Senior dog on Cosequin & human joint meds: Safe? Why increased thirst?

Osteo biflex can be given to dogs safely, but there are a number of products formulated specifically for dogs that work well, the best of these in my opinion is Cosequin. It's important to have him checked by your vet if you haven't already done so to determine the cause of lameness or joint problems so the underlying cause can be managed correctly. Your vet is also the best person to ask about the correct dosage of any over the counter medication you're considering giving your dog. Adding fish oil to his diet will help protect and ease joint pain and a product called Adequan, an injection available from your vet is excellent for slowing and healing arthritis.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. The cephalexin generally does not cause an increased thirst but the Terbinafine I have seen this as a side effect. It will not cause any harm with the increased thirst and should resolve once the course of treatment is completed. If you notice any new symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, I would stop the medications and contact your prescribing veterinarian. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Many pets are on Cosequin long term to help support their joints, and most of them do well on it. See the link below for more information on potential side effects https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951424 You can speak to your vet about what supplement(s) are appropriate for Oscar's particular condition and how long he should be on them.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Cosmo. I'm sorry he has Lyme disease. The most common side effects of doxycycline HYC include vomiting, diarrhea, and a loss of appetite. More serious side effects include liver failure characterized by a yellowing of the skin, as well as seizures, bleeding, behavior changes, trouble swallowing, or an upset stomach when doxycycline has not been just given. Increased thirst is not a side effect of this medication, but some dogs with Lyme disease may develop kidney disease. One of the signs of kidney disease is increased thirst. I would not stop the medication, and I would give his vet a call immediately. It may be best you bring him into the vet immediately. Best of luck.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. The ALP is quite high but this also depends on their reference ranges there. The symptoms you are describing could be consistent with a condition called hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) which is when there is excessive steroid production in the body due to a pituitary tumor or adrenal gland mass. There is treatment for the disease but it needs to be confirmed first. If you want to know for sure, testing such as an ACTH or low dose dexamethasone test should be performed. You can try using melatonin and flaxseed lignans to treat cushings disease naturally. I have had some cases respond to this treatment but not 100%. Also, I see that cre is 18. If this is creatinine, this is very high. Again, this depends on the machines reference range, calibration and unit of measure. Creatinine elevates typically with renal disease, which could also explain the increased thirst. If you attach a picture and repost to the forum here, it may help us better guide you. I hope this helps! You can visit a website called lignansforlife.net and order the holistic medications that I spoke of earlier. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Yes, all of these things are generally safe for dogs and can be helpful for the specific issues that you mentioned. As long as she has fresh water available to her at all times, she will drink when she's thirsty - you shouldn't need to worry about making her drink more, as she will regulate this herself. There are no particular health benefits to dogs for drinking more water than they want to each day, so as long as she's healthy and acting normal otherwise, this shouldn't be a concern :)

Hello. Yes, you can overdose on SOME vitamins, but for the most part, excesses are easily excreted from the body. What is found in food & supplements like Cosequin are minimal & so would require massive amounts to cause an overdose. I feel that the Cosequin brand is an excellent product, & administering the recommended amount of any of the Cosequin products along with Oscar's food will never cause a problem. Just choose whatever product Oscar will eat, & you will be fine. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.