I'm looking for recommendations for a joint supplement for my dogs. Neither have joint issues currently, but we all know that chihuahuas are prone to luxating patella so this is a preventative measure. Also my Vet pointed out an abnormality in Tango's conformation which has the potential to result in spinal/disc issues as he ages. His recommendation was a pill type supplement which he gave me a sample of, and which neither of my dogs will eat....no surprise there, I've never gotten Tango to eat anything pill-based though Jazz sometimes will.

I'm looking for a chewable type glucosamine and chondroitin supplement which is what my vet recommends for Tango specifically, though he says they both should take it. It needs to be chewable though, not a pill but a soft chew, or Tango won't eat it.

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Hi Ronni - I have used glycoflex iii in the past. It's a good product and Brody likes the chews, which is saying a lot because he is very PICKY.

Glyco-Flex (glyco flex) III and Bite Sized Chews, glycoflex for dogs: Joint support supplement (glycoflex, glyco flex)

They do have a line of other glucosamine with different dosages. I just went for the strongest. I figured as long as I was giving it, I would make it worth my time. Their literature says it is sold through vets, but I have bought it online.

Be aware that vets push cosequin. I don't know if they get a kickback similar to science diet? But it is the one they usually recommend.

I have also heard GREAT things about this one. It is a liquid. I haven't tried it.

Small Dog Joint Formula | Liquid Health

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"Having heard all of this, you may choose to look the other way.....
but you can never say again that you did not know." William Wilberforce 1759-1833

Trace, the Glyco-flex line was the first thing I thought of. My daughter has used it successfully with a couple of her dogs, plus when she was teching one of the vets she really respected recommended it. I have a discount coupon I can use at 1 800 Ped Meds, so I went there to check it out. Problem is I haven't been able to get my dosage questions answered adequately there, even though they have a Q&A section. And my Vet is out of town for several days, or I'd ask him because I trust him completely.

The dosage recommendations are 1 soft chew for up to 30 pounds. Yeah, OK. My dogs both weight 1/10th of that, so even halving or quartering the chew is still going to be too much for them. And then after 4 - 6 weeks the maintenance dose is 1 chew every other day. Again, there's the weight thing, PLUS I know myself, and I know that every other day is going to be difficult for me to maintain. So my idea is to continue to give them every day, just half what I'd give every other day.

Currently they're getting a Zuke's Hip Action treat that is a soft chew with 300 mg glucosamine 50 mg Chondroitin, and 10 mg egg shell membrane. I cut them in 4ths (they're big squares) because they average 4 treats a day.

There doesn't seem to be much dosage standardization for joint supplements for dogs, at least none that I've found so far, which is frustrating. So I feel like whatever I do, I'm kinda of flying blind.

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I have found the same thing to be true. Different opinions on dosages, etc. I will try and see if I can dig up info from a reliable source .....

Throw in that there are different types of glucosamine, and some of it is sourced from china - and it all gets very jumbled and confusing on what is best.

I did like that the liquid supplement is all made in the USA.

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"Having heard all of this, you may choose to look the other way.....
but you can never say again that you did not know." William Wilberforce 1759-1833

Interesting topic..my Baby has patella on both his back legs I was thinking of getting some for him...now I give him some seal oil, but it doesen't seem to help..on other than the fur..

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Yeah, my head's spinning already with the different types and sources of glucosamine, and the supposed combinations and ratios of that, to MSM, to chondroitin to the various opinions about additional supplements that supposedly enhance absorption of the key nutrients. Ugh!!!

Any info you can throw my way would be very much appreciated!

And I forgot to comment on the liquid supplement.........

Yes, I agree, made in the USA is an excellent recommendation. Unfortunately I'm running into the issue of what the dogs will take, versus what they won't. Wait, let me rephrase that....I can deal with the dogs, and getting them to take whatever they need. I won't back off. But I'd rather not have to fight with them on a daily basis to get them to take something that they hate, and put us both through that daily struggle. Plus I'm very routine oriented (translation OCD/anal lol!) and I'm already in the routine of giving them daily treats, plus adding an Omega supplement to their food, so I'd rather just continue along that line rather than adding an additional duty to what I'm already doing. My morning runway before work, and evening runway after, has more stuff on it for the dogs than for me as it is! I'd just hate to waste money on it if they absolutely hate it and I can't deal with the daily struggle of getting them to take it.

That said, you know I'll do whatever I need to if it's in the dogs' best interests.

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Seal oil is excellent for supporting the health of brain, eye and nerves, plus skin and coat. As far as I've been able to determine, it does nothing for joint support or health. If that's what you're using it for, you're wasting your time and money.

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I'll throw in my $0.02. I think it also depends if you are getting the supplement as a preventative or to treat a current problem. For a preventative I think you can afford to not worry quite so much and just find a really good quality supplement such as GlycoFlex, which is what I use for my young, healthy dogs. It has some research behind it but I'm not sure to what degree. I use it for the sport dogs to help prevent joint issues in the future from the hard core agility and such that they do.

I use Cosequin for my girl who had bilateral FHOs (had her hip joints removed) 6 years ago. She needs a strong joint supplement to help with the arthritis that has been brewing in her shoulders from compensating all these years from her bad hips. Cosequin is the best one that I am aware of for the research that the company has done on the product, such as double-blind trials, etc. This supplement is something stronger than the rest can offer. Also, Cosequin comes in capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on food if need be.

Just my thoughts. I think you are definitely doing them a great service by starting a good supplement now, before problems start!

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