Hello, im new to this forum but im in need of some advice. Our labrador is 9yrs old & he has started limping on his front right leg after bigger walks which is starting to happen more often & lasting longer. I have been advised to start supplements for his joints as has had previous surgery on his back legs so they expected to be arthritic too now getting older. Can anyone recommend any joint supplements? Liquid form preferably, he difficult to get tablets down him. We also need to get his weight down to lighten the load! Has anyone had any experience of hydrotherapy & its effectiveness? Is it worth paying for or is taking him swimming in local river just as good?? Any advice appreciated to prevent the deteoriation of his joints, he loves his walks. Thanks Elisa
Re: Supplements for joints advice Hi and welcome Sorry, I can't advise as my pup is only 11 months old and my first ever dog. I'm sure someone will be along who can help, but from being on this forum, I have read a lot about hydrotherapy really helping dogs with sore/stiff/injured limbs
Re: Supplements for joints advice Hello there, welcome to the forum! In terms of hydrotherapy, it does depend on what is available to you. There are lots of places that are really indoor doggy swimming pools, and not really structured hydrotherapy. The benefits of these are the water is warm, which can help with stiffness and pain, and you can very accurately deliver a structured exercise programme, which is harder to do in a river. Plus you can often swim with your dog (in warm water!) which is great fun. I am lucky enough to be in reach of Greyfriars, in the SouthEast ( http://www.greyfriarsrehab.co.uk/ ) and I think they provide the gold standard facilities of hydrotherapy. They use gait analysis and watertreadmills, and a therapist is always in the treadmill with the dog, adjusting its gait and monitoring its movement. Swimming is also with a therapist, and again the use of difference muscle groups is monitored and the dog's position in the water adjusted with floats and weights. No dog swims without first undergoing an examination with a physio, and a structured programme is set out and progress monitored. They also offer laser treatment, accupuncture and massage to help with arthritic pain - delivered by a vet specialising in pain relief or professionally qualified animal physiotherapists. So, proper hydrotherapy is very different from swimming in a river, yes. I'm a big fan, I think it can really help some dogs. My boy takes synoquin EFA, but your vet is the best person to advise you on what supplements might help. Good luck, I hope you find a programme that helps your lab.
Re: Supplements for joints advice My vet advised me to use omega 3 fish oils such as you find in cod liver oil - this can be liquid or tablet form and can be bought from human health stores or specifically designed for dogs. You have to make sure you get the dosage right though as many people don't give enough and then wonder why it's not having an effect. I also have my dog on riaflex joint daily. They also do a high strength one called joint plus but it's much more expensive. The joint daily is still much stronger than most other joint supplements such as vetzyme and yumove. There's a good comparison on their website under the joint plus product. http://www.riaflex.co.uk Edited to add: the riaflex comes in powder form which can be mixed with food, I just sprinkle it on my dogs food and she eats it just fine.
Re: Supplements for joints advice from a teeny tiny black 5 1/2 year old Lab known as The DivaDog and her pet human
Re: Supplements for joints advice Hi there and welcome ....I read your post and thought,oh I'm sorry I can't help but hope Julie is around....and Bingo! She was there!Lauren has popped by too so you've had great advice all that remains for me is to say again welcome and hope you enjoy chatting on the Forum Angela and Dexter 22 month old yellow boy x
Re: Supplements for joints advice Thank you so muc h for explaining hydrotherapy, definately goin to look into it, c wots available locally. My vet said he needed supplements but she didnt say which, thats why i thought i 'd ask everyones advice on what has been effective, everything so expensive so dnt want to waste my money on somethjng that is marketed well but not effective. Think i might look for an orthopaedic vet too, might give me better advice in the future. Thanks for the advice everyone!
Re: Supplements for joints advice Hi, my 14 year old yellow lab has been going to hydrotherapy for the last 8 years. It's greatly improved her mobility and also maintains her weight. She was overweight at start but since losing weight she has maintained it. Look at the below thread, this will explain everything you need to know and also help to find one near you. This is a site where some hydrotherapists have registered with and are very trustworthy. Our hydrotherapist is CHA recognised, and with that you know you will find someone who is kosher. Good luck. http://www.canine-hydrotherapy.org/
