Lysine Products

Lysine is a critical amino acid in your cat's fight against common symptoms of feline herpesvirus type-1 (FHV-1.) While your cat will never be rid of the virus, controlling symptoms such as sneezing and chronic conjunctivitis may be possible through lysine treatments.

Feline herpesvirus type-1 is the most common respiratory in cats all over the world. It is highly contagious and incurable, which means massive feline populations like shelter cats, kitty mills and feral animals are likely carriers. It causes coughing, sneezing, runny nose and conjunctivitis, and generally runs its course within a week. Some cats will experience loss of appetite, fever or the development of a secondary illness like pneumonia.

Just like human herpes, because it is incurable, your cat will be a FHV-1 carrier for life. Periodic flare-ups will likely occur during seasonal changes and period of stress. Using lysine supplements during these times may help control viral reproduction and upper respiratory symptoms. Lysine, an amino acid, works to make another amino acid, arginine, less effective. FHV-1 requires arginine to replicate and shed, so L-lysine supplements may be able to provide some much-needed support against feline herpes symptoms like cold sores, fever blisters, secondary upper respiratory infections and conjunctivitis. Other symptoms may include squinting, sneezing, sinus congestion or runny nose, throat and mouth sores, difficulty breathing, lethargy and panting. Call your vet immediately if these symptoms worsen or appear to be life threating.

Our L-lysine products at EntirelyPets come in several convenient forms. Treats, pastes and chews make treatment more palatable, and are formulated to inhibit the reproduction of FHV-1 cells, manage the virus and cut down on flare up frequency. Some pastes come with a syringe for administering the treatment orally if your cat isn't too keen on eating a treat on by her own choice.

And while not a cat, horse people should note that EntirelyPets does carry a super-concentrated form of pure L-lysine engineered especially for horses. Often deficient in equine diets, the essential amino acid is found in muscle tissue and plays and important role in several bodily functions.

L-lysine also supports hormone, antibody and enzyme production, as well as collagen formation and tissue repair. It has also been shown that it may support the immune system. Always check with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.