supplement sucess??

[debbiej]

Since my girl has been on this new liquid supplement, she is so improved! I wonder if anyone else has had very definate, noticable sucess with supplements? I mean she doing so well, she sits normally, rises normally, walks normally. It has been very very hot here, and since I work in the early morning, we can't really walk much, so I swim her daily. But for the last few nights it has been nice so I've walked her and can't believe how lovely her gait has become! Sometimes I wonder if there is anything wrong with her hips at all.

Also, could be her age, but I think it is because she is pain free, she is one wild and crazy girl. I can hardly wait till classes start again!!

[ACERSMOM]

What are you giving her?

[debbiej]

It is a product called "Next Level" equine joint fluid. it has glucosamine, perna mussel, ester c, msm, shark cartilage & bromelain. It says it is safe for dogs, which not all horse supplements do. I give her 1/2 oz daily. I found it in Colorado while visiting my folks. I haven't found it in my town, but I have found it online.

I am wondering if anyone else has had real sucess with supplements because until we tried this product, she would have good days, then get up funny, whine and limp a while or be lame after a particularly active day. since starting this stuff, she has had no bad days, even after rough play with friends dogs, and car rides (which used to make her very limpy). We are feeding her a new food too, no grains at all, and I wonder if that could be helpful too. or the swimming and not much walking. So there are variables and I just wonder if it is the supplements or the food or the swimming.... or maybe some of all three.

[ACERSMOM]

I feed Next Level to my horses and I can always tell if they have not had it for a couple of days. Try your local tack shop or especially feed store and you might find it cheaper and of course you would not have to pay the shipping. The company does make a dog and people product, but it is actually the same formula and it is cheaper to buy the horse product.

I think your success could be from the combination of things that you are doing to improve your girls health. It is so great that you have found what works for your girl and that her "spunk" has returned!

[Raserei]

Actually there is a dog product (same stuff smaller bottle). I found it in the dog section of the local farm/feed store.
Lisa

[rottlove]

I have had tremendous success with liquid glucosamine formulas. I am so glad I found it; I use "Liquid Health 5000".

[MontanaRott]

We give our old boy Benny, who is 12 and has bad hips, Glucosamine in tablet form, and the difference it made in him is remarkable. He started walking more, doing his backyard perimiter patrols again and jumping again! I am a believer.

[dmoniz]

Is this something that can be given to dogs whether or not they have a problem? In otherwords, does it work as a preventative?

[MontanaRott]

Our 18 mo old Rottweiler who shows NO signs of joint problems, gets it as a way to keep his joints in good shape. So I guess to a degree we are using it as a "prevenative", to help "prevent" damage. And as a way to keep those joints lubricated and supple.

[rottlove]

The newest edition of Whole Dog Journal has an article about preventative glucosamine supplementation for active dogs, and according to the author and the vet she interviewed, yes there is a benefit for later in life.

[BostonRott]

I agree with that author, it's why my litters are weaned to supplements in their food, and why every puppy that joins our household starts on supplements from Day 1.

I've also heard that liquid supplements are better absorbed than tablet form (though I currently use Cosequin DS). Will have to look into the one you mention, thanks for the info!!

[Tank's Grandma]

Just wondering, as I currently have Tank on Cosequin DS and it's easy to get him to just chew it up. How do you make sure the dog "takes" the whole liquid dosage?

[2rotties2luv]

Originally Posted by Tank's Grandma

Just wondering, as I currently have Tank on Cosequin DS and it's easy to get him to just chew it up. How do you make sure the dog "takes" the whole liquid dosage?

When I was using K-9 Liquid Health for my dogs, I just poured the dose on their kibble. I normally soak their kibble with a little warm water, so I just waited 5-10 minutes until all the liquid was absorbed. However, after a few months, Jazz decided he didn't like the taste and stopped eating the food if it had the liquid supplement added.

Now I use Glycoflex II and actually, after almost 2 months on it, I've seen an improvement in both dogs - less stifffness & more active. Actually, it's quite reasonable in price when purchased over the internet - much more expensive when purchased from the vet. The tabs are quite stinky, very fishy, and both dogs seem to like them.

[Muckdogs]

There was a recent article (within the past year or so) in the John's Hopkins Journal (I can't remember if it was veterinary or human) that discusses the prophylactic use of supplements. I had the article at one time, but don't anymore. From what I remember, it is the first study and article that actually found conclusive scientific evidence that prophylactic supplementation is effective.

[Tank's Grandma]

Originally Posted by Muckdogs

There was a recent article (within the past year or so) in the John's Hopkins Journal (I can't remember if it was veterinary or human) that discusses the prophylactic use of supplements. I had the article at one time, but don't anymore. From what I remember, it is the first study and article that actually found conclusive scientific evidence that prophylactic supplementation is effective.

I don't remember where I read it either, but have heard the same, therefore, our growing pup is getting supplemented right alongside Tank. For those supplementing or new to supplementing, one thing our ortho surgeon made sure he pointed out, especially when it's being done therapeutically as in Tank's case, these supplements must be given daily for the rest of the dog's (or human's if you're taking them) life as they go in to lubricate the joints, but the body doesn't hold onto them, so if you stop giving them, they leave the body.
Cindy