Can my puppy and older dog take joint and GI supplements?

Hello and thank you for choosing Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Since glucosamine and chondroitin fall under the category of medications we refer to as nutraceuticals (fancy word for supplements) there is no specific age that is recommended. Generally, we start recommend using these types of medications when pets reach the senior stage (7+ years of age). Since Bella is still young, I would recommend feeding a quality food that is formulated specifically for large breed dogs as it will include all of the beneficial joint health additives. I am personally a fan of Purina foods, but any of the other brands (Hills, Royal Canin, etc) are all excellent foods. This way you don't have to worry about trying to remember giving Bella pills everyday and nothing in her routine has to change. The supplements may be needed further down the road. Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck to you and Bella!

I don't think that your pup will stop making glucosamine naturally if she were on a supplement. However, I do not typically start such young dogs on this type of supplementation unless they have been diagnosed with a cartilage disorder. An appropriately balanced commercial dog food for large breed dogs will have a great balance of minerals, nutrients, and protein to support her musculoskeletal system. I also agree that the efficacy of glucosamine supplements is a bit iffy. I have seen much better results in dogs with arthritis or other joint issues with Adequan injections.

Glucosamine and chondroitin will not prevent hip dysplasia. All those supplements do is promote joint health. It is recommended by most specialists to wait until the growth plates are closed before starting any supplements. This usually occurs within 10 months to one year of age.

Gunner does not need to be on joint medication at his age. I would concentrate on feeding him a balanced, high-quality puppy diet like Hills or Royal Canin until he is approximately 12 months old, when you can switch him to an adult diet. Make sure he has all of his vaccinations and deworming, and your veterinarian can examine his joints to make sure he looks healthy. Also, as he ages make sure he stays slim and never gets fat, as obesity is the number one cause of joint problems in older dogs. Hope that helps!

This appears to be a good supplement. Glucosamine and fish oils are beneficial in many dogs that may be prone to developing arthritis or other bony disorders as they get older. However, scientific data on these types of supplements is lacking. Similar to humans, they might help and don't hurt anything. If you want to give them to Jesse, that is fine, but I do not routinely recommend these types of supplements in young-ish dogs.

If he is eating a good quality large breed puppy food, he should not need vitamin supplementation. If you want to give him one, you can't go wrong with Pet Tabs ( https://www.zoetisus.com/products/dogs/pet-tabs.aspx ). A joint supplement, such as Cosequin ( https://www.cosequin.com/ ) or Dasuquin ( https://www.dasuquin.com/en/products/ ), can also be started. Additionally, keep Brandy lean and active.

Yes, you can give dogs too many supplements. It is quite possible to overdose a variety of vitamins and minerals. Dogs do not typically need any aids for their digestion. Dogs eating a commercial dog food rarely require any supplements, as these diets are properly balanced with the correct quantities of vitamins and minerals. If Baby Girl is eating a home-cooked diet, I recommend reviewing her current diet with a veterinary nutritionist or following a recipe from www.balanceit.com, which will be able to guide you as to the necessary supplementation. I'm confused as to how Baby Girl and your other dog have been diagnosed with pancreatitis or gastrointestinal issues in the absence of gastrointestinal signs. I would need further information regarding their physical exams, lab tests, and imaging in order to provide an opinion on the situation. Probiotics are not likely necessary in the absence of gastrointestinal signs or antibiotic treatment.