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  1. #1
    Puppy
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    Anyone feed their Lab Hill's j/d?

    Abbey is 13 and has arthritis. I've tried laser therapy and adequan. Neither seemed to make much of an improvement.

    During a recent trip to the vet for her annual checkup, the vet mentioned Hill's Prescription Diet j/d. He said it does work on some dogs to improve mobility and mentioned one specific case where it did work.

    Has anyone switch to this product or have any experience with it helping their older lab?

  2. #2
    Best Friend Retriever Snowco Labradors's Avatar
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    It only has 20% protein and IMO that is not enough for a dog with arthritis (or any dog - I like at least 26%). You need protein to build and maintain muscle to aid in arthritis. Muscle supports bones, tendons, ligaments, joints. I don't like the ingredients either.

    Here is more info and suggestions for natural things you may want to try. It often takes more than one supplement (holistic) to get results and you need to give them time to work.

    Our Beloved Canine Seniors

  3. #3
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    Hello and Welcome!

    So sorry your senior is having difficulties.

    We home senior labs and have tried many different things to help them be comfortable. I feed Fromm. Depending on the variety, I watch the calorie count by how much is fed. Fillers are frozen green beans and maybe a little bit of fruit. Mardi is now 11 and she came to us with one bad hip and a bad knee on the opposite back leg, arthritis diagnosed by x-ray. She gets 1000 mg of vitamin C (the human chewable kind), Cosequin DS and Grizzly salmon oil. While her walks are shorter and slower, she still has a good deal of mobility. One thing that I have found has helped every one of our seniors is a gentle massage. Every evening after dinner, they get range of motion exercises and a massage. It takes a little time to get them used to it but once they do, they love it. While laying down, with my hand on a shoulder, slowly move the leg forward and back. Go only as far as is comfortable to the dog. I work each joint down the leg with motion and a massage. The back legs are done the same way. It's time we both relax, me chatting away, petting, massaging, moving joints and loving on her.

    I have arthritis myself and I know that exercise sometimes is uncomfortable. However, keeping the joints mobile really helps.

    Sending good thoughts for your sweetie.

  4. #4
    Puppy
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    Thank you for your reply and the link.

  5. #5
    Senior Dog Berna's Avatar
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    Usually these prescription diets only have glucosamine and chondroitine added. I wouldn't waste my money on that.

    I'd buy good glucosamine supplements to add to regular food. Quality protein, as noted above, is very important to maintain muscle mass in dogs with joint issues.
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  6. #6
    Chief Pooper Scooper JenC's Avatar
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    Having a 13 y/o myself with arthritis and other leg problems, I am finding not much helps. You can do quite a bit to make things easier, but help or improve are really not things that happen in my experience. We've done hot laser, cold laser, chiro sessions. We haven't done acupuncture, but I am not going to at this point.

    Make sure you are on a good joint supplement (we use Hylasport) and salmon oil. I try to keep Hudler exercising to some degree, but he's hitting that "sleep all the time" mode. If your dog isn't having problems eating, I would just feed your normal food to maintain a good weight (but on the lean side if possible).

  7. #7
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    Thanks all. I feed Abbey Fromm Senior Reduced Activity. I add pumpkin puree and sometimes chicken. I do give her supplements and have ordered Hylasport. She does sleep a lot. Our walks can be very short, although there are times when she wants to go further. A mile is a long way for her now. Of course she's slow, and not from stopping to smell EVERYTHING!!! ;-)

    I appreciate all of your advice and suggestions. Cheers.

  8. #8
    Best Friend Retriever Snowco Labradors's Avatar
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    Is this what you are feeding? Reduced Activity & Senior Gold dog food - Fromm Family Foods It is only 23% prot. but that fat at 11% is ok for a senior where you want weight to stay down a bit for joints.

    If that is what you are feeding I would consider this instead. It is 25% protein and the fat is still low enough Weight Management Gold dog food - Fromm Family Foods

    The moderate exercise is good for her arthritis and along with the protein will help to maintain her muscle mass.

  9. #9
    Senior Dog Maxx&Emma's Avatar
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    Hylasport, Vitamin C and salmon oil daily plus Vitamin E 3 times weekly have really helped Emma with her hip and spinal arthritis. We also do laser therapy at least once a week. Emma is only 8 so I am sure her issues will escalate as she ages.

    Is there any where that offers hydrotherapy near you? I have heard good things about it. It is so sad to see our pups age and such a helpless feeling when you don't feel like you can help them. Sending good thoughts your way for Abbey.
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  10. #10
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    Yes, that's it. I'll switch to the Weight Management Gold and give that a try. Thank you.

    Quote Originally Posted by Snowco Labradors View Post
    Is this what you are feeding? Reduced Activity & Senior Gold dog food - Fromm Family Foods It is only 23% prot. but that fat at 11% is ok for a senior where you want weight to stay down a bit for joints.

    If that is what you are feeding I would consider this instead. It is 25% protein and the fat is still low enough Weight Management Gold dog food - Fromm Family Foods

    The moderate exercise is good for her arthritis and along with the protein will help to maintain her muscle mass.

 



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