Glucosamine and Chondroitin

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I read that the glucosamine and chondriotin found in pet supplements (with some exceptions) do not contain the amounts that the dogs need so I have decided to give my older dogs human glucosamine and chondriotin. My vet told me to use the same dosage I would use for myself. I would appreciate your thoughts on this.

[Kyoko]

I don't know the scientific reality of Glucosamine & Chondriotin.... But, Butter takes the chewable 500 mg per day, ( He is about 45lb) and he sure seem to be doing much better than last year! He does not seem to be limping much and we have not given him baby aspirin this winter yet. Who knows it may be working for ME psychologically, or Charlie could have brought back his youth. But I am giving supplement a credit for his better being for now. LOL

[F, Calla & Luca]

I'm glad that Butter is doing better, that's what really counts. I certainly agree with the idea of not changing things if they're working.

[Kyoko]

It makes ME feel better! hahaha!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

It is okay, F. Parker. You just make me work my brain. I figured I knew what it meant, but remember I teach elementary Sp. Ed. = my vocab. is limited to one- and perhaps some two-syllable words!
My husband takes G/C and says it has really helped his old football injured knees, so he must be one of those people! We have been giving Simon Missing Link and we did see less stiffness and groaning from him, however I just read that it is one of those products that doesn't necessarily have the amount is says it does, so we decided to try the human form on him to see if it helps. I hate to see him getting so stiff and groaning in his sleep if I can do something to ease his aging. I will let you guys know if it seems to help him or Gordie (with his joint injury recovery).
Missing Link was also supposed to address dry, flaky skin, dull coat and itching. It didn't in any of the dogs! The Evening Primrose Oil has done miraculous things for Gordie's skin and coat, but I can't see any difference in Ned. Simon, however has stopped licking his paws.
I do agree that people take way to much "stuff" but I think there are times it is important to take advantage of what is out there if it addresses a specific personal area of need.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree with that last sentence. I don't know this Missing Link but the name alone makes me suspicious. I'm always leery of anything that claims too many things. Right now in human supplements Vitamin D is the wonder child--we'll see. My internist said I should add some more and I have.

[shelly]

Yes. That's what I have been told too - Vitamin D with calcium .... now that I'm UHHUM.... of "that" age.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Calcium - yup. I am that age too. However, I live in California, land of the too much sunshine so no extra vitamin D needed here. Even my 87 year old mother gets enough D naturally - lucky us.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I was actually tested for my vit.D level as advised by my internist and so was my sister who lives in northern Ca.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I live in Southern California in the area known as the Inland Empire. We have lots of sunlight, even on days with cloud cover. We are supposed to wear sunscreen daily here year round.

[Adina P]

Yeah most of what I'm reading on Vit D is in support of supplementation. I took it most of my pregnancy and most of the time now. I've been low twice in the past few years and our sunshine is sorely lacking here in the winter so I figured I should continue. Natalie will be getting it soon to as per her Pediatrician's recommendation.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am seeing the same trend but we'll see as II said. I remember vit. A, ginko, hormone supplementation and a host of others over the years whose stars have risen and fallen. still I'm taking the vit. D and I'm interested to hear they are recimmending it for babes in arms.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's added to formula (and of course, regular milk) to increase calcium absorption, but breastfed babies need another source.