[sven100]

Do you all feel like there's any benefit to giving a 2 year old dog a glucosamine, chondroitin supplement if they aren't having any joint problems? Will it help stave off problems in the future or should I just leave it alone?

 

[Shell]

I don't see a benefit in giving a supplement at that age with no visible issues. Around 6-7 years as a preventative, maybe.

I do think there is some benefit to the supplement for older or arthritic joints. It is not decided science, but I've seen benefits in horses that I did not know were taking glucosamine and when I commented on improved mobility, learned they started glucosamine chondroitin msm about 6 weeks prior.

I figure its an inexpensive boost for an older dog that also seems to help coat and skin a bit. I like the powdered supplement from Missing Link because it acts as a treat too, I can freeze it for a popsicle or serve with warm water in winter as a broth.

 

[BKaymuttleycrew]

Unless I suspected there was some predisposition to joint issues, I personally would start a lower dose G/C supplement as the dog approached early senior status (so perhaps age 6 - 8, depending on size) and then increasing the level of supplement as the years progressed and/or I noticed joint or mobility issues.

 

[LeoRose]

In a webinar I watched, an orthopedic/sports medicine specialist said she recommends starting dogs on supplements pretty much as soon as they are adults. Especially if they are doing high impact sports like agility.

 

[sven100]

Thank you for your thoughts. My first dog started slowing down and showing signs of hip problems when she was about 8. I started giving her glucosamine then and I definitely saw improvements with her, so I firmly believe that it's a useful supplement.

I guess I'll do a little more reading on this one. I don't even know if Rusty is predisposed to joint issues. He's just a tall lanky dog, so I figure it couldn't hurt. So far I haven't found any evidence that it would be harmful.

That Missing Link Hip and Joint supplement looks good. I already give him a salmon oil supplement. I think the Missing Link powder would replace that one and give him the glucosamine as well.

 

[BKaymuttleycrew]

I've been using the Drs. Foster & Smith brand of joint supplement for years. I had to switch briefly when F & S was bought up by Petco & certain things were unavailable for a bit, but as soon as they had it back available I was ordering it again. Two of my dogs (the 11 & 13.5 year old) are up to taking the 'Extra Strength' formula & one (my 9.5 year old) is on the 'Level 2'. I absolutely have been able to see it make a difference in them. I do also use a fish oil supplement daily for everyone (currently Sea Pet Omega Plus, also really like Bonnie & Clyde brand) I prefer to use one that includes the vitamin E so I don't have to worry about adding that in separately.

 

[sven100]

I've been using the Drs. Foster & Smith brand of joint supplement for years. I had to switch briefly when F & S was bought up by Petco & certain things were unavailable for a bit, but as soon as they had it back available I was ordering it again. Two of my dogs (the 11 & 13.5 year old) are up to taking the 'Extra Strength' formula & one (my 9.5 year old) is on the 'Level 2'. I absolutely have been able to see it make a difference in them. I do also use a fish oil supplement daily for everyone (currently Sea Pet Omega Plus, also really like Bonnie & Clyde brand) I prefer to use one that includes the vitamin E so I don't have to worry about adding that in separately.

Thanks for the reminder about the vitamin E. I would have have forgotten about that. Maybe I'll stick with the one I'm using then.

I've been giving him the salmon oil because he has an itchy spot on his side that he worries at sometimes. My vet didn't take it too seriously, just said it was a spot of dermatitis and not to worry about it, but it's not getting better. Sometimes I wonder if he just gnaws on it out of nervous habit. I guess we'll have to go back and get it checked a little more thoroughly.

 

[storyist]

I don't know if there's any benefit to giving it to a young dog as preventative, but last time I read about it, it was not recommended in humans for diabetics. You might want to do a little research on side effects.

I've taken it myself, and it did wonders for me. I had a hip shattered in a horseback riding accident in my 40's. The hip would get so stiff when I sat for any period, I'd be reluctant to get up knowing how it would feel. Within weeks that was gone. And then I was surprised when my knees, which I hadn't thought about in this regard, felt stronger (they'd both been hyper-extended, and I had to be very careful to keep them from doing it again). And then my back.... So it worked for me in a grand way, and it's noticeably helped a dog with arthritic elbows. However I've talked to people it did nothing for. I'm sure it doesn't help all dogs, and I think that's pretty much the case with most supplements of that sort. For instance the CBD oil some think is so wonderful has done nothing for either of my current dogs. It didn't affect the arthritis in my older girl and has no calming effect on the younger one.

 

[sven100]

I don't know if there's any benefit to giving it to a young dog as preventative, but last time I read about it, it was not recommended in humans for diabetics. You might want to do a little research on side effects.

I've taken it myself, and it did wonders for me. I had a hip shattered in a horseback riding accident in my 40's. The hip would get so stiff when I sat for any period, I'd be reluctant to get up knowing how it would feel. Within weeks that was gone. And then I was surprised when my knees, which I hadn't thought about in this regard, felt stronger (they'd both been hyper-extended, and I had to be very careful to keep them from doing it again). And then my back.... So it worked for me in a grand way, and it's noticeably helped a dog with arthritic elbows. However I've talked to people it did nothing for. I'm sure it doesn't help all dogs, and I think that's pretty much the case with most supplements of that sort. For instance the CBD oil some think is so wonderful has done nothing for either of my current dogs. It didn't affect the arthritis in my older girl and has no calming effect on the younger one.

Thanks for the information. I vaguely remember reading something like that about the glucosamine. That's something I should look into for sure.

My experience with giving my older arthritic dog CBD was the same as yours. I didn't notice that it made a bit of difference. I only ever tried one brand though. I've always wondered if I just chose poorly. She had other prescription pain killers at the time too, so maybe the effects were just too subtle. I don't know. I haven't counted it completely out, because like you say others seem to think it's great. I still have a big bottle of the stuff.

As you say, dogs are individuals. They're all different. Makes me wonder if I should really start the glucosamine when he's young, because then I would never really know if it was doing any good.

 

[storyist]

I tried 3 different brands of CBD, all supposedly quality stuff, and zip. IMO it's too expensive to give just in case it might be helping if no results are noticeable.

 

[pandora]

We feed raw and included in the diet are duck or chicken feet both are a great source of glucosamine and chondroitin, key building blocks of cartilage in joints. So we figure its a more natural way of giving those things all through their lives..

As regards CBD oil OMG its been heralded as the saviour and cure all for everything...I know several old people who use it and they have seen a benefit in reduction of joint pain/stiffness and bowel health. Resulting in a reduction in pain meds like dicloflenic and oral powders/gels that keep the bowels moving.

As regards pets ... We tried it with Murphy for general anxiety and esp firework fear. We started at the end of Nov last year in anticipation of new years celebrations. 2 drops at 2.7% cbd.
What we noticed was that he was less jumpy with the further away sounds or odd bang and he was easier to settle when the noises got very loud or close to the house. It was also easier to introduce him to strangers and walk him in streets near children, skateboards, buggies, ect all the things that would have made him react.
Together with training we found that it helped a lot .

BUT it is not a magic wand and it shouldnt just be used ad lib... Always consult a vet esp if a dog is taking other medications.

 

[jeandecker76]

I give joint supplements to my almost senior doggo. She's 8 years old and I've noticed that whenever she's climbing up the stairs, she doesn't stop midway anymore. I've consulted my vet before I gave her the supplement though.

 

[Zeus Mum]

My baby is not yet 2 and is about 50kg. He is a large mixed breed and the vet suggested he take fish oil tabs. He gets up all stiff and walks around like an old man. I was wondering about glucosamine for him too.