Quote: theresa macdonal

Thank you for your response Jennifer, I did find some threads in my search. But my question was in regard to that I realize that supplements are used to repair joint damage incurred, but are stressed "heathy joints" not in need of some support.

No, so far as research goes now. Glucosamine stimulates production of Glycosamine Glycans (GAG) in cartilage. This is a nutrient source for regrowth of damaged cartilage. Stimulating this complex increases the production of regrown cartilage over time.

I have never seen anything authoritative that indicates any benefit to healthy cartilage.

OTOH, I have never read of any side effects that would make me afraid of giving a low dose to a healthy dog.

I almost always have adopted adults or seniors, and because I figure that the majority are going to have some kind of OA changes eventually, I do start liquid joint supplements either at about age 5 or when I see any earlier sign of OA changes (or of course, if X-rays show anything).

Thank you Connie,

I do appoligize if I did miss this info from an earlier post; your response was very informative and helpful.

Jennifer post in regards to supplements is to the point in that a working dog’s orthopedic health, of which joints are a part, if bred and raised correctly should be able to handle stress without supplements or special foods. What we have created in many of our working dogs are many examples that can’t live a healthy life without supplements and special foods. Can’t breed or give birth without help and have difficulty in nursing and raising their pups once born. The why is for another time. Jennifer again makes an excellent point in that a dog or pup being overweight is far more deleterious to its orthopedic health than if and which supplements are necessary. Moreover every dog when young should be the arbiter of the amount of exercise it requires. Regards Norman

exactly.

theresa, i agree that supplementing won't harm anything, but in my opinion (whatever that's worth ), ensuring your dog is at proper weight and gets appropriate exercise is more effective and more important. again though, your girl is still young and shouldn't be over-exercised, she's a puppy.

of my adult dogs (both GSDs), luc is kept at a low weight (he's well out of standard), and he does all my training with me - in terms of his upper distances, he has run 25k+ and hiked up to 61k without stopping. he does hill work, tempo runs, long runs, trail runs, hikes, etc. he is healthy with his joints, and i do not supplement him b/c i keep his weight down and his joints and surrounding muscles strong and healthy. studies in humans have shown runners actually have a lower incidence of osteoarthritis than the general population.

i strongly believe for him, the best prevention is weight and exercise.

teagan has HD. she does receive supplements, and pain meds, but again, the thing that has made the biggest difference was that she's lost 10+lbs since i adopted her, and she's a lot more active (appropriately, of course). she walks, hikes, swims, and does short/slow runs. even for her, as a symptomatic dog, the most important thing for her has been to have her at a healthy weight and strengthen her the muscles supporting her joints.

Norman,

Thank you for your response; I have noted both weight and excercise issues; my gsd is having no issues, just had wondered what others thought were in regard to this question.

Tried to edit above post, but waited too long:

I do want to add, I have an accounting client, who bought an expensive, reputable bred, hunting dog, and around 1 year old, was having surgery on joints at university veterinary hospital. The breeder paid for part of this surgery, and quit using that dog's bitch for breeding; but I must note, he currently aquired another puppy from this same source, and at only 10 weeks of age, is running this dog about 1 hour a day, forced walks with his other dog -- I really see first hand how over exercise, along with diet (crap kibble) can effect a growing puppy. I have wanted to mention over exercise and diet to this person, I hesitate, alot of time people are not as receptive to info as he has his own hunting dog website (place of purchase, major breeder of these dogs) that is not as knowledgable as this site is in care of dogs. I once just tried to mention "seperating" the two dogs (older dog's harassment from puppy really bothered me), but felt better to maybe keep my opions to myself, as he was amused by this puppy play, and older dog defending itself from harrasment. Might add, older dog, after surgery, is now over weight.

I've studied supplements for along time now. Of course each one you look at is the best you can buy. I put my girl on NuvetPlus (nuvet.com) about 1 year ago and have had remarkable results. she was two when I started her. At the time she was scratching alot and she didn't have the energy I thought she should have. Within two weeks I saw a big difference. High drive, etc. Check them out.

 Quote: Bill Thomas

I've studied supplements for along time now. Of course each one you look at is the best you can buy. I put my girl on NuvetPlus (nuvet.com) about 1 year ago and have had remarkable results. she was two when I started her. At the time she was scratching alot and she didn't have the energy I thought she should have. Within two weeks I saw a big difference. High drive, etc. Check them out.

What would you say is the ingredient that affected itching?

Maybe there was a zinc deficiency?

Hello Bill,

Thanks for info; my session online earlier got cut short when I spilled o.j. into compter moniter -- now 4 hours later, and new moniter -- thanx

I looked into Nuvet. I did not like that they do not include amt in the ingredients vit c? Msm?