Expert: Kaza - 1/10/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hii :)

We have a almost 9 month old bichon frise puppy.  (a total cutie:P) but the vet said that one of her knees is probably loose (we could return her on the warranty but we don't want to) so we read about glucosamine and chondroiton supplements and apparently they work really well but is it safe for puppies?  I've read in some places it is safe but others its not good to over supply calcium etc.

Also is there a brand you could recomend, a dosage (is there a different one for puppies?) she is 8-9 lbs.

thanks, jessie

P.S. You know angels eyes? do you know how long a 240 mg bottle would last us?

ANSWER: A slipping Patella is relatively normal in small breeds, chondratin and Glucosamine are EXCELLENt and we do advise that its used daily , it is safe for puppies and you can get specific doggy formula from vet suppliers and also calvet supplies.
Angel eyes , or angel glow or our own angel delight all work great, except our own product has glucosamine, omegas, acidopholus and many other supplements too.
240 g jar should last up to 1 year depends on how bad staining is and how big the dog gets
for more info please log into my health site
www.eurobichons.com

Calcium isnt necessary as a supplement and can cause far more problems than it resolves

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you :) we're ordering her some glucosamine right now! and i said calcium by accident :P so glucosamine isn't harmful to puppies at all?  can she just take the adult dosage for her weight?

Answer
The most recent research would suggest that up to 1000mg even for puppies as a combined effect of glucosamine and chondratin is absolutely fine. The risk of loose stools increase with more they receive.
Once the dog reaches adulthood at say 8 months I would stay with one combined capsule of 1000mg daily.
This is what I give mine and always have done and they are as agile as a springer spaniel.
www.eurobichons.com
good luck

if you feel better whilst pup is under 6 months simply give 500mg daily then increase to 1000mg at a later stage, any addition of these to the diet will be beneficial.