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When a friend recently gave me the supplement, I tried palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) for dogs with Rodrigo, my senior dog. I was excited because I'd read that this is a powerful anti-inflammatory and thought it would reduce arthritis pain and allergy symptoms. I had hopes that it would also support Rodrigo's cognitive health. I didn't do much research on the supplement beyond reading an article on a trusted website and a few reviews from other pet parents. When I posted about the product on social media, dog owners raved about it or said it didn't work.

Within forty-eight hours of using the supplement, Rodrigo's mobility improved, and the eye boogers, a sign of allergies, vanished. I jumped on social media and raved about what I was seeing. I thought I'd found the fountain of youth. A day later, the first sign of digestive issues began. I didn't connect it with the supplement and continued using it, thinking that as an anti-inflammatory, it would help ease my dog's gut.

I continued using PEA for approximately ten days before I stopped. The following are Rodrigo's symptoms:

• it started with digestive issues – gas, loose stool, then several days of diarrhea
• his stool was covered in a thick layer of mucus; sometimes, the diarrhea was mostly mucus
• he was eating tons of grass when we went outside
• he stopped eating – he was hungry, his food was making him sick, so he'd walk away from his dish
• he wasn't absorbing nutrients – when he would eat, his stool was huge, instead of the smaller ‘raw fed' poop – this is a sign of poor nutrient absorption
• his stool smelled off, like a strong medicine
• he was restless at night; kind of depressed (not listless, just not feeling well)

It was concerning, and I immediately removed all supplementation from his diet, including PEA, until I could figure out what was happening.

What is Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)?

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a naturally occurring fatty acid compound that belongs to a class of molecules called endocannabinoids. Simply said, PEA is a chemical made from fat, found in egg yolks and peanuts, and produced naturally in the body.

PEA is synthesized in the body in response to various inflammatory and neurological processes. It plays a role in regulating pain, inflammation, and immune responses. It also interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the body's endocannabinoid system, which helps maintain homeostasis.

Research suggests that PEA has various therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), and neuroprotective effects. It has been studied for its potential use in various conditions such as chronic pain, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and other inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders.

PEA is a dietary supplement and is generally considered safe and well-tolerated.

Benefits of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) for Dogs

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) has been studied for its potential benefits in dogs, particularly in managing the following conditions:

PAIN RELIEF: PEA has analgesic properties and may help alleviate pain in dogs, making it useful for managing chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and pain associated with inflammation.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS: PEA has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial in conditions such as arthritis, allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease.

NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS: PEA may have neuroprotective properties and help protect the nervous system of dogs, which can be beneficial in conditions such as degenerative nerve diseases and neurologic disorders.

SKIN HEALTH: PEA may positively impact skin health in dogs. It has been studied for its potential anti-itching and anti-inflammatory effects in skin conditions like allergies, dermatitis, and hot spots.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: PEA may help modulate the immune system in dogs, potentially supporting healthy immune function and reducing excessive immune responses in certain allergic or autoimmune conditions.

The studies of using palmitoylethanolamide with dogs and other small animals have shown promise, but further studies are needed to understand better how it works with dogs and the optimal dosage for dogs.

The Cons of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) for Dogs

Every supplement has pros and cons. This doesn't necessarily mean that the supplement shouldn't be used. I've learned that every dog is unique, and what may work for some dogs may not work for others.

A few things to keep in mind about PEA are…

Limited Scientific Research and Veterinary Studies

While there is some research on the potential benefits of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in dogs, the number of extensive studies specifically investigating its effectiveness in dogs is relatively limited compared to studies conducted in humans. However, the existing studies and anecdotal evidence suggest potential benefits in managing certain conditions in dogs.

Some studies have explored using PEA in dogs for pain relief, particularly in chronic and neuropathic pain conditions. For example, a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics in 2017 evaluated the efficacy of PEA in dogs with osteoarthritis and found it beneficial in reducing pain and increasing mobility.

Additionally, some studies focus on using PEA in dogs with dermatological conditions. For instance, research published in Veterinary Dermatology in 2012 investigated the use of PEA in dogs with atopic dermatitis and found that it improved itching and reduced inflammation.

However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of PEA in dogs and determine optimal dosages, long-term safety, and potential interactions with other medications.

Limited Studies on the Side Effects

The research on the side effects of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), specifically in dogs, is currently limited. While PEA is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, more comprehensive studies are needed on its safety profile and potential side effects in dogs.

However, based on available data and studies conducted in humans, PEA appears to have a favorable safety profile and is not known to cause severe side effects or toxicity.

In human studies, PEA's most commonly reported side effects are mild and transient, including gastrointestinal symptoms such as mild stomach discomfort or indigestion. These side effects are typically rare and occur at a low frequency. According to the Ohio Recovery Center, “some people may experience nausea, stomach upset, and diarrhea.”

It is important to note that individual dogs may respond differently to PEA, and there is a possibility that a dog may have a negative reaction or the supplement may interact negatively with other medications or supplements being taken.

Potential Side Effects with Medications/Supplements

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is generally considered to have a low risk of interacting negatively with other medications and supplements.

While drug interactions involving PEA are not well-documented, it is always possible for interactions to occur, particularly with medications that affect similar pathways or have similar mechanisms of action.

Your veterinarian will be able to evaluate the specific medications and supplements your dog is taking and provide guidance on any potential interactions with PEA. They can make individualized recommendations that consider your dog's specific health status and medication regimen, helping to ensure the safety and efficacy of any additional supplements.

My Thoughts on Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

Everything we do for our dogs comes with the potential for negative side effects. It's our job to do the research, weigh the risks and benefits, and make a choice for our dogs. And, even then, we may get it wrong, as I did with Rodrigo.

While many people have positive things to say about PEA, a few dog lovers had the same experience as I did with Rodrigo, with 99% of the same side effects. Although I can never be 100% certain that Rodrigo's decline was due to the PEA, based on my research and engaging with the raw feeding community, I have concluded that serious side effects are rare but can happen.

I want to warn others because had I known about potential side effects (it never came up in my initial research), I would have stopped using the supplement when the side effects started. Sadly, I kept using it, thinking it would help.

Healing Rodrigo's Gut and System

For now, I focus on healing Rodrigo's gut, which I'm doing by following a protocol. We've had some good days, and we've had setbacks. His stool has normalized, but he's not eating as much, but he's eating. I hope he'll return to normal in a couple of weeks, but this may take longer, so I'll have to be patient and not rush the process.

1 – Feed Different Foods

Initially, I fed a bland diet – cooked ground turkey, sweet potato puree, and Olewo carrots. Rodrigo loves ground turkey, which he rarely eats, so he didn't associate it with getting sick. The sweet potatoes and Olewo carrots provided fiber to soothe his gut and add bulk to his stool.

My focus isn't on feeding a balanced diet; I am focused on stopping the diarrhea and getting my dog to eat.

As he gains confidence eating, I will slowly add more ingredients to the bowl. Recently, I added sardines, which he loves. And I lightly cooked a small meal of beef tongue, sweetbreads (thymus), liver, kidney, and heart that he enjoyed.

I picked up a few bags of his favorite commercial raw and air-dried foods, which I will slowly add to this diet. Because his gut is healing, I don't want him to eat too big of a meal, so I keep his meals light; I'm following his lead.

2 – Limited Supplements

Digestive Supplements

My focus is on giving him supplements that support healing his gut. I started with Gut Soothe, Healthy Gut, and Wolf by Adored Beast Apothecary.

• Gut Soothe is a blend of pre and probiotics that support healing the gut and reducing inflammation; I add this to his meals once daily.
• Healthy Gut is digestive enzymes that aid in the digestion of food; although Rodrigo gets digestive enzymes daily due to his EPI, I'm adding a small amount of Healthy Gut to his evening meals to aid in populating his gut with healthy bacteria.
• The Wolf is a species-appropriate probiotic and the only ancestral lupine product available. I give this to Rodrigo by mouth once daily to help populate his gut with healthy bacteria.

Medicinal Mushrooms

I also give Rodrigo Immune Chews by Real Mushrooms. I chose the chews instead of a mushroom tincture or powder because he thinks they're treats. I'm avoiding adding supplements other than the digestive supplements mentioned above to keep his diet plain.

Medicinal mushrooms are a great source of natural probiotics and repopulate the gut with healthy bacteria.

CBD Oil

And finally, I'm using EASE by CBD Dog Health to help reset his system. The CBD oil will relax the stomach and intestinal lining, alleviating stomach pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting better digestion and nutrient absorption.

Read More About Supplements

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• 5 Amazing Benefits of Catnip for Dogs
• Unveiling the Healing Properties of Manuka Honey for Your Dog