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My Dog Needs to Lose Weight to Help his Arthritis

Posted By Sunnyd (Philadelphia, Pa) on 03/26/2011

I have started using turmeric 500mg in capsule form for my lab last week but dont see any difference. His back legs still give out and he falls on his butt. I also have him on glucosamine & chondroitin 1000mg per his vet. I'm wondering how long it takes for the turmeric to work. His right back leg is very weak so it doesn't hold him up long. When I pick his back end up, he thinks I'm playing and tries to run. He gets across the living room but thats it. He's only 10 and and wants to play all the time. I dont want to put him back on the previcox. He is also 90lbs and needs to lose weight but I cant walk him very much as he drags his right foot which has worn his nail down causing some bleeding. He eats about 3 cups of kibble a day now. How do we lose weight with no exersize?

Replied by 5 Pooches Home (Houston, Tx) on 03/28/2011

Give your dog COCONUT OIL - nice quality one only plz. and APPLE CIDER VINEGAR.

You can give him coconut oil 4 big tablespoons per day and you will see a difference in his arthritis and weight.

ACV - mix 4 big tablespoons in his water everyday.

In 1 week, you will know why I recommended these for your lab.

Replied by Sunnyd (Philadelphia, Pa) on 03/29/2011

Will the coconut oil cause him to get diarrhea? He doesn't always make it to the back door in time now. Sometimes he doesn't even get up, but at least its easy to clean up. (always 3 little solids)

Replied by 5 Pooches Home (Houston, Tx) on 03/31/2011

No coconut oil does not cause diarrhea. Mix with some natural home cooked meals rice brown rice with veggies and beans, etc... Esp. For older dogs its important to give EASILY DIGESTIBLE PROTEIN (straight from mother nature's soil) that their poor bodies don't have to work so hard to digest. Plus it doesn't stay in the system unlike meat does. So they are healtheir and have moe energy. You can boil some red kidney beans, black eyes peas, lentils, garbanzo beans.... Pinto beans... Etc. As you can see there are many options.

Mix BUNCH of veggies like some greens (spinach, coolard, mustard, etc), brocolli, cauliflower, carrots, peas, etc and you can even boil them or saute in some oil.

Make sure to boil with some ACV.

Put coconut oil on top of the warm food and serve, Food should always be eaten and served warm. There's a reason for it. Its sad dogs on commercial diet dont even get a warm meal.

Good luck!

Replied by Anita (Muskegon, Mi) on 04/03/2011

Hi Sunnyd. I have a 17 year old yellow lab. She is on the small side for her breed, but regardless at age ten she weighed about 72lbs. During summer and would gain up to 80 in winter months. First signs of arthritic in hind quarters started around 11. First, the weight has to come off! I would start with a pet food from your vet. Cooking her own meals and freezing them in individual bags. No packaged dog biscuits or table food. My labs treats - raw carrots, green bell peppers, ice cubes, etc... Black strap molasses will take pain away. 1-2 tab. Spoons to get going until you start seeing results & then 2 tps daily. Buy 1000mg of pure MSM. This will rebuild joints, work up from 1000 per day to 3-4over a ten day period. There bodies make it naturally, but this reduces with age. Open capsules and mix in food and water.

My lab had a stroke around age 9 and she now has occassional seizures. This is when I went 95% Holistic. The culprit turned out to be rimadyl. Took alot of therapy on our part, but, she was back up & running and swimming within 2 weeks. Also, I would stop the medication and give this a try. Apple Cider vinegar capsules will help regulate ph balance and food digestion. Also, check the urine to make sure there isn't a bladder or urinary tract infection because this will keep the dog evenually unable to get up at all. If the muscle is atrophying use D2 every other day for a month on then off(I have to get mine from a compound pharmacy. ) This builds muscle mass in the hind quarters. Cut her intake of food in half. Maybe you can find someone to walk you dog on the days you can't. Exercise is a pivotal factor for overall health. I could go on & on , but, I hope this helps and my vet is a convert and says "Whatever you're doing works and stick with it. " Best of luck Anita

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