When it comes to caring for our dogs, pet parents will do anything to ensure their companion’s well-being.

Joint problems are common in dogs, especially older or larger breeds.

Green Lipped Mussel for Dogs is a popular dietary supplement that can help relieve joint pain and improve mobility .

In this article, we will explore the benefits of green mussel for dogs as well as its uses and contraindications of this natural remedy for dogs .

 

What is a green mussel for dogs?

The green mussel, also known as Perna canaliculus, is a marine mollusk found primarily in New Zealand.

It is rich in essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamines, chondroitins and antioxidants.

These natural compounds are beneficial for joint health and may help reduce inflammation.

 

Benefits of Green Lipped Mussel for Dogs

Green mussel offers many health benefits for dogs. Here are the main benefits:

1. Joint pain relief

Dogs suffering from joint pain may benefit from green lipped mussel.

The nutrients found in green lipped mussel may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with conditions such as arthritis and hip dysplasia.

The anti-inflammatory properties of green lipped mussel can help improve your dog’s quality of life by reducing joint pain and promoting mobility.

2. Improved mobility

Mobility is essential for your dog’s health and happiness.

Nutrients found in green lipped mussel, such as omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamines, promote joint tissue regeneration and joint lubrication.

By improving joint health , green lipped mussel can help your dog regain better mobility, move around more easily, and actively participate in daily activities.

Also read: Salmon oil for dogs: Benefits & Uses

3. Strengthening the immune system

Besides its joint benefits, green lipped mussel can also boost your dog’s immune system.

The antioxidants in green lipped mussel help neutralize free radicals , which are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage.

A strengthened immune system allows your dog to better cope with external aggressions and maintain its overall health.

Also read: How can I strengthen my dog’s immune defenses naturally?

 

Green Mussel for Dogs: What Does the Science Say?

A study published in 20011 evaluated the effectiveness of green-lipped mussel, added to a complete dry diet, in alleviating clinical signs of arthritis in dogs.

The study was conducted in a double-blind fashion with 31 mixed-breed dogs with varying degrees of arthritis.

Each dog was evaluated by a veterinarian and joints were individually scored for degree of pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion. The sum of all scores for an individual dog constituted its total arthritis score.

Initially, dogs were randomly assigned to control and test groups. Both groups were fed the same dry basal diet, to which 0.3% green-lipped mussel powder was added for dogs in the test group.

The change in total arthritis score at the end of 6 weeks showed significant improvement in the test group compared to the control group.

Significant improvements were also observed in joint pain and swelling scores in the test group.

These results provide strong evidence that green-lipped mussel incorporated into a complete dry diet may help relieve symptoms of arthritis in dogs .

Another study in 20092 also looked at the effectiveness of green-lipped mussels in dogs with moderate to severe arthritis.

Dogs were given green-lipped mussels for 8 weeks and were evaluated at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The initial dose was 20 to 49 mg/kg/day and was reduced by half after 10 days.

Dogs given the green-lipped mussels showed significant improvements in pain and mobility compared to the placebo group.

Nearly three-quarters of dogs taking green-lipped mussels did not require additional pain medication.

Even though the dogs stopped receiving the green-lipped mussels at 8 weeks, improvements in pain and mobility were still present at 12 weeks .

In all of these studies, no negative side effects were observed in dogs taking green-lipped mussels.

 

How do I give green mussels to my dog?

Using green lipped mussel for dogs is quite simple, but it is important to follow the proper recommendations.

Here are some points to consider:

Green mussel dog dosage

The dosage of green mussel generally depends on your dog’s weight.

It is best to consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.

In general, the recommended dosage is to administer a certain amount of green-lipped mussel based on your dog’s weight. It is important to follow the directions and not exceed the recommended dose.

In a study published in 2009, the initial dose of green-lipped mussel for dogs was 20 to 49 mg/kg/ day, which was then reduced to half the dose after 10 days​.

Potential side effects

Green-lipped mussel is generally well tolerated by dogs, but there are some potential side effects.

Some dogs may experience allergic reactions , such as itching, rashes, or gastrointestinal upset.

If you observe such symptoms, it is recommended to stop the administration of green lipped mussel and consult your veterinarian.

Green mold in dogs contraindications

Although green mussel for dogs is safe, check with your veterinarian about giving it to your pet.

About 30% of dogs may be allergic to seafood, including green mussels.