Does anyone use joint supplements in younger dogs?

[kimkim]

So about a year ago, I noticed that Ember (now 3) would take a few extra minutes (actually seconds) in the morning to stretch out her back legs. Let me try and describe it, she sleeps on our bed and when we wake up she would stand straight up on her front feet and he back legs would be stretched out behind her, still against the bed. Or she would put her fronts on the floor, while leaving the hind end on the bed to stretch. She has been OFA'd for hips and elbows, and I even had the vet check for the patella thing, but he said she was fine. So I have tried hyloplex?? I think that was the name, and now she is on prevention plus, but she still does the stretches. So I was thinking about getting the liquid from Leer burg next. Any opinions?

[FG167]

My pit bull does the same thing and she is incredibly agile, healthy and shows no pain. I think it's just a personality trait - at least in mine...

[turnnburn52984]

I do give supplements to both my dogs. I'd rather make the initial investment in GOOD supplements now, and continue them through life then be faced with HD or knee/elbow/ general joint issues in a dog that is still considered young. I've had a GSD in the past that had terrible terrible knees, and needed all the help he could get- he's the guy that taught me this lesson. Since Koenig is in fairly hard work a minimum of 3 times a week so he gets supplemented with Canine Complete Joint Mobility ( http://www.smartpakcanine.com/productcl ... assid=2935 ) Grizzley Salmon Oil (http://leerburg.com/47.htm ) and Vitamin E ( http://leerburg.com/53.htm )

Sara (our English Pointer) also gets Calm Shen ( http://leerburg.com/75.htm ) but thats cause she's a nut case.

Koenig also gets extra probiotics when he has the runs (which is more often then I'd like), as well as plain greek yogurt. Happy belly kinda stuff.

If you're going to supplement with Salmon oil, make sure you're giving extra Vit. E oil as well. Dogs use extra Vit E to break down (something, I forget exactly what just now) the Salmon oil. It's worth it though. My dogs also get http://www.smartpakcanine.com/productcl ... assid=3964 as treats.

If you're talking about the liquid salmon oil from leerburg it's GREAT stuff, thats what I use.

I don't think there is ANYTHING to loose (except some money) by supplementing your dog with a few choice products. I may use more then most people, but my dogs are healthy, and happy. And I'm broke.

[kimkim]

Thanks for the replies

If you're talking about the liquid salmon oil from leerburg it's GREAT stuff, thats what I use.

I was talking about the liquid glucosamine they sell,I think synflex. I still have about a month left on the prevention plus, but I am going to by synflex next.

She shows no signs of pain, I just worry to much maybe.

[Brindle]

I use to use SynoviG3 granules for my Rottwieler & Beauceron http://www.bullwrinkle.com/ShoppingPage ... anules.htm ( now unavailable ) Both supplemented from puppyhood & both competed in agility.
The Beauceron is dysplastic ( now that's a breeder nightmare story ). Seemed to do great on the supplement and being very active.
Some other people that have working dogs suggested K9 Joint Strong http://www.k9power.com/k9-joint-strong.html . I switched to that over a year ago and believe the Beauceron does even better on it ( not that she was doing bad before hand ).
Force has been getting Joint Strong since I got him.
You know how those wild brindle dogs throw themselves into everything with no concern for their bodies . Scares me how rough they are to themselves.
I know they don't anything of it but I wouldn't be able to stand up let alone walk around if I got up to some the stuff Force does.

Maybe I need to start taking it ????
Might help me recover easier from some of the Force fun

[turnnburn52984]

We used to use Synovi at the rescue I managed. Loved the stuff, and so did the dogs! It really helped some of the oldies keep moving (when I say old I'm talking a 16yr old GSD, and a 17yr old Golden... we had some SENIOR dogs!)

When they stopped making it the owner found a similar product- I'll look it up for you Jenny- it was nearly the same formula, and just as yummy to the dogs.

[Brindle]

We used to use Synovi at the rescue I managed.
When they stopped making it the owner found a similar product- I'll look it up for you Jenny- it was nearly the same formula, and just as yummy to the dogs.

I only found out they quit making it yesterday when looking for a link to share. It was still available when I changed brands.
The joint strong stuff is apparently very palatable too
I think the dogs would eat the whole tub if they had chance.
( better not give Force any ideas )