Do I really need to buy Science Diet J/D?

Sometimes, I think vets push SD so that their business will flourish.  That's the cynic in me...sorry.

often kinda thought that myself. The vet clinic near here that sells SD out of the office and practically forces all the clients to feed SD is always busy.

brookcove

But then, I'm a control freak in that respect

Maybe, maybe not, but with a heart of gold.

Here's what I know about NSAIDs, since I have used them. Such as acetaminophen, motrin. They present a load on the liver. For example, if you drink alcohol, you should lay off of it while taking an NSAID, otherwise, you could stress the liver. Well, and someone is certainly welcome to correct me if I'm wrong, but I image NSAIDs can also load a dog's liver. So, the sooner the dog gets off it, the better. But I agree, the dog could stay on the same food they've been eating and try a supp that would address the situation.

mudpuppy

Sometimes, I think vets push SD so that their business will flourish.  That's the cynic in me...sorry.

often kinda thought that myself. The vet clinic near here that sells SD out of the office and practically forces all the clients to feed SD is always busy.

That may happen with some vets but I haven't encountered that with my vet. His 14 year old truck with the worn-out paint job maybe hiding his wealth but I don't know that. The only thing I bought from him was Purina NF for my old cat, Misty, when she had diminished kidney function.

 I didn't think joint supplements with glucosamin, chondroitin, and MSM were the same as NSAIDs and had no bad side effects.

That's true. My dog is currently NOT on NSAIDs, but the vet's dog has been, for years. My dog has more OA issues than my vet's dog, but according to her, everything is great since she switched to SD J/D.

I have not switched my dog over. He gets Nupro for gluco, and he gets HA, MSM, great (and balanced) omegas, etc. I'm still going with the idea that it's better to boost his body's own immune system so he can better handle chronic pain, and that's why I'm going with Wellness.

It's just hard having a disabled dog. Everyone (and I mean everyone) knows more about what I should be doing than me . . . or at least that's how they all come across. From the here and there comment about PTSing him to the Try This and Try That and This Works and That Won't stuff, I feel like my guy never gets much of a normal time, but he's had more with me than his previous owner.

And he's had a busy day today and is happily snoozing next me now.

So far we are SD J/D (and NSAID) free . . .  

Aww, take heart.  Just smile and nod at the meddlers - most of them really just are trying to be helpful.  I have a dog who has a horrible immune system and gets tick disease almost every year.  He's sick again right now.  Every time, people say the same things, "Have you tried feeding raw?  My dogs never get ticks!"  Have you tried garlic?  Have you tried Frontline?  Have you tried Advantage? 

I've spent thousands on this dog - do they think I'd miss something as simple as garlic?  And then all the magic immune system boosting cure-all snake oil stuff.  Fortunately Ben's also allergic to everything that doesn't come from a four-footed animal or fish, or I'd have been tempted in a lot of probably useless directions.  But people are just trying to help, I think.

Yesterday on the way to the vet I looked at Ben in the seat next to me, and he said something just as clear as day.

"Mom, I'm almost 13.  You can't fight Time.  I've been rode hard and put up wet.  My sister Maggie may have looked 8 when she was 13, but I'll look and act at least every day of it if you and I are lucky.  You can't fight the lawbook of my genetics forever.  Don't worry about what's not in your control."

Control is something that is very hard for me to give up. 

Becca gets awfully scientific for us normal folks but it seems like the dilemma is black and white. One food carries better quality content than the other so unless the SD product has a magic ingredient that you can't aquire yourself, seems like a no-brainer. I hate SD. It's not much more than Ol' Roy with a fancy package and an outrageous price.

brookcove

"Mom, I'm almost 13.  You can't fight Time.  I've been rode hard and put up wet.  My sister Maggie may have looked 8 when she was 13, but I'll look and act at least every day of it if you and I are lucky.  You can't fight the lawbook of my genetics forever.  Don't worry about what's not in your control."

  Ben sure is a smart dog, but actually, I think you have fought time, and won. Given the severity of his allergies, he probably wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. I think you'll win this fight too and have him around for a long time.

nfowler

I feed Wellness and I give joint supplements to my dog, per my holistic vet. My conventional vet is pushing for me to try this, saying it will eliminate the need for my giving my dog any supplements! Lots of dogs she knows are on it, including her own who has elbow dysplasia (so does mine, along wtih hip dysplasia and disc issues). She said her dog is doing so well he's off NSAIDs.

 Really? I know the nutrition experts are HERE. Wellness with well-made supplements or J/D? Is it worth it?

The vet that did Jack's surgery recommended Hill's j/d.  

However, BOTH the surgeon *and* the vet that Jack got physical therapy from told me that he would need an additional joint supplement on top of the j/d.  We figured if we were going to have to give supplements anyway, we might as well give a food that we were more comfortable with nutritionally.

Right now Jack is on Steve's Real Food full time, and I am considering some home prepared plus supps of course. 

nfowler

That's true. My dog is currently NOT on NSAIDs, but the vet's dog has been, for years. My dog has more OA issues than my vet's dog, but according to her, everything is great since she switched to SD J/D.

I have not switched my dog over. He gets Nupro for gluco, and he gets HA, MSM, great (and balanced) omegas, etc. I'm still going with the idea that it's better to boost his body's own immune system so he can better handle chronic pain, and that's why I'm going with Wellness.

It's just hard having a disabled dog. Everyone (and I mean everyone) knows more about what I should be doing than me . . . or at least that's how they all come across. From the here and there comment about PTSing him to the Try This and Try That and This Works and That Won't stuff, I feel like my guy never gets much of a normal time, but he's had more with me than his previous owner.

And he's had a busy day today and is happily snoozing next me now.

So far we are SD J/D (and NSAID) free . . .  

I can say that I feel for you....oh Lord do I feel for you....

I have almost literally pulled my hair out about feeding Jack.  I have been up until all hours trying to figure what to feed the little bugger to best help manage his elbow issue.  Take heart--you are not alone!

Ben sure is a smart dog, but actually, I think you have fought time, and won. Given the severity of his allergies, he probably wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. I think you'll win this fight too and have him around for a long time.

Thanks, that's sweet and I sure need to hear that now.  Ben wasn't any better tonight but the vet said it was good he wasn't WORSE since he wasn't tremendously bad when we checked him in.

It's tough doing this over and over.  I do know how you lay awake nights thinking there might be something else you could do to help.  Science and holistic care both are decietful partners who can only bring us so far and then they leave us alone.  Well, except for Faith, Hope, and Love.