The proof is in the Collar-Gen

words: Anna Webb

Collar-Gen proves collagen is not just good for humans, but for dogs too.

In my study with the College of Integrated Veterinary Studies I learnt so much about Collagen and its essential role as a structural protein in all mammals, not just humans. Much research has looked at Collagen relatively recently discovering why it really is so critical for every mammal’s optimum health.

One of its abilities is to provide strength and elasticity to the skin through its natural interplay with elastin and keratin in mammal’s biochemistry. This is why it’s been marketed as a beauty and anti-aging supplement with great effect. Make no mistake there’s so much more to the benefits of collagen, not just for humans, but dogs too!

As collagen represents 30% of your dog’s total body protein content, it’s an essential protein molecule made up of amino acids or proteins. These include:  glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids form three strands, which make up the triple-helix structure characteristic of collagen, which enables its unique biological interactions.

As the aging process begins, it becomes fragmented, its fibre-blast function becomes impaired and the collagen production slows down gradually, but consistently overtime.

If the role of Collagen is to act like a scaffold providing strength and structure holding the body together, this includes healthy cell structure, immune responses, muscles, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, connective tissues, cellular interaction and migration.

So, it’s important to supplement with a trusted and effective brand like Pawable. Launched 18 months ago, the supplement specialist has already helped thousands of dogs. From severe arthritic symptoms, persistent atopic conditions, and compromised digestive systems, to recovery from life-threatening injuries, the feedback on Collar-Gen is impressive.

Dale Nash, Pawable’s Product Development Manager, explained: Our Collar-Gen not only helps keep a spring in your dog’s step, but promotes healthy digestion, a strong immune system and a perfect skin and coat. Plus, collagen aids recovery and repair after an injury, or surgery, and boosts the body’s ability to fight disease. It also plays a role in wound healing. It reduces inflammation, strengthens scar tissue, promotes skin elasticity, manages blood vessel function, and provides a platform for tissue re-growth.

Collagen naturally depletes as we age, and the same is true in dogs. Our aim is to help pet parents offer a multi-functional supplement that plays an integral part in overall wellness through their life stages. Our unique formula contains only natural ingredients, which are species appropriate and bio-available for dogs to absorb efficiently.  It’s made in Britain, using collagen peptides, or hydrolyzed collagen, that uses an enzyme to break the collagen into smaller molecules. This facilitates its absorption as highly bio-available. The process adds to the bioactivity of Collar-Gen to stimulate the synthesis of collagen fibres in cell tissue are easily absorbed. The value of collagen should not be underestimated, and our Collar-Gen benefits from years of research, along with its unique formulation, that works!”

Interestingly, dogs fed on an unprocessed balanced and complete raw diet, will be absorbing collagen from a variety of fresh functional meats, ground bone and offal, whereas those fed a sterile, ultra-processed option, that’s nutritionally depleted will not benefit from any Collar-Gen. Collagen in its ‘structural’ capacity helps create a strong digestive lining, which is essential to facilitate a healthy microbiome, which houses 90% of the immune system.

Recently Vet Barbara Jones (MRCVS, BVMS, VetMFHom) noticed a huge improvement adding Collar-gen to her own 12 year-old Border Collie, named Sky. Adding the Collar-Gen to his raw diet has made him much more mobile, and he’s out herding the sheep with me again. Also, Barbara’s daughter, Ali Jones, has given Collar-Gen to her 13 -year old German Short Haired Pointer, named Teale. He also has eaten a raw diet, but adding Collar-Gen which has had a huge positive effect on his elbow arthritis. Other dogs through my Oakwood Vet practice have also benefitted, which is why we’re happy to recommend and stock it amongst a choice selection of key supplements.”

Miley a nine-year old Jonathon and Sarah’s nine-year old Spinone Italiano mix, named Miley, suffered a life-threatening injury after skidding and landing awkwardly play fetch in Wendover Woods.

“The vet referred Miley to a specialist vet, who diagnosed her with an explosive disc herniation, but thankfully confirmed she did not need surgery, but that it would be a long road to recovery. At least six months before we saw any improvement and possibly be a year before she would be able to move on her own. Whilst Miley could hold her own weight standing after three months, she tired quickly on walks, which was so hard to see.  Even incorporating weekly hydrotherapy sessions, it seemed we couldn’t get Miley back to enjoying life, especially her walks. Only three months ago we added Collar-Gen.  Within two weeks we noticed Miley was livelier. She was able to walk a little further every day. We had no idea that Collagen was such an essential part of a dog’s physiology. We’re eternally grateful to the Collar-Gen, with its help, she’s almost back to her former self, in way under a year!”

Nurse Kim Haggerty, from Hemel Hempstead whose 10 – year old Golden Retriever, named Indi, suffered an acute degradation of her Osteoarthritis, which left her unable to walk. With a prolapsed disc, dangerously attached to her spine, surgery was the only option to relieve pressure, pain and begin the long road to recovery. After a year of traumatic recovery, which included Hydrotherapy, Physiotherapy and Acupuncture sessions, Kim decided to investigate natural supplements to complement Indi’s pain killer medication. She had no idea how important collagen is to the body, and only a few months on Collar-Gen and Indi has made a remarkable turnaround. "The first thing I noticed was how wonderful her coat looked. Because of the traumatic year her coat had really suffered, but it was really noticeable, and reflected in her vibrancy and increased activity. She’s even playing with our 17 - month Golden, named Samphire. In fact, all my Goldens are now taking Collar-Gen to work preventatively”.

Simon Weedon from Maidstone was left devastated after Sykes his Border Terrier ruptured both cruciate ligaments chasing squirrels. The vets prescribed pain killers and rest, as they feared surgery could worsen the situation in the likelihood Sykes could tear his cruciate again. The problem was Syke’s condition worsened. He couldn’t enjoy his walks, and very upsettingly he could’ cock his leg’ to pee.  “My heart was breaking seeing my plucky little terrier was compromised, his quality of life really had taken a knock. I decided to try Collar-gen from Pawable, and slowly but surely Sykes became stronger on his back legs. His coat became strong and wirey again, and he he’d really perked up. He’s been on Collar-Gen for 18 months now. He can cock his leg, and even stands on his hind legs for attention seeking, I’m definitely not stopping his Collar-gen.”

To find out more visit: Pawable 

Written by: Anna Webb – is a Canine Nutrition and Behaviour expert, Anna combines her psychology degree, with study at the College of Integrated Veterinary Therapies (CIVT) and over 20 years - experience. Host of the award-nominated A DOG’S LIFE podcast, she lives in London, and is owned by Prudence, a Miniature Bull Terrier and Mr Binks, a re-homed English Toy Terrier. www.annawebb.co.uk