BPC-157 IS ONE of the hottest peptides on the (gray) market. Despite the fact that it’s on a list of products that compounding pharmacies aren’t allowed to make—though that may change in a few months—the peptide has become a staple among fitness enthusiasts looking to get swole faster.
It’s known as the “Wolverine” peptide, and everyone from biohackers to the marathoner next door is using it. So is Rover.
You read that right. Pet owners are injecting BPC-157 into their dogs. Now, the love of a pet owner is unmatched—but how far are you willing to go for man’s best friend?
What is the ‘Wolverine’ Peptide?
LIKE THE MARVEL character, people taking the Wolverine peptide are aiming to get some superpowers. While it does not directly build muscle mass, the peptide reportedly speeds up recovery from intensive workouts and injury. (For more information, check out Men’s Health glossary of peptides).
Manosphere influencers like Gary Brecka have openly discussed using BPC-157 or praised its benefits. Joe Rogan credits the peptide for clearing up his elbow tendonitis in two weeks. But should your dog be a peptide bro, too?
Why People Are Giving Their Dogs BPC-157
PET OWNERS ONLINE have been talking up the perks of BPC-157 to support their dog’s health, typically after an injury or to combat signs of old age. One owner added BPC-157 to her dog’s food after he had a partial tear in one of his knee ligaments. “He is no longer limping,” she shared in an update.
A fellow dog owner also shared clips of her dog before and after taking BPC-157. “His pace is picking up a little bit,” she posted after two weeks on the peptide. “If you ever had a dog sell you a peptide before, here we are.”
What Vets Think About BPC-157
ANDREW BUGBEE, DVM, chief medical officer at Texas A&M University Small Animal Teaching Hospital, says that BC-157 “shows potential” for certain dogs. However, the science just isn’t there yet to support which ones. Richardson agrees. “Your dog is not a lab rat,” she says. “Their metabolism and biology differ significantly from humans, and what works for a ‘Wolverine’ enthusiast might be toxic for a Golden Retriever.”
The biggest concern is the lack of safety data, says Dr. Bugbee. “There are no long-term studies evaluating the safety of these supplements in dogs.” He points to one published paper on BPC-157 that included six dogs. “It only describes how their body handles and processes the supplement,” he explains. “Short-term side effects were not observed in this small population, and they did not evaluate if it actually worked for a specific condition or if it was safe for long-term use.”
Jamie Richardson, BVetMed, head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Veterinary, shares the same concerns. “While BPC-157 has shown some interesting results in laboratory rodent studies for tendon and soft tissue healing, there are zero peer-reviewed, long-term clinical trials on its safety or efficacy in dogs,” she says. “Giving your dog a substance that has not been regulated or tested for their specific physiology carries risks of unpredictable side effects, including potential impacts on heart health, organ function, or even the acceleration of undetected tumors.”
With the lack of evidence on how BPC-157 will help your dogs in the long run, vets can’t really tell you if the peptide is safe to use on your dog. “Not knowing if it is safe and being unsafe are not necessarily the same,” says Carmella Britt, DVM, veterinarian at Care First Animal Hospital in Raleigh, NC, diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. “Any product without safety evidence should be used cautiously and with guidance from a veterinarian.”
One more thing to consider, per Dr. Bugbee: BPC-157 may build up in the body or tissues of patients with kidney, liver, or gastrointestinal disease. Could this happen to dogs? No one really knows.
How to Help Dogs With Arthritis or Injury
TREATMENT FOR YOUR pet’s health concerns should begin and end with your vet. “There are many evidence-based ways to help a dog heal from an injury or manage arthritis that are far safer than experimental peptides,” says Dr. Richardson. This might include a mix of treatments such as prescription medications to calm inflammation, joint-supporting supplements like glucosamine, physical therapy, and weight management.
Of course, the vets also told MH that they don’t want to shame owners with good intentions. They don’t fault you for wanting to try something else.
“For pet owners, it is scary, frustrating, and it can even cause a sense of helplessness when your pet is injured or in pain, and you are unsure of what to do,” says Dr. Britt. “As a veterinarian, I would not recommend that clients inject or administer any medication or supplement without discussing it with their veterinarian. Veterinarians are the first line to help guide diagnosis and treatment.”
Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.
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