Supplements and Tiled Floors...

[charl72]

Hey Guys,

Just a quick question on supplements... I have my two Rotties (9 and 10 months old) on Chicken Soup Large Breed Puppy formula (which they LOVE - tried them on a few others which they wouldn't touch PLUS I live in Thailand and we don't get Innova, Evo, Wellness etc that you guys always chat about). Anyway, I bought them some calcium tablets and salmon oil- is it necesary to give them these supplements? If so- what kind of ratio? Each calcium tablet has 600mg (on the bottle it says 1/2 a tablet a day for pups) and the fish oil - is it necessary? I just want what will be best for my pups...

If they are getting enough on the kibble that's fine, I was just wondering...

One more thing: the breeder said that the fact that I have tiled floors throughout my house would aggrevate any possible hip displacement or potentially cause it. I try and kep them running around in my back garden or in areas where the ground isn't quite as slippery. Do you think tiled floors are bad for them?

Any suggestions would be HUGELY appreciated.

Thanks

[mjfish]

I'm surprised no one has responded to you... First, do not give the Calcium supplement. According to CSFTPLS website, the large breed puppy formula has a Calcium to Phosphorus ratio that is close to 1:1, which is what you want. Adding calcium would not be good, even though much of their bone growth is done. I could not find the ratio for the adult dog food, but I'm guessing it's probably similar. I would only give the Salmon/fish oil if they have dry skin/coats, and since this food is a little low in fat, they may have dry skin issues, but maybe not. If you do decide to supplement w/fish oil, give Vitamin E a 2-3 times a week as well as the salmon/fish oil tends to deplete vit E levels.

As to the tile floors, yes you need to be careful about them playing when inside, but other than that, they are fine. I have all hardwood floors, so we have kept playing inside to a minimum. I would also do most of your obedience training outside so they have that extra grip. Sometimes, in their excitement to get outside, mine run and slide into a wall or doorway, but no harm done. {{Truth be told, it's kind of funny to see }}

[meg8777]

I also have mostly wood and tile flooring in my home. Our vet recommended putting down some rugs until the dogs got older, so I purchased cheap bathroom rugs that have the rubber backing and put those down. They're great because they're easy to wash and the backing grips the floors so they don't slide. (and now neither do the dogs!) Also, they're very easy to pick up if I have company coming.

[charl72]

Thanks guys!! My Rotts are doing so well. I am keeping them outside and they love being outside. At nights they sleep in their cages in my room but during the day we go to the beach. I have always been a doberman fan but that is slowly changing...