Suppliments?
 

Do those with large breed dogs (or dogs that are prone to these conditions) add suppliments to their dogs diet to help prevent hip dysphasia or joint problems? I see those once a day vitimins in the stores for such problems. Or should a good solid diet and a balanced activity schedual do the trick? I am currently not giving Dazy anything, just wondering what others are doing.

Have a nice day! :dog:

I give Lukka glucosamine and chondroitin daily

I don't but as they get older, I'm thinking about it.

I give Ester C, glucosomine, chondroitin & msm, salmon oil, and vitamin E to my Bullmastiff and my Great Dane. I was giving Calcium/Phosphorus tabs to my young Bullmastiff, as was directed from my vet (for Panosteitis), however I have stopped that. Giving calcium to a growing large breed dog is questionable, as some appose it saying that it makes them grow quicker. I chose to adhere to my vets advice with the pano, seeing as he was pretty much finished his growth period.

I don't know that supplements are going to prevent joint problems, as I imagine there are alot of factors there. Hip Dysplasia has a hereditary factor. I think that some supplements can support joint health, as well as general health, so in moderation is okay.

How old is Dazy? Moderation is key when exercising large breed puppies. Too much too soon can bring on a whole whack of trouble later on.

I just wanted to add... I buy all my supplements at Walmart. The big bottles are cheap there, and last forever! (well almost forever :rolleyes: )

We did not do this previous to our dog having a problem... but in the future, if we do chose to adopt another large dog I will put him on supplements from day 1.

I currently give Chance Dr. Gary's, which I purchase on Ebay:

[url]http://www.drgaryscure.com/[/url]

It is a mixture of Glucosamine Sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate, Vitamin E, B12, Maganese, Boswellia and Yucca.

I read a lot about supplements before I selected this one and thought I would give it a try because it uses high quality sulfates, which are more easily digested, along with a good array of vitamins which should make the Glucosamine and Chondroitin more available for his body to use.

We also split his dose of 2 pills, one in the am and one in the pm, to make it more easily digestible.

The supplements do build up in the system over time so start early and be consistent.

Take care.

[QUOTE=Purpledomino;430740]
How old is Dazy? Moderation is key when exercising large breed puppies. Too much too soon can bring on a whole whack of trouble later on.[/QUOTE]


She is 8.5 months old, she is high energy, we vary her exercise per day from a calm walk to a play date to a day at day care, to a day or 2 off...just had her weighed, 57lbs, tall and lean. :)

Sounds to me like you are doing everything right. :) You are correct to try to keep your pup on the leaner side, overweight is a terrible burden on growing bones and joints. :thumbs up