Hi,I have been thinking...

Question
Hi,

I have been thinking of giving my 10 year old dog (110 pound Rottweiller) human Glucosamine and Chondroiton Pills.  I planned on giving her one pill a day of 750 mg (name brand Osteo-Bi Flex). The ingredients include dietary fiber, vitamin C, manganese, sodium, glucosomine HCL, chondrotion sulfate and boron.  Is it ok to give these human pills to my dog?

Thanks,
Heidi

Answer
Hi Heidi!
It is always a concern giving human medications to dogs, as reactions can often times occur.  There is a special Glucosamine medication made specifically for dogs.  Etogesic, Glycoflex, and Rimadyll are excellent canine medications used for arthritis.  Human medications can include some ingredients that can cause damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys.  
If you would rather give your dog over-the-counter medications, why not go the holistic route?  Here are three tried and true holistic supplements that help tremendously with arthritis that can be found at your local health food store or pharmacy:
Boveine Cartlidge- one tablet per day promotes healthy cartlidge growth.
Shark Fat Pills- one tablet per day promotes healthy joints.
Flax Seed Oil- one tablespoon over your dog's food per day will give lubrication in the joint area.  It will also lubricate internal organs, allowing everything in an older body to work smoothly.
I hope this helps.
Hilary