[NAGDU] arthritis

[Marj Schneider]

Hello All,


I started my shepherd from Seeing Eye that I was matched with in 
February on supplements right away, both fish oil and glucosamine. 
Rather than using the more costly veterinary supplements, I've looked at 
the amounts of active ingredients in those and found comparable 
ingredients in supplements for people that cost far less.


I'm opening up three capsules a day to sprinkle on my dog's food of a 
Vitacost product with glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM. The amounts of 
those three main ingredients are pretty comparable to the amounts in the 
Dasuquin chews for large dogs. Dasuquin also includes a few other 
ingredients like avocado, soy and boswellia extract in forms that are 
intended to promote joint health. While those minor ingredients may be 
helpful, it's the main three that are most important. My cost is about 
$6 a month, as opposed to around $16 a month if I were to buy Dasuquin 
from Chewy. Certainly chewables are convenient, but to me, since my dog 
will be on this supplement throughout his life with me, it's worth the 
cost savings.


As for fish oil, I'm using up some capsules that I had in the freezer 
since my last dog died and I don't recall how much omega 3 they contain. 
I do know that my dog's coat is very soft and in good condition, so I 
think the amount is helping. Because the dog I have now is a lean 75 
pounds, less than he weighed at school, I'll be figuring out how much 
fish oil to give him when I buy more. I've only had 50 pound dogs in the 
past, so this is a big change.


I've been giving dogs fish oil for more than 30 years and never had an 
issue with any of them simply eating it along with their food. I even 
had a cat that would eat whole fish oil capsules. I suppose there will 
always be exceptions, but most dogs won't leave the capsule in their 
bowl or on the floor.


The general rule I've learned about giving dogs supplements is that you 
would give half the dose recommended for people, but it's always best to 
do your own research based on your dog's size, individual needs and vet 
recommendations.


I decided to start my dog on glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM based on 
the recommendation that starting this at age two is the most effective 
way to promote joint health, along with exercise and keeping dogs at a 
lean weight. I sure hope this proves to be the case.


Marj and Verlin


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