Investigating illicit dog health supplements using various analytical techniques

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pharmacology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Science

Background:

• Pet owners widely use health supplements for pet longevity and well-being.
• Limited regulation of pet supplements increases vulnerability to illicit product manufacturing.
• Online marketplaces facilitate the distribution of potentially counterfeit pet products.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate two dog joint care supplements suspected of being illicit.
• To identify analytical differences between genuine and counterfeit pet supplements.
• To assess the risks associated with falsified pet health products.

Main Methods:

• Visual inspection of packaging and supplement appearance.
• Physical analysis including weight and hardness measurements.
• Infrared spectroscopy and quantification of key ingredients (Vitamin C, E, Manganese, Omega-3).

Main Results:

• Illicit supplements showed packaging and physical property discrepancies (lower weight, increased hardness).
• Infrared spectra were similar, but illicit products had significantly reduced levels of Vitamin C, E, Manganese, and Omega-3 fatty acids.
• Counterfeit tablets were adulterated with bulking agents to increase yield.

Conclusions:

• Illicit pet supplements are being manufactured and sold, often via online channels.
• Falsified supplements pose health risks due to lower active ingredient content and adulteration.
• Increased owner awareness regarding the risks of illicit pet products is crucial.