SAMe for Dogs: Benefits and Uses

Dogs diagnosed with liver disease, osteoarthritis, or cognitive decline might benefit from taking a SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) supplement. It’s the same supplement that some pet parents take for depression, osteoarthritis, and liver disease.

In 2023, pet parents spent more than $2.7 billion on supplements for their four-legged friends. The most popular supplements for pets include those for joint and digestive health, cognition, and heart health—areas where SAMe could have a positive impact (1).

What Is SAMe?

SAMe is a modified version of the amino acid methionine, explains Dr. Primrose Moss, a U.K.-based veterinary surgeon. It’s important for the brain, heart, hormones, and other metabolic functions. Dogs naturally produce SAMe but it’s also available in supplement form. 

The role of SAMe is complex and Dr. Moss notes that the specific mechanism — or how it works — is unclear. But research shows that SAMe is an anti-inflammatory and has the potential to reduce pain and support cartilage production, making it a valuable supplement for dogs with conditions like liver disease, osteoarthritis, and cognitive decline.

SAMe for dogs is available as a tablet (pill) or liquid.

Benefits of SAMe for Dogs

Pet parents have tried SAMe for dogs to treat a range of conditions, and it may have benefits for these four health issues:

Liver issues

SAMe is often recommended for dogs with liver disease. It is known for having “hepatoprotective properties,” according to Dr. Sehaj Grewal, a veterinarian at The Melrose Vet in Los Angeles. 

“It can help protect liver cells from damage, enhance the regeneration of liver tissue, and support the liver detoxification process,” he explains. 

SAMe is metabolized in the liver and research shows that the supplement boosts glutathione, an important antioxidant in the liver, and may help reduce stress on the liver for dogs taking steroid medications (2, 3, 4). A case study showed that a dog who ingested the artificial sweetener xylitol was given SAMe to help support the liver; this dog survived and his liver values returned to normal within a month (5).

Dr. Grewal notes that these benefits make SAMe a common supplement for dogs with liver disease or those taking medications that may affect liver function. 

Cognitive decline

Canine dysfunction syndrome affects the brain, causing behavioral changes like getting lost in familiar places or stuck in corners, sleep changes, restlessness, and irritability (6). There is no cure for CDS but several treatments, including SAMe, could help.

Studies have found significant improvement in signs of cognitive decline in dogs with some research showing that dogs with cognitive decline who took the supplements became more active and aware and showed fewer signs of mental impairment (7). 

SAMe is believed to increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, which can improve mood and cognitive performance, according to Dr. Grewal. But Dr. Moss adds, “The evidence isn’t conclusive yet, so if you’re concerned about cognitive decline, it’s best to discuss possible treatments with your vet.”

Osteoarthritis

Dogs with osteoarthritis may show symptoms like stiffness, limping, irritability, and restlessness, and might not want to go for walks or hop on and off the sofa due to joint pain.

“SAM-e…supports cartilage health by promoting the production of cartilage-building proteins, which can be beneficial for dogs suffering from arthritis,” Dr. Grewal says. “It is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties that can also help reduce joint inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.”

In humans with osteoarthritis, taking the supplement for three months was linked to less pain and better physical function (8), but there is limited research on the benefits of SAMe for dogs with arthritis. 
“That’s not to say it definitely won’t help,” Dr. Moss says. “But if your dog has arthritis, it’s best to prioritize supplements containing omega-3, which has been shown to support healthy joints and reduce the signs of arthritis.”

Allergies

Some pet parents have turned to SAMe to help their dogs deal with seasonal allergies. There is no scientific evidence to support the supplements to alleviate common allergy symptoms like itchiness, hair loss, and stomach upset, but Dr. Grewal believes SAMe could offer some benefits.

“While it is not a primary treatment for allergies, SAM-e’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may provide some relief for dogs with allergies,” he says. “By reducing inflammation, SAM-e could potentially alleviate some allergy symptoms.”

SAMe and Milk Thistle for Dogs

Milk thistle and SAMe are often used together to support liver health, and studies show that dogs with liver issues may benefit from taking both supplements (2).

“Milk thistle provides antioxidant protection and supports liver cell repair while SAMe aids in liver detoxification and regeneration,” Dr. Grewal says. “Working together, they can protect against liver damage and enhance liver function.”

There may also be some benefit to using SAMe and milk thistle together for cognitive decline in dogs. Silymarin, one of the active ingredients in milk thistle, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that have been linked to brain health benefits from improved learning to enhanced memory in animal studies. However, more research is needed to determine if it can help dogs with cognitive dysfunction (9).

SAMe for Dogs Side Effects

SAMe is considered safe and side effects are rare. Dr. Moss notes that most dogs “tolerate it well,” but it’s important to be on the lookout for nausea and stomach upset, which are the most common side effects of SAMe for dogs.

The supplement might interact with certain medications, including antidepressants, dextromethorphan, meperidine, pentazocine, and tramadol. Supplements may also interact with each other, so it’s important to talk to your vet before giving your dog SAMe. 

“SAMe alone can’t treat significant health issues,” Dr. Moss says, “and delaying the treatment of conditions like hepatitis could result in serious complications.” 

Choosing a SAMe Supplement for Dogs

There are multiple SAMe supplements on the market, such as VetriScience and Covetrus. Dr. Grewal advises pet parents to look for a pet-specific product with dosing instructions on the label. It’s also important to steer clear of SAMe supplements made for humans.

“The dosage for dogs differs from humans, and human supplements may contain certain ingredients that are not suitable for pets,” Dr. Grewal explains. 

SAMe for Dogs: The Verdict

SAMe is just one of a number of supplements marketed to dogs, but there is research showing its potential to help with health issues like liver problems, cognitive decline, and arthritis with few side effects. But that doesn’t mean SAMe is a safe choice or an effective choice for all dogs.

“SAMe may not be the best choice for your dog,” Dr. Moss says. “It’s best to speak to your vet about your concerns so you can agree on a tailored treatment plan, including any appropriate supplements.”

References

1. Finno, Carrie J. “Veterinary Pet Supplements and Nutraceuticals.” Nutrition today vol. 55,2 (2020): 97-101. doi:10.1097/nt.0000000000000399
2. Marchegiani, Andrea et al. “Evidences on Molecules Most Frequently Included in Canine and Feline Complementary Feed to Support Liver Function.” Veterinary medicine international vol. 2020 9185759. 9 May. 2020, doi:10.1155/2020/9185759
3. Webster, Cynthia R L et al. “ACVIM consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis in dogs.” Journal of veterinary internal medicine vol. 33,3 (2019): 1173-1200. doi:10.1111/jvim.15467
4. Center, Sharon A et al. “Evaluation of the influence of S-adenosylmethionine on systemic and hepatic effects of prednisolone in dogs.” American journal of veterinary research vol. 66,2 (2005): 330-41. doi:10.2460/ajvr.2005.66.330
5. Schmid, Renee D, and Lynn R Hovda. “Acute Hepatic Failure in a Dog after Xylitol Ingestion.” Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology vol. 12,2 (2016): 201-5. doi:10.1007/s13181-015-0531-7
6. “Cognitive dsyfunction syndrome.” Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. Retrieved from: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/cognitive-dysfunction-syndrome
7. Rème, C A et al. “Effect of S-adenosylmethionine tablets on the reduction of age-related mental decline in dogs: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.” Veterinary therapeutics : research in applied veterinary medicine vol. 9,2 (2008): 69-82.
8. “S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) for osteoarthritis.” Cochrane. Retrieved from: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007321/MUSKEL_s-adenosylmethionine-same-for-osteoarthritis
9. Ranjan, Shovit, and Akash Gautam. “Pharmaceutical prospects of Silymarin for the treatment of neurological patients: an updated insight.” Frontiers in neuroscience vol. 17 1159806. 18 May. 2023, doi:10.3389/fnins.2023.1159806