Dog vitimans

Question
Hello Sharon,My dog Spanky is alittle over 10
years old[Human years],and Im wondering what
kind of vitimans I can give him,to put alittle
more spunk in his behavier.Whats good for him
on a daily basis?He has artristis in his left
behind leg,and sometimes I'll give him dog asprin
and it seems to help alittle.I've tried Harts joint medication,but it doesn't seem to do the
trick.So any ideas or suggestions would be helpful!                         Yours Truly
                                 Norm

Answer
Hello Norman-

The older dog is going to need a good, well balanced diet that is lower in calories, protein, and fat and higher in fiber. For some older dogs, we can continue to feed their regular food, but in a smaller quantity. Specially formulated senior diets are lower in calories and help to create a feeling of fullness while providing fewer calories. Commercially prepared senior diets have a protein of around 18% (on a dry matter basis) whereas diets for dogs in renal failure are around 14% protein. If your dog has significantly decreased kidney function, then a diet that is lower in protein will lower the workload for the kidneys. Lower fat usually translates to lower calories so many senior diets have a fat level of around 8 to 12%. Older dogs are more prone to develop constipation, so senior diets are higher in fiber at around 3 to 5%. Wheat bran can be added to regular dog food to increase the amount of fiber. If your older dog will eat dry food, it will help to control tartar build-up and reduce gum disease.


Some older dogs suffer not from obesity, but from the other extreme of old age obesity; lack of weight gain and disinterest in food. If your dog is getting thin and not eating well, he should have a complete veterinary exam to rule out any possible disease problems. If everything checks out, then trying to get the dog to eat is the next challenge. If a dog normally eats dry food, he may have decreased consumption because he has a hard time chewing the large kibble. By feeding a kibble with smaller pieces or moistening the food with water, it will be easier to chew. Adding canned food or broth to the food will make it more appealing. Some dogs prefer cat food and will eat that readily, but this is often quite high in protein and should be avoided, if possible. Small amounts of canned cat food may be mixed with the dog kibble to provide more flavor. Some dogs can tolerate a small amount of milk or eggs added to the food. Homemade diets of boiled rice, potatoes, vegetables, and chicken or hamburger with correct vitamin and mineral supplements works well with others.

The first supplement to add to your pets diet is Glucosamine & Chondroitin. This will aid in the arthritis pain and will help restore joint health. Typical doses start at approximately 500 mg glucosamine and 400 mg chondroitin per 25 pounds divided every 12 hours. Results should be seen within 4-6 weeks at which point cutting back by 1 capsule every 4-6 weeks could be tried to find the least amount necessary to reduce symptoms. Arthritic conditions would usually need to be treated for life.

Also add a supplement of Fish oil or Evening Primrose oil. These are Omega-3 essential fatty acids and will aid it good overall health and will protect the skin, nails and coat from dryness. 1000mg per day will be sufficient.

Also administer 250mg of Ester C, 200iu of Vitamin E and 8000iu of Vitamin A.

Vitamin A, once ingested, is stored in fat cells mainly within the liver. Here it remains until needed by the body. Vitamin A has many roles. It is important for vision and other functions. Deficiencies lead to poor low-light vision (termed night blindness), retarded growth, poor-quality skin and hair development, and reproductive failure.

All of the functions of Vitamin E are not known, but it plays a role in the formation of cell membranes, cell respiration, and in the metabolism of fats. It is an antioxidant and protects various hormones from oxidation. Deficiencies of Vitamin E will cause cell damage and death in skeletal muscle, heart, testes, liver, and nerves. It is essential in keeping the cells of these organs alive and functioning.

I have worked with several animals that had clinical hip dysplasia, that when given high levels of vitamin C, seemed to exhibit fewer signs of joint pain. It did not cure the condition, but it did seem to allow the pet to better live with the problem.

Harts joint medication is not a pure vitamin formula and may not have adapted and worked well with your pet. Try the Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplements, you will surely notice a difference in your pets health and stamina.

Watch the amount of dog aspirin you give your pet as high levels and given frequently can harm him more than help him.

Another thing to do is if you see your pet shown signs of an illness begin to add Garlic powder to his food. Garlic is an anti-microbial and will help fight bacteria and infection throughout the system. Don't be afraid to sprinkle it with a heavy hand, dogs love Garlic and he should eat it up right away. You can actually add this to his food daily even without a threat of illness, it is harmless and will keep his immune sytem balanced. The only draw back to adding Garlic to the food is flatulence. It may be a little stinky at first but the Garlic is doing its job by clearing the system. Just keep a couple clothes pins handy!

I hope this information has helped you and your pet.

If you would additional information on natural and herbal remedies for human and animal concerns please contact me at wintersaurora@yahoo.com and I will be happy to assist you and send you a catalog of my home made herbal remedies.

Thank you and best wishes to you and your pet.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist