Help For Dogs With Hip Problems That Have Allergies

Q. My dog Pepper, a 16 year old mixed Black Labrador, suffers from a hip problem. Recently, she is taking Glyco-Flex III pills, but she throws up. She is allergic to shellfish and I learned that Glucosamine is sourced from the shells of shrimp, lobster, and crab. Can you recommend products without glucosamine?

A. Unfortunately, labs often have hip problems with age. She must have a pretty severe allergy to shellfish because most people with shellfish allergies can handle glucosamine just fine, unless their allergy is very severe.

Do you know if she can handle shark cartilage? If so, you might want to give this product a try:

DGP by American BioSciences. There are no crustaceans in this product and it is for joint pain, function and mobility, as many of the ingredients help reduce inflammation in joints, as well as other areas of the body.

• Give dogs one tablet for every 30 lbs. of body weight daily.

Also are you giving her fish oil or flaxseed oil? If not, you could also give her one of these oils mixed with her food:

Pet Cod Liver Oil. You might try this product if she tolerates fish.

Dogs

• 0–20 lbs. ........1/4 teaspoon
• 20–55 lbs........1/2 teaspoon
• over 55 lbs......1 teaspoon

Apply oil onto food, or serve by itself. Refrigerate after opening. Use within twelve (12) weeks of opening.

If she cannot tolerate fish, then give her Flaxseed oil.

• 1 Tbsp daily by itself or mix with food.

Another tip is to get unflavored gelatin from the grocery store and mix it with her
food. Gelatin also helps arthritic joints.