Flexamin Maximum Strength

Question
QUESTION: I have a 120 lb Labrador with severe arthritis.  How much Glucosamine and Chondroitin is safe to give him per day?  I have tablets that are 1500 mg glucosamine, 1200 mg chondroitin and 500 mg MSM.  For adults it is recommended 3 tablets per day and not recommended for children under the age of 18.

ANSWER: Hi Kirsten,
First let me start by saying that your Lab is seriously and dangerously over weight.  To help his arthritis, heart, insulin levels and bones, he needs to loose about 45 pounds - aiming for a weight of around 75 lb.  I am surprised your vet has said nothing about this.  As you love your dog, then you need to take this seriously and get his weight down.  You will find that as he starts to lose weight his joints will move and feel better.  Imagine how hard it is for him to get around!
The weight loss is imperative to a healthy and happy dog.  Dogs do not need to be feed more than 2 - 3 % of their IDEAL BODY WEIGHT. So, if we look at his ideal weight as being 75 lb, then do not feed him more than 1.8 pounds of food per day.  This includes all snack, treat etc..
For more info on what to feed your dog, have a look at www.roxysworld.com.au - there is free info on the home page.
PetAlive sell an all natural canine weight loss products that will help boost the metabolism.
Also, you need to start walking and swimming him regularly.  Start off with a 10-15 minute walk every day, and increase over 2 weeks to half an hour per day.  Take him swimming as well as this is very good for his joints.
I would start him on 1 tablet per day of the supplements.  You may find that once he loses the weight, his arthritis will ease considerably.
I do not mean to sound harsh, but this is extremely serious and he needs to get that weight off.  Otherwise he will be wrought with problems and may suffer an early death.  A healthy dog rarely needs to go to the vet, so it is cheaper as well to keep him in good health.
Do not give in to the sad looks - he is not starving!  Labs are garbage guts and will eat themselves to death if given the chance.  So you have to be cruel to be kind.
Do let me know if you want any further assistance with this.
Kindest regards,
Silva.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Silva for your prompt response. I should have been a little more clear on the physique of my dog. He's not a normal English Lab, he is more of and Americanized Lab, stands 25" (floor to shoulder), long snout, long legs. He was on a weight control diet when he reached 128 lbs, but his weight became dangerously low (110 lbs) for his size, his ribs started to show.  The vet told me to put him on a senior diet, to regain some of the weight he lost.  He averages 120 lbs, turns his nose at his food until he knows he won't get anything else.  I did give him 2 flexamin tabs, and it caused severe diarrhea. Should I still use 1 tablet, since I was more clear on the size of him, or should I slowly build him up to 2? Any advice for administering to avoid the diarrhea? Also, his hips get very weak when he walks, and we live up off the street. He usually can't get up the stairs back on the property. With regular short walks will that help, or make it worse? I do have a sling to lift his back half.

Answer
Thanks for the explanation Kirsten.  If you knew how many overweight and arthritic English Labs I come across every week then you would understand my response.  So, sorry if I sounded harsh, but just looking out for the dog's welfare.
Now that we are clear that he is not overweight we can continue.
Anything new that is introduced to a pet (or even to humans) should be added slowly as the system can become confused and diarrhea is the result.  So build him up slowly with the supplements.  To be on the safe side, start off with half a tablet for 1-2 days, then 1 tablet for a week, then maybe go up to 1.5 tablets and see how he goes.  If you still notice no improvement then go up to two, but that would be the limit I think.
As far as exercise goes swimming is ideal for arthritic dogs and dogs with all sorts of joint problems.  You may have a canine rehab center nearby that offers hydrotherapy which would be perfect for him.
Massage, photonic therapy and/or acupuncture would all be extremely beneficial.
Keep him off a lot of red meat as this can make the problem worse.  Small amounts of red meat are ok.  Rabbit, free-range chicken, and fish are great (especially sardines and salmon).  Add some Omega 3 oils to his meals (Flax seed or fish oils).  Occasionally (once per week) give him a couple of hard boiled eggs.  Oats (soaked in warm water) are also good as they help the heart and the kidneys as well.  Occasional dairy is ok (yogurt or cottage cheese) but try to avoid in daily doses.  Goats yogurt may be better as these animals are mostly free-range and are not fed all the harsh antibiotics etc... that dairy cattle are fed.
Vegetables contain trace minerals which are needed for proper bone formations.  Avoid Beets as they can inhibit calcium metabolism.  Asparagus, celery, parsley and broccoli are good for arthritic dogs that are "damp and hot".  Cabbage, carrots and kale are good for dogs whose arthritis is worse with cold, and their extremities feel cold.
Parsnips are great for healthy bone formation.  And a little garlic can promote good circulation.
Now for some supplements:
Chlorophyll should be added to daily meals.  Start off with a small dose and work up to a tablespoon daily.  A sudden high dose can cause diarrhea.  Chlorophyll counters inflammation and helps to restore the connective tissue around the joints.
Lecithin Granules help the liver circulate blood freely.  Add 1 tablespoon daily.
Kelp powder for mineral support. Start off with a pinch and work up to 3/4 teaspoon daily.
Super Oxide Dismutase is an enzyme that helps fight free radials.  You can buy this in health stores or from holistic vets.
Now for some herbs:
Nettles are nutritive and clear inflammation, dampness and heat.  They also act as a diuretic clearing toxins from the kidneys.
Willow Bark contains asprin-like properties and tannins, and relives inflammation and heat.
If you can find these herbs in liquid form then give him 2-3 drops of each, twice per day.  You can add to his food.
Otherwise you may find them in dried form, in which case you are best to make a brewed tea and give a tablespoon of each, twice per day.  Keep teas cooled and covered and they will last a few days.  You can mix them together in one glass/ceramic container.
I really hope that you find some solutions here Kirsten as I would love to hear that he is much improved.
I understand that a lot of exercise is currently difficult, but if you can take him at least for a short walk daily to keep him mobile, and do look into the swimming and hydrotherapy.
All the best,
Silva.
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