Juno

My parents have my 14.5 year old Dobie, Chica. Shes the light of my life and the light of their life as well. Chica is in GREAT health for her age and we are so happy she is still with us. The only thing that hurts me is when she plays or runs "protecting" the property she tends to fall down because her hips do not stay with her. She is slow getting up and down and she still thinks she is young and can jump and run like a pup. Does anyone out there know what kinds of hip and joint health pills are good for her? We are willling to try anything and have never tried anything. My parents live in small town Oklahoma and dont have any kind of help. I would like to bring my Chica something while I am home for the Holidays.

Burns

Wow almost 15! Glucosamine chondroitin is always a good supplement for joints - same as what people take. Its safe, no funky side effects and you can get it in capsules or treats from your vet.

Is she painful or just has weakness? There may not be a lot to do about general weakness, but its she is stiff and painful, there are NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) from your vet that can help her to be more comfortable.
Has your vet made any recommendations?

__________________


Gorrmae's Fantasy Red XIII CD RE CGC TDI
DOB 2/17/07, red/rust, male neutered Doberman

LindaH

Glucosamine chrondroitin with MSM & HA. Also start is fish or krill oil slowly and build up to 300 mgs EPA/DHA per 10 lbs bodyweight. Read the DogAware site below.

__________________
All dogs deserve a good home

Subscribe to this newsletter first:
http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/

How to select a good dog food:
http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/vie...y-dog-food.htm

Dog food information:
http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/
http://www.dogfoodproject.com/index.php?page=main

Diet additives and Raw diet information
http://www.dogaware.com/articles/index.html

MeadowCat

Both Dasuquin with MSM and Glyco-Flex III are really good supplements for seniors. I would also suggest talking with your vet.

__________________

RedDogRosa

Of course always talk with your vet first, but there is Adequan (injections), Lubrisyn (oral joint lubricant), Glycoflex III, acupuncture, and more heavy duty prescription meds, like Metacam, Rimadyl, Tramadol, Gabapentin (for nerve pain). Lots of ways to help. They can make a big difference in a dog's quality of life. Chica's vet should check her out, then they can make the best recommendation for her. Good luck.

greenkouki

If it were my dog I would be looking into acupuncture as well.

__________________
*DT Forum Etiquette: Please Read Before Posting*

mfkelly66

You could try knox gelatin packets. Its kind of a holistic approach to joint health and usually readily available. I have used it with my guys when they get old and creaky and it seems to help. 1 packet a day in her food. They even make one for supplement that has glucosamine & chondroitin in it, this one is usually found in the vitamin section for people.
Mike Kelly

Sue Strohecker

OMG I would have loved if my Dobes lived that long. Herbal pills and acupuncture kept my senior comfotable in their senior years. You are blessed.

Lady Kate

[quote=Burns;1207718]Wow almost 15! Glucosamine chondroitin is always a good supplement for joints - same as what people take. Its safe, no funky side effects and you can get it in capsules or treats from your vet.

I have Clucosamine chondroitin here for me.. Is it safe to give it to Sofia? If so, would the dosage be the same??

Edit: Just found this on Google.. True?
Dosing



When using the human version of glucosamine, a dog should be given 250 mg. per 10 pounds twice a day. You can split the tablet if needed.



Read more: Can You Give a Dog People Glucosamine? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5636784_

mmctaq

I would suggest 21st Century K-9 Maximum Joint Formula - Level 3 - Health & Wellness - Dog - PetSmart per label directions, plus Now Foods, MSM, 1000 mg, 240 Capsules - iHerb.com One A.M. and one P.M. (you can open capsules and sprinkle on food... it's tasteless), plus fish oil 1000 mg./10 lbs.

If this is a weakness dealie, look at her food. Many senior foods are badly formulated on old, outdated and lousy information and do not contain nearly the protein they should. Senior dogs require MORE protein than younger dogs, and I would be wanting to see 40% or better... Innova EVO or Orijen or comparable. Protein deficiency causes muscle wasting (hollow looking hips) which causes weakness. If she's not getting enough protein, improving her diet may help her.

dax0402

14 going on 15 is so wonderful to see. I would check with your vet but I give Baron Dasuquin.

__________________
2013 Dobermantalk Calendar on sale now!

Lois and Baron

Burns

I give the Dasuquin chewable treats, and each treat has 900mg glucosamine and 350mg chondroitin. For the initial 4-6 weeks, its recommended to give large dogs (60-120 lbs) 2 treats per day (1800mg glucosamine/700mg chondroitin), then 1 treat per day (900mg glucosamine/350mg chondroitin) after the initial 4-6 weeks.

As far as the MSM goes, its not proven to be of any benefit in joint supplements, and Nutramaxx (makers of Dasuquin and Cosequin) have even gone as far to say the only reason they still make it is because when they tried to move away from it (because of the increased cost with no real benefits), customers were unhappy because they still wanted it. So they continued to manufacture it. So you'd be fine with just glucosamine/chondroitin without MSM.

__________________


Gorrmae's Fantasy Red XIII CD RE CGC TDI
DOB 2/17/07, red/rust, male neutered Doberman