Hi everyone, Dr. Jeremy here—veterinarian, regular writer for Big Barker, and cofounder of Jope. If you’ve read some of my articles, you already know that I’m a science enthusiast. Like, really. I always champion science, and that’s why the Big Barker team and I get along so well.
When I first met Amanda from Big Barker at a conference, she blew me away with all the science behind Barker beds. I mean, who knew dog beds could have so much research backing them? But I loved it because, like at Jope, we believe that science should guide every decision we make for our best friend’s health.
So in this special edition, we’re not diving into tips for your dog, but rather why science matters so much for their health!
Science vs. Opinion
I have my own opinions and beliefs—just like everyone else. That’s my right. But when I put on my vet lab coat, I set aside my opinions and lean on science-based knowledge. Why? Because while everyone is entitled to their own opinions, your pup’s health isn’t a matter of opinion—it’s grounded in the rules of biology and physiology.
As veterinarians, we rely on something called Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM). This means that our treatments and recommendations are based on scientific evidence, not just gut feelings. Sure, two vets might have slightly different approaches and gut feelings are a thing too sometimes, but there are some practices that are universally accepted because they’ve been proven to work. Committees like the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) put out recommendations based on solid evidence to ensure that all our canine friends receive the best care possible.
And let’s be honest—would you trust a vet who only relies on their opinion with zero science? I sure wouldn’t. And you’d be right not to! That’s why everything health-related should be backed by science. Don’t you agree?
The Placebo Effect—Does It Exist in Dogs?
Now, let’s talk about the placebo effect. We often hear about this in human medicine, but does it apply to dogs? The answer is yes!
But here’s the twist: the placebo effect doesn’t just impact the dogs—it also plays out in us, the pet owners. When we give our dogs a medication or supplement, we’re the ones observing the changes. We want so badly to see our pets improve that sometimes, without realizing it, we start to perceive improvements that might not actually be happening.
And it’s not just about us, the pet parents, perceiving improvements. Interestingly, dogs can experience physiological changes that suggest a placebo effect. For instance, a study showed that diabetic dogs given a placebo could have lower blood sugar levels—something not influenced by observation alone. This suggests that when dogs receive a treatment, even if it’s a placebo, their brain might trigger hormonal changes, possibly due to the routine of being cared for or receiving something from their owner.
This phenomenon is why placebo-controlled trials are so crucial in veterinary medicine. These trials help differentiate between real effects and those that are merely perceived. When a treatment is tested against a placebo, and the treatment group shows significant improvement, we know the results are legitimate.
So, the next time you’re reading about a new supplement or any treatment for your dog, remember that the best products and practices have been rigorously tested against a placebo. This ensures that what we’re seeing in our dogs—whether it’s reduced pain, improved mobility, or better overall health—is real and not just wishful thinking.
The Proof Is in the Studies
At Big Barker and Jope, we insist on running studies to back up our claims. Why? Because otherwise, it’s just opinion or, worse, marketing fluff. And we definitely don’t want that for our pets!
Take Big Barker beds, for instance. These aren’t just any dog beds; they’re therapeutic mattresses designed to provide orthopedic support to large dogs and smaller ones, especially those with joint and mobility issues. A clinical trial at the University of Pennsylvania showed that dogs sleeping on Big Barker beds had significant reductions in pain and stiffness. There were improvements in joint function, gait, and even sleep quality. Half of the dogs in the study had at least a 13% decrease in nighttime activity, which means they were resting better—proving that these beds are more than just comfy; they’re beneficial for a dog’s health.
While other mattress brands might claim that their beds help with arthritis or joint problems, Big Barker proved it. The other ones might not be dense enough to really provide support, and we won’t know unless they’re tested.
Now, let’s talk about UC-II®, the type of undenatured collagen we use in Jope’s supplements. In one study, machines measuring the pressure arthritic dogs could put on their limbs—specifically the impulse area—showed a 42% improvement in arthritic dogs taking UC-II®. This means they could bear more weight on their suffering limbs, which translates to less pain and a confirmed efficacy. In contrast, glucosamine didn’t show any significant difference.
This isn’t the only study backing UC-II®, and that’s why we’ve integrated this ingredient into our formula. Just like EPA and DHA—the good omega-3s that are some of the most well-supported ingredients in joint health—we choose our ingredients based on solid science.
So, when it comes to your dog’s health, whether it’s the bed they sleep on or the supplements they take, we believe in providing products that are proven to work. Because our pets deserve nothing less...and science is the key to be confident in how we help our best friends!
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