ASK VETERINARIAN DR. SHAWN MESSONNIER
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Q - My dog eats our new dog’s feces. What can I do?

A - "Usually this is a normal, although obviously disgusting, behavior. Assuming the pet is on a good diet, there are 2 suggestions I have for you. I would make sure the pet is taking a good multivitamin-mineral/health maintenance formula (my favorite is PetCentrx "Vim & Vigor" formula by Pet Togethers)

I would also add additional enzymes that increase digestion of the food, as your pet may have decreased digestion and absorption of nutrients. If adding these 2 supplements to the food do not result in improvement in 1-2 weeks, consider adding a product like Forbid to both dogs' food. This product imparts a bad taste to the dog's feces, making it less likely your dog will eat them. Finally, make sure to dispose of any feces once they are excreted from the dog."

Q - My older Labrador has developed arthritis. I take glucosamine for my own arthritis and it helps a lot. I was wondering if I could use the glucosamine I take and give it to my dog? Would it be better to use a supplement made for dogs? Is there any difference

A - "This is a question I get asked a lot. First, I would make sure that you are taking a high quality supplement. There are many companies which now make supplements, but in my opinion many of them are not making quality products. Therefore, I would make sure that the product you use has been recommended by your own doctor. Also realize that there are 3 basic forms of glucosamine that can be made into supplements. Once again checking with your own doctor will assure you're using the correct form. To answer your question, assuming you're using the correct form of glucosamine, and that the product you use is a high quality product, there is no difference between "people" glucosamine and "pet" glucosamine. However, I usually prefer pet products for a few reason. First, they are specifically formulated for pets. The products I use also contain other ingredients (such as anti-inflammatory herbs and other joint supplements) that work better than "plain glucosamine." Second, the products are often formulated in a flavored base (powder or chewable treat) which makes is easier to give to your pet. Finally, the products are made in the correct dose for pets, which also makes them cost effective. The best way to compare cost is to look at the "per dose" cost, not the "per product" cost. While one product may cost less than another product, it's been my experience that more of the cheaper product may need to be given per day, which actually makes the "cheaper" product cost more on a "per dose" basis."

Notes from Dr. Shawn:

My new book, The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, is now available! Read about this now at www.petcarenaturally.com
Make sure you read the appendices about my program to minimize the chances of your healthy pet getting cancer. Also included in the book is information about the proper diet to feed pets with cancer, supplements that can help prevent and treat cancer, supplements that make chemotherapy more effective and safer, how and when to use conventional cancer therapies safely, common cancers and their treatments, and how to control pain in the pet with cancer.

My currently recommended book for you to look at on my site is one of my favorite books that I have written called The Allergy Solution for Dogs. It's now the start of allergy season, and the strategies I've outlined in the book (using supplements, herbs, fatty acids, antioxidants, and bathing) will help you say NO to drugs this year. Start now BEFORE your dog or cat (yes, cat lover's can find tons of helpful hints in the book as well) itches! You can check it out, along with all of my recommended books at www.petcarenaturally.com/books.php

Be sure to listen to my show, Dr. Shawn-The Natural Vet show, on Martha Stewart Radio Sirius Channel 112, live every Tuesday night at 7-9 PM CST.