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About Syn-flex for Dogs
by Kay Phillips
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Overview
About Syn-flex for Dogs
Syn-flex ® is a liquid glucosamine supplement used to treat osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia in dogs. Glucosamine is widely used to ease joint pain, rebuild damaged cartilage and reduce inflammation. Most glucosamine is found in tablets or capsules. Because Syn-flex is in liquid form, it has an 80 to 85 percent absorption rate and contains high-quality glucosamine sulfate, shark cartilage and HCL. It also contains vitamin C, essential fatty acids and vitamins E and A.
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Benefits
According to the manufacturer, customers report the benefits of Syn-flex were usually seen within 10 to 14 days. Typical results from taking capsule-based glucosamine supplements is between six to 10 weeks. Syn-flex contains 11 ingredients and is administered simply by adding directly to the food. The makers of Syn-flex claim that it may take up to four weeks for noticeable improvement of symptoms.
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About Glucosamine
Glucosamine is an endogenous amino sugar acquired from shellfish shells or can be produced synthetically. It is required for synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and glycoprotiens found in ligaments, synovial fluid and joints. Glucosamine sulfate has been tested extensively for its effectiveness in treating patients with osteoarthritis. Despite considerable research the findings are inconsistent. Yet in 2005, a review of pooled data from all glucosamine trials for osteoarthritis shows that glucosamine reduces pain significantly.
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Studies
Glucosamine has been studied in over 20 randomized, controlled trials of more than 2,500 patients. In a six-month comparison study done with anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by Herrero-Beaumont G, Roman JA, Trabado MC, et al., the effects of glucosamine sulfate on control of knee osteoarthritis symptoms versus placebo and acetaminophen, glucosamine sulfate showed effectiveness in reducing pain and improving function.
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Ingredients
The ingredients in Syn-flex for Pets are as follows: (Per Serving) 1.5 g Total Carbohydrate, 1.5g Sugar, 1250 mg Glucosamine HCL and Glucosamine Sulfate, 25 mg Shark Cartilage (20 percent Chondroitin Sulfate), 8 mg Boswellin, 3 mg Yucca Powder, 5 mg Manganese (Ascorbate), 1 mg Bromelain, 18 mg Vitamins C, 5 mg Omega 3 Fatty Acid, 1.67 mg Omega 6 Fatty Acid, 80 IU Vitamin A and 2 IU Vitamin E.
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Availability
Syn-flex is not available in stores, but may be available from some veterinarians. It can be ordered directly from the manufacturer's website at synflexamerica.com. Syn-flex America, Inc., the makers of Syn-flex products claim that all the ingredients used in Syn-flex are sourced in the United States. A disclaimer on the Syn-flex website states the statements made on the website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and that the products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
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Dosage Information
Daily dosage varies by weight. Dogs up to 10 pounds should be given 1/32 oz (0.2 teaspoons). For dogs 10 to 40 pounds, 1/16 oz (0.4 teaspoons). Dogs weighing 40 to 100 pounds need 1/8 oz (0.75 teaspoons). For large dogs over 100 pounds, the daily dosage is ¼ oz (1.5 teaspoons). These dosages should be doubled the first 10 days of treatment. Syn-flex for pets is available in original or beef-flavored formulas.
