My 10yr old....

[occam]

...dog and I..... enjoyed one of the first days of warmish weather here yesterday.

He has had bad allergies in seasons past, so he has been on steroids, of one sort or another, for three years or so, collectively.

Has anyone had success with any of the products offered for aging animals?

He was in a good mood, feeling the spring coming I suppose. I ran him around a bit, thought I had him tired. But he still wanted some attention so, we roughhoused around while I was cleaning out my car. It soon became me throwing the long ball for him. I really think we both noticed somehow how tentative and stiff he was when he tried to open up and go all out.
He is a huge Shepard, about 125lbs now, just turned 10 actually so this is not unexpected. It's hard though, to accept, of course.
The weird part is HIS reaction to it, he actually got (gets) kind of depressed, and a don't think I'm reading to much into it.

I'm sure some of the nutritional supplements I've seen advertised are more marketing concept, less beneficial regimen.

Just a thought.

 

[big louie]

i dunno but i like the avatar

 

[Chip Bronson]

occam, i really feel for you bro. my lab/sheppard/husky mix is 10 and she's had severity 3 (on a scale from 1-4) hip dysplasia for the past 4 years. the following protocol has kept her from becoming worse and even made her stop crying when moving to quickly or suddenly. here is what i put in her food.

1tbsp udo's oil
1 pack knox unflavored gelatin
1000mg glucosamine
400mg chondroitin
500mg cmo (cetylmyristoleate) i use this for 2 months on/2 months off
1 cap turmeric extract (vitamin shoppe brand)
1000mg msm

this stack is pretty inexpensive, compared to drugs, as i buy the largest size bottles from the vitamin shoppe. it also does not fuck-up her liver like the anti-inflammatory drugs do. we noticed improvement within a few weeks and more improvement within 2-3 months. she is better today than she was 4 years ago. please, for your dog's sake, give this protocol a try. all the best and keep us posted.

 

[occam]

I appreciate that and I will research.

Would all of these items be available at a pharmacy? Pet Super Store? GNC.....wow maybe the are good for something. j/k

My vet clinic has grown so much since he was a puppy, I don't know who I'd even ask about supps for him. Everyone everywhere has a house brand of anything for anyone and no I'm not a comunist. See I couldn't even spell it.

Would your average vet approve though?
I know the average doc would disapprove of my chemical lifestyle, ya know?

At any rate, thanks for the information Chip.

 

[chris gordon]

i agree with chip...especially the glucosamine and chondroitin...where i live you can get them in bulk powder form at the feed and tack store very cheaply

 

[thick]

check vitaminshoppe.com great site. I recently lost my male rott. he wasn't 10 yet. good luck

I appreciate that and I will research.

Would all of these items be available at a pharmacy? Pet Super Store? GNC.....wow maybe the are good for something. j/k

My vet clinic has grown so much since he was a puppy, I don't know who I'd even ask about supps for him. Everyone everywhere has a house brand of anything for anyone and no I'm not a comunist. See I couldn't even spell it.

Would your average vet approve though?
I know the average doc would disapprove of my chemical lifestyle, ya know?

At any rate, thanks for the information Chip.

 

[Chip Bronson]

yes i get all my stuff from the vitamin shoppe, as thick has stated, except the cmo. i do buy it at the 'shoppe' but the brand is 'natrol'. i ran through the list with my vet and, since he's quite a progressive guy, he confirmed that all the substances were good for the dog. i even schooled him on the benefits of udo's, the turmeric and cmo.

now your average vet WILL try to get you to buy 'their' joint formula for dogs which will run you $90 for a bottle that'll last you a month. don't do it. a total rip-off for exactly what you'd get from the vitamin shoppe. go ahead and ask your vet anyway. i'd love to see what he has to say. and then you'll find out if he cares about your dog or his bottom line.

you can do some research on the 'net and you'll find good info on the items i mentioned as well as suggested protocol. any more questions, feel free to drop me a line. hey, i don't have kids so my animals are like my kids. i'd do anything to help them feel better and be comfortable.

 

[occam]

Again.....I sincerely appreciate the help guys.

Sorry to hear of your loss Thick..........I'm sure our next President was upset. It's tough to be strong for your little man when your down.

Goodnight all.

 

[thick]

thanks bro, it sucks. Not the first or last pet I will loose but it all sucks nonetheless. He was the biggest meanest goofiest sob. My female is all i have left and she is awesome but i wished it would've been her if i could pick. The future pres. was pretty disappointed but didnt take it near as bad since my dogs have lived at my parents the last couple of years

Again.....I sincerely appreciate the help guys.

Sorry to hear of your loss Thick..........I'm sure our next President was upset. It's tough to be strong for your little man when your down.

Goodnight all.

 

[occam]

Well, he has been on the program about a week now. He seems to be doing well, still a bit stiffer than this time last year. I'm trying to extend our play time and am getting him to push himself a bit more, so I look for some improvement over the next month.

I really appreciate the advice.......actually WE do. A lot of people love this big guy........he is amazing. He is an UNBELIEVABLE sentry.....aggresive and bold.

But with the family, man I can't possibly explain how gentle and uinderstanding he is. Just a blessing to have.

 

[occam]

"Well what?......it was MY tree"

 

[diesldud]

"Well what?......it was MY tree"

good looking dog bro

 

[Chip Bronson]

he's beautiful occcam. great face! keep him 'on' and he will improve. you're giving him all the items right, including the knox? keep us posted.

 

[thick]

very nice looking dog

"Well what?......it was MY tree"