Joint Supplements

msminnamouse · 07-19-2008, 04:03 AM

Ginger, my standard poodle, is eight and I want to put her on a joint supplement. My vet recommended Osteo-3. She said it was the lowest priced one. Yeah, $60 from her.

I found it online cheaper. And I found one that seems exactly the same, SynoviG3, even cheaper still.

I have no problem buying her what she needs. Money is no issue where she's concerned. Still, it would be nice to save more money by going to one of those large stores, like Costco or Sams Club and getting some joint supplements they sell for people.

Does anyone use joint supplements for humans for their dogs? My vet said that the FDA doesn't enforce the amount the manufacturers claim to put in the supplements for people but they do enforce it in pet supplements. I have no idea if that's the truth or not...

Willowy · 07-19-2008, 09:38 PM

I've used human joint supplements for the dogs. Just make sure you get the dosage right and there shouldn't be a problem. It's all the same stuff.

alphadoginthehouse · 07-19-2008, 09:44 PM

How would you know what the right dosage is? Butch should really be on it because of a knee injury he had about a year ago (and he's the oldest at almost 6) and he jumps like a pogo stick when he gets excited and I'm worried about his knee. He weighs in at a little under 14#.

Mdawn · 07-19-2008, 10:13 PM

You would need to talk to your vet about the right dosage. Also, one thing to consider when buying these supplements is quality. In grocery stores you can buy the supplement but most is very poor quality from what I've read. I've heard that, for example, Glucosamine 2KCL is basically worthless.

Right now, I'm giving Eddie and Uallis Cosequin brand. It's pricey but if you had a smaller dog it wouldn't be that bad. For me though, its breaking the bank and I'd like to find a cheaper alternative.

Willowy · 07-19-2008, 10:19 PM

I usually look at a pet supplement to see what dosage they recommend (how many mgs per pound, etc.) and try to match that. It might be hard to find a human supplement that isn't too much for a 14# dog, though. And some owners like to use a chewable tablet since it's easier than putting a pill down the dog's throat. My mom used this product for Willow: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...9&pcatid=14069

alphadoginthehouse · 07-19-2008, 10:30 PM

Willow, I've ordered the stuff from Drs F&S but I was looking for something a little cheaper but I may just keep buying this stuff. Butch is doing ok for now but I want to make sure he stays that way. I just can't get him stop being a pogo stick...but being a JRT that's near impossible.

msminnamouse · 07-20-2008, 08:00 AM

Fosterandsmith is funny... Their pharmacy prices are some of the best I've found... But the rest of what they sell really isn't such a bargain.

The problem is that my vet said that I ask foolish questions (you know, what are these bumps on her skin, what joint supplement should I get for her, can I have a refill for her prescription since she's out, etc.). They also said that they didn't receive the two faxes that Drsfosterandsmith sent requesting a prescription order on my behalf. Which were sent to the correct fax number, I had them recite it for me.

So I really don't feel comfortable calling and asking for advice. Isn't that ridicules? I should really find another vet... Would you?

alphadoginthehouse · 07-20-2008, 09:56 AM

As my neurologist is fond of saying...if you don't like your dr take your records and go somewhere else.

Any vet who says you are asking silly questions doesn't want to treat your dog IMO. You need to ask some friends who they go to and leave your current vet FAST! My clinic is a bit pricer than some in the area but I LOVE the drs and the techs and the front desk staff (except for one dr who I'm not real fond of...kinda abrupt in some instances). But over all, it is a great place for my animals (plus Butch and Daja came from there so they REALLY love me).

Run baby run from that vet!!!!