Cosequin

Cosequin® FAQ

What is joint cartilage?
How does Cosequin work?
Do I still need Cosequin?
Can I give my dog a human supplement?
When should I start giving my dog Cosequin?
How long does Cosequin take to work?
Is Cosequin superior to other joint supplements?
What about products that contain perna mussel?
Are there any side effects?
How many capsule or chewable tablets should I give my dog? (Dosage Info)
My veterinarian recommended Cosequin for one of my dogs. Should I give Cosequin to all of my dogs?
Why did my veterinarian recommend Cosequin after joint surgery?
Should I exercise my dog while it is on Cosequin?
I just started my pet on Cosequin. What should I notice?
Why is my dog on a pain medication and Cosequin?
What other products does Nutramax Laboratories have for my pet?

What is Cosequin?

Cosequin is a patented, scientifically researched nutritional supplement dispensed by thousands of veterinarians to help dogs maintain healthy joints. As dogs age, it is common for their joints to become less flexible which impacts their mobility and quality of life. You may have noticed that your dog has difficulty walking up stairs or jumping on the bed. While he used to be eager to play, now he is content to rest. Even at younger ages some dogs are subject to joint health concerns which affect flexibility and mobility.

Cosequin is an exclusive formula of three ingredients: (TRH122®)* chondroitin sulfate, (FCHG49®)* glucosamine hydrochloride and manganese ascorbate. These ingredients have been scientifically formulated to support and maintain the health of your dog’s joints. Published clinical studies have shown that the specific combination of ingredients in Cosequin works together to maintain the structure of the cartilage in your dog’s joints while inhibiting the enzymes that break down cartilage. It is very important to note that the published clinical studies on Cosequin do not apply to other brands.

What is joint cartilage?

Cartilage is a slippery and resilient tissue produced and maintained by its own specialized cells. It cushions the surfaces where two or more bones meet to form a flexible joint. When a dog is in motion there is tremendous pressure on the joint. Cartilage, joint fluid, and underlying bone work together like a shock absorber allowing flexible joint function.

Because cartilage lacks a direct blood supply, nutrients must pass into the cartilage from surrounding tissue. These nutrients sustain cartilage cells and provide the components necessary to maintain a healthy cartilage structure.

Scientists are not sure about all the factors that cause cartilage breakdown; however, they have discovered enzymes that play a role in the process. With age, injury, or overactivity, this process of breakdown can exceed the process of replacement leading to problems in the joints. These problems result in less flexibility. That’s when it’s time for Cosequin which maintains the cartilage structure and inhibits the enzymes that break down cartilage.

^* Cosequin contains FCHG49^® Glucosamine HCl and TRH122^® Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Nutramax Laboratories^® exclusive veterinary researched specifications.

How does Cosequin work?

The exclusive combination of (TRH122®) chondroitin sulfate, (FCHG49®) glucosamine hydrochloride, and manganese ascorbate in Cosequin work together to maintain the structure of your dog's joint cartilage while slowing down the enzymes that break down cartilage.

Think of this process as a football game!

Glucosamine hydrochloride is the offense. This ingredient acts as a building block of cartilage by supplying a key nutrient that keeps cartilage cells healthy and functioning properly. The 99% pure glucosamine in Cosequin has been shown to be absorbable in dogs.

Chondroitin sulfate is the defense. This nutrient blocks the enzymes that break down cartilage. The specific low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate, exclusive to Cosequin, is the most pure form available on the market. Only the low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate in Cosequin has been shown to be absorbable and accumulate with continuous administration in dogs.

Manganese ascorbate is the special team. It is necessary to optimize the production of cartilage components.

Cosequin has been used since 1992 in animals to maintain joint health. While the ingredients have been used separately, published controlled clinical studies show the patented combination of ingredients in Cosequin is superior to using the ingredients alone. On the label different brands appear to be the same, but unlike drugs the ingredients in supplements are not equivalent.

I give my dog a food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin. Do I still need Cosequin?

Yes. None of the foods contain the researched combination of high quality ingredients in Cosequin. The amount of glucosamine and chondroitin in dog food is minimal. Even if these diets contained high quality glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, according to the amounts listed on the labels a large-breed dog would need to consume more than a full 5 pound bag daily to obtain the amounts found in CosequinDS. In addition, both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may degrade when subjected to the heat or extreme pressure in the manufacturing process of commercial dog food.

Can I give my dog a human supplement?

Many human glucosamine/chondroitin supplements use substandard ingredients, and studies have shown that many do not even meet their own label claim for the ingredients listed on the bottle. With Cosequin each capsule or convenient tasty chewable tablet contains exactly what is stated on the label. These trademarked ingredients have been shown to be safe and effective in pets.

When should I start giving my dog Cosequin?

Early action is always the best advice. Different breeds of dogs age at different rates. With regular check-ups your veterinarian can talk with you about your dog’s aging process. Your veterinarian may discuss weight control, exercise and the administration of Cosequin to help your dog in his senior years.

Whenever you notice limping, stiffness, or a change in your dog’s gait, it is important to have your pet examined by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can advise you if Cosequin can help. Joint problems generally get worse with time. When your veterinarian recommends Cosequin the sooner it is started the more opportunity your pet will have to respond and return to normal activity.

Your veterinarian may also suggest using Cosequin as a protective measure. This can be important for maintaining an active life for many dogs, especially large breeds and working dogs of all sizes. Cosequin may also be used to help support cartilage following joint surgery.

How long does Cosequin take to work?

Since Cosequin is a supplement and provides nutrients to maintain your dog’s joint health, it works more gradually than drugs. Improvement on Cosequin can range from gradual to dramatic. Following the administration schedule on the label for your dog’s weight, we recommend an initial administration period of four to six weeks. Some dogs may show a response in a shorter period of time.

Following the initial administration period, the amount of Cosequin can be reduced during a three-week transitional period. If your dog’s comfort level continues through this transition period, the amount of Cosequin can be further reduced to an economical maintenance schedule. Many large dogs maintain on one capsule/ tablet per day. (Please follow label recommendations for your dog’s weight).

Cosequin is available in chewable tablets, double strength capsules, and regular strength capsules.

Is Cosequin superior to other joint supplements?

Yes. Cosequin, with its exclusive combination of high purity glucosamine, low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate and manganese ascorbate, is the only glucosamine/ chondroitin supplement that has been documented safe, effective, and bioavailable in published, peer-reviewed, controlled, veterinary U.S. clinical studies.

Chondroitin sulfate is a large molecule that is difficult to absorb. Cosequin is the only brand that uses the high purity, low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate that has been studied for absorption. Lower molecular weight means the particle size of the molecule is smaller and more easily absorbed by the digestive system than other less pure forms of chondroitin sulfate. While this highly pure form of chondroitin sulfate is more expensive, it is the only one supported by published, controlled U.S. clinical studies for efficacy, safety and absorption.

Cosequin is manufactured in the United States by Nutramax Laboratories following manufacturing standards adopted by the pharmaceutical industry. Each batch of Cosequin is subjected to stringent quality control measures. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association showed that over 80% of glucosamine/chondroitin brands did not even meet their own label claim.

What about products that contain perna mussel?

Supplements that contain perna mussel (or green lipped mussel) have not been subjected to the same type of research as Cosequin. There is no published evidence that the nutrients in perna mussel products have the same capacity to maintain the health of cartilage while protecting it from destructive enzymes and there is a concern with heavy metal contamination. A consumer should be cautioned about buying a product unless the specific brand has been subjected to published, controlled, peer-reviewed clinical studies.

Are there any side effects?

Cosequin offers unparalleled safety. Safety studies in dogs demonstrated no adverse effects of Cosequin administration on the liver, kidneys, or other organs. Some dogs may experience a mild gastrointestinal upset such as that which occurs when switching foods. If this is the case, you can try offering your dog Cosequin with a meal.

How many capsule or chewable tablets should I give my dog? (Dosage Info)

Since Cosequin is a high quality supplement of naturally occurring compounds dogs will respond at different rates of time.

While the initial administration period is four to six weeks, some dogs may respond in a shorter period. Cosequin research has also shown that the number of capsules or tablets you give your dog can be reduced over time.

The chart below is meant as a guideline. Every dog’s needs may differ. When your dog achieves a good response, you can begin to decrease the number of Cosequin capsules/ tablets you give to your dog. Watch your dog’s movement and attitude to see that it is feeling comfortable as you decrease the number of capsules/tablets you give to your dog each day. If you see that your dog is not as comfortable, increase the number of capsules to the previous level, observe your dog for a few weeks, then try lowering again.

Cosequin is very economical in the long-term because the longer your dog is given Cosequin, the fewer daily capsules/tablets your pet will need to maintain comfort. Once consistent improvement has been observed, try your dog on the maintenance schedule every other day. Your dog can achieve the same result with fewer capsules or tablets which gives you less out-of-pocket expense over time. Cosequin is truly the best value in joint health supplements for dogs.

	Number of Cosequin DS capsules/tablets
Dog's weight (lb)	Initial 4 to 6 week administration period		Maintenance level•
10 to 24*	1 daily (½ in the morning & ½ in the evening) *(under 10 lbs, ½ daily)		½ daily (tablets are scored)
25 to 49	2 daily (1 in the morning & 1 in the evening)		1 daily
50 to 100	3 daily (2 in the morning & 1 in the evening)		1-2 daily
• Once consistent improvement has been seen, maintenance level may be reduced to every other day administration. The maintenance level can also be used long term on normal dogs to keep their joints healthy.

My veterinarian recommended Cosequin for one of my dogs. Should I give Cosequin to all of my dogs?

Research in dogs administered Cosequin has shown that if Cosequin is given prior to an injury, the animal returns to normal function much more quickly. In light of this research, many veterinarians now recommend Cosequin to protect cartilage in dogs that are overweight, working breeds, large breeds, as well as, the average "weekend warrior." In order to gain the protective benefits of Cosequin in normal animals, a low level of Cosequin may be used. The level for these pets varies, but the suggested maintenance level given every other day may be adequate.

Why did my veterinarian recommend Cosequin after joint surgery?

Research has shown that Cosequin can reduce the amount of cartilage breakdown in operated joints as well as return the joint to a more normal state.

Should I exercise my dog while it is on Cosequin?

Exercise is important for optimal joint function as well as weight control and the overall health of your pet. Joint movement is needed to circulate fluid around the cartilage as well as to bring nutrients and to remove waste products. It has been shown that when joints are immobilized, cartilage structures deteriorate at a rapid rate. You should ask your veterinarian, but in most cases, moderate exercise is recommended. Walking on sand or another soft surface or even swimming will help circulate needed nutrients and reduce excessive stress to the cartilage. It is important not to push your pet but to exercise at a comfortable pace.

My veterinarian just started my pet on Cosequin. What should I notice?

Observe your dog closely, and notice whether he seems more comfortable performing everyday activities such as climbing up stairs, going for walks, or even getting up. Most people will observe gradual changes in their dog’s comfort level. In a published survey of over 3,000 veterinarians, over 80% of dogs administered Cosequin improved significantly in their mobility, level of comfort, and attitude. Overall, the veterinarians rated Cosequin as good to excellent.

Why is my dog on a pain medication and Cosequin?

Dogs that are just beginning to show joint discomfort often described as "slowing down" or "getting old" usually respond to Cosequin without any need for other products. In some cases where dogs are in greater discomfort, your veterinarian may recommend pain medication. In many cases, your veterinarian may reduce or discontinue the pain medication over time as Cosequin takes effect. Research indicates that Cosequin’s ingredients can protect cartilage cells from some of the adverse effects that can occur with some pain medications.

What other products does Nutramax Laboratories have for my pet?