Why MSM & Collagen Matter Pre & Post-Op for Dogs

Why Your Dog May Benefit from MSM & Collagen Before & After Surgery

Have you been told not to start your dog on supplements like MSM and collagen before surgery?

If yes, this might be worth sharing with your surgeon.

Quick Benefits Overview

1. Supports Tissue Repair & Wound Healing – Collagen and MSM provide key building blocks for connective tissue, helping skin, muscle, ligaments, and tendons repair after surgery.

2. Reduces Inflammation & Pain – MSM has natural anti-inflammatory properties, and collagen can assist recovery by supporting joint comfort and mobility.

3. Promotes Joint Integrity & Overall Well-Being – Both help maintain cartilage and connective tissue strength, supporting mobility and general health.

The Science Behind MSM & Collagen in Recovery

Collagen Speeds Wound Healing

Scientific research supports the use of hydrolyzed bovine collagen dressings to promote wound healing.

Study 1 – In healthy dogs with surgical (full-thickness skin) wounds, hydrolyzed collagen dressings significantly improved healing compared to controls.

Study 2 – Dogs with non-healing wounds treated with bovine collagen–alginate or pure collagen sheets showed near-normal tissue recovery within 28 days, with collagen–alginate offering slightly faster wound closure.

Takeaway: Collagen enhances tissue repair and supports efficient, high-quality wound closure in canine skin.

References:

AVMA Journal – Effects of a hydrolyzed collagen dressing on the healing of open wounds in dogs

Efficacy of bovine collagen–10% alginate dressing on cutaneous wound healing in dogs

MSM Reduces Inflammation & Supports Soft-Tissue Recovery

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is recognized in veterinary care as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. On a molecular level, studies show MSM can modulate inflammatory responses—reducing cytokine release and preventing immune cell overactivation.

Human and animal studies also suggest MSM reduces pain, stiffness, and swelling, while improving joint function — all beneficial during post-surgical recovery.

References:

VCA Hospitals – MSM for Dogs

Methylsulfonylmethane – Anti-Inflammatory Effects

MSM and Osteoarthritis Symptom Relief

MSM Supports Connective-Tissue Integrity Through Sulfur Supply

MSM is a valuable source of organic sulfur - essential for collagen and cartilage synthesis. Veterinary sources highlight sulfur’s role in maintaining hair, nails, joints, and skin. By supplying this crucial nutrient, MSM supports structural protein repair and resilience — especially during the intensive tissue remodeling phase after surgery.

References:

VetInfo – MSM for Dogs

Dr. Peter Dobias – MSM Benefits

Final Recommendation

Adding MSM and collagen to your dog’s diet before and after surgery can help:

1. Accelerate wound healing

2. Reduce post-operative discomfort

3. Support long-term joint and tissue health

Final Note: Always ensure you feed MSM separately to pharmaceutical medicines as MSM may increase absorption time.

Further Reading & References

Collagen in Wound Healing

1. Swaim SF, et al. Effects of a hydrolyzed collagen dressing on the healing of open wounds in dogs. American Journal of Veterinary Research. 2000;61(12):1574–1578.

2. Mann A, et al. Efficacy of bovine collagen–10% alginate dressing on cutaneous wound healing in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Medicine. 2013.

MSM & Inflammation

3. Butawan M, et al. Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement. Nutrients. 2017;9(3):290.

4. VCA Animal Hospitals. MSM for Dogs.

5. VeryWell Health. MSM for Osteoarthritis Symptom Relief.

Sulfur & Connective Tissue

6. VetInfo. MSM for Dogs.

7. Dr. Peter Dobias. MSM Benefits for Dogs.

For supplements, check out "Our Top Recovery Essentials for Dogs After Surgery" blog.