Actistatin Equine directly from GLC and says, “Actistatin Equine has really helped me and my horse reach our goals. It helps her feel comfortable and the stiffness in her joints has disappeared. I love that you get so much in just a small container, loaded with so many proven ingredients backed by great research. The compact container also makes traveling uncomplicated. It’s amazing that so little can go such a long way. I highly recommend it!”
Actistatin® Large Dog Canine
This formula has been clinically proven to provide joint support for large dogs, and is safe for long term use. Created to maximize the absorption of the nutrients into the joints and cartilage, this formula has been proven time and time again to benefit the joints and inflammatory response in larger dogs.
Like the equine formula, this formula also includes glucosamine. But, there are some added ingredients that make this formula really special. One of these ingredients is cetyl myristoleate. Cetyl myristoleate is a great way to tame the pain of osteoarthritis. It has been used for 10 years in this regard. While non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been the standard for medicated canine osteoarthritis, they can pose negative side effects on their gastrointestinal areas through ulcers and renal dehydration.
20% of canines over the age of one are affected by osteoarthritis. While older dogs are at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis, some dogs can develop it as early as one year old. Larger dogs are also more at-risk and can develop more severe signs and symptoms.
Some signs to look out for are:
- Stiffness or limping after lying down
- Reluctance to walk up stairs, jump, play, or run
- Appetite changes
- Lethargy
- Irritability when touched
- Difficulty urinating or accidents inside the home
Now, how can you tell if your dog is considered a “large dog” or a “small dog”? This product has a dosing chart that can answer that question:
31-50 pounds: 1 soft chew in the AM or PM
51-100 pounds: 2 soft chews - 1 in AM and 1 in PM
101+ pounds: 3 soft chews - 2 in AM and 1 in PM
Actistatin® Small Dog Canine
This formula has the same benefits as the larger dog formula listed above, but it is meant for smaller dogs that weigh less than 51 pounds. Cartilage enhancement and fighting inflammation responses are a few benefits that your small dog (and their joints) will appreciate. This formula also has a 60% absorption rate directly to the bloodstream. This is the highest rate of absorption for a canine oral joint supplement.
Collagen has been all the rage for humans, but did you know it can help dogs too? Type II collagen specifically provides support to arthritic dogs. A study conducted in 2007 looked at the effects of type II collagen and glucosamine in arthritic dogs. Glucosamine paired with type II collagen showed a 57% reduction in overall pain. No side effects were noted as well, so the supplements were well-tolerated.
The dosing chart for this formula differs from the larger dog-based one:
5 - 10 pounds: 1 soft chew in the AM or PM
11 - 20 pounds: 2 soft chews - 1 in AM and 1 in PM
21 - 30 pounds: 3 soft chews - 2 in AM and 1 in PM
My little Mister Arthritis: About a year after my angel girl Reo passed away, I knew it was time for another companion. I definitely wanted a small dog and somehow I knew that I would attract a dog with special needs. Reo, my original dog, didn’t necessarily have special needs, but she did have increasing back pain and arthritis throughout her life. She was a regular at the holistic vet for acupuncture and chiropractic. Her pain levels increased as she aged and at times it was terrifying to see the pain in her eyes.
As I suspected, the first dog that I was going to foster through a local organization couldn't even walk. I was overwhelmed at the prospect of adopting a dog in a wheelchair, but I proceeded with caution. Shifu was rescued from a high-kill shelter in Fresno, CA. His back legs were immobile when he entered the shelter. He was slated for euthanasia without even so much as an x-ray much less more specific testing. A rescue group pulled him from the shelter and immediately took him to a vet for a cortisone shot and x-rays. Within days he was attempting to walk.
I volunteered to take him to the veterinary physical therapist I had used with my Reo. Of course, the moment I saw Shifu, there was no way I couldn’t foster and adopt him. He was so sweet and determined to walk. I put him on a raw food diet and joint support supplements. Long story short, it turns out he has 3 burst discs and a spinal cord injury, and chronic meningitis and of course, arthritis in his spine. He will likely be on medications for the rest of his life; his quality of life is high and he is spoiled and working on being well-trained and well-mannered.
FAQs
How can I tell what's wrong with my dog?
Dogs are pretty good at communicating their mood and health issues. Changes in their behavior such as appetite or energy levels are definitely the first signs that something is wrong.
I usually rub my hand along the entire length of my dog’s spine everyday to tell if he flinches or tightens up. This is a sign that he is sore or in pain.
What is the most common health problem for dogs?
The AKC reports the top 5 most common dog ailments are gum disease, ear infections, obesity, overgrown nails, and anal sacimpaction.
Dr. Peter Dobias recommends 4 important things to deal with the most common dog health issues.
How can I improve my horse's health?
Just like in your own health, you must pay attention. Look for patterns, and more importantly, a change in patterns. Practical Horseman recommends taking your horse’s vital signs and keeping a detailed log to track your horse’s health.
Further Listening:
I love a good podcast. I put together some great podcasts regarding equine and canine health that you should take a listen to:
Straight from the Horse Doctor's Mouth
Take Control of Your Pet's Health with Dr. Becker
Concluding Thoughts…
For those of us with furry family members, keeping our animals safe and healthy is so important. Lucky for us, Actistatin isn’t the only company that caters to animals. If you’re interested in learning more, Schedule a consult with me, Carly Neubert BA, NC.
