A. Aspirin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID is OK for the temporary relive of pain. However, according to a report in the 1999 New England Journal of Medicine, NSAIDS were the 15th leading cause of death in people in the US. Reporting of adverse drug reactions in pets is rarely done by veterinarians or pet owners, so finding information on NSAID reactions is difficult. Based upon my experience and that of other veterinarians, reactions to medicines including antibiotics, corticosteroids, and NSAIDS seem to be at least as common in pets as in people. Using NSAIDS wisely, which implies their use on an as-needed basis, and relying instead on a natural joint supplement for chronic therapy, is the safest approach to treating arthritis in people and pets.
Q. What’s with all the nutty, anxious animals lately?
A. The anxiety levels of animals seem to be on the upswing, and subsequently more veterinarians are prescribing sedatives and calming drugs like Prozac™, that, unfortunately, tend to produce sleepy, lethargic pets. Supplements containing blends of natural herbs or mixtures of chamomile, ginger and tryptophan help reduce anxieties without sluggishness and disorientation.
Q. I feed my old Golden a dog food containing glucosamine and chondroitin. It is OK to give him the Nutri-Vet Hip & Joint biscuits?
A. It is generally accepted by veterinarians that larger, older breeds predisposed to joint conditions may benefit from 500mg of glucosamine once or twice daily. Many brands of premium pet sold in pet specialty stores contain only 200 to 800mg of glucosamine per kg (2.2 pounds) of food – not body weight - thus making it difficult for dogs to ingest levels sufficient to promote joint flexibility and maintain healthy joint connective tissue without overeating.
Note: Incorporating ingredients not listed as approved ingredients in the Official Publication of AAFCO and “not recognized as essential nutrients by AAFCO Nutrient Profiles” into pet foods adds to the controversy because foods containing such components are considered “adulterated” by AAFCO.
Q. How does Green Grass work?
A. Nutri-Vet® Green Grass is formulated to neutralize nitrogenous waste and maintain slightly acidic urine pH. The key components are an extract of the Yucca Schidigera plant and dl-methionine, a sulfur-containing essential amino acid. Yucca contains natural saponins and glycoproteins that bind ammonia in urine (and feces) to prevent lawn burn.
A. In my experiences, it is about 80-85% effective. There are several factors that can impede its effectiveness and increase the likelihood of lawn burn:
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Large dogs deposit more urine
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Concentrated urine contains a high nitrogen content
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Heavily fertilized grass is already high in nitrogen
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Lawns stressed from heat, sun, draught or disease are readily “burned”
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Kentucky Bluegrass and Bermuda Grass are more susceptible to lawn burn than fescue and perennial ryegrass
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Basic (high pH) urine affects lawn health
A. I think so. Dogs (like people) can produce some of the fatty acids they need, but not all of them. The essential fatty acids (EFAs) that cannot be created within an animal’s body must be obtained from food or supplements. Although most pet foods contain omega-6 fatty acid in the form of linoleic acid, the levels of omega-3 to optimize skin and coat condition as well as promote canine health and vitality may not be sufficient.
A. Probably not. Urinary incontinence means that an animal cannot totally control its ability to urinate. Although a “leaky bladder” is sometimes observed in puppies, it is most commonly seen in middle-aged to older female dogs. The exact cause is unknown, although because it usually responds to estrogen or testosterone supplementation following spaying or neutering, it appears that hormones are involved in maintaining bladder and urethral tone.
Q. I noticed that your Bladder Control contains pumpkinseed and soy. Why?
A. Pumpkinseed helps strengthen bladder muscles while supporting normal emptying of the bladder. Soy protein contains isoflavones that help maintain bladder muscle tone after spaying or associated with low estrogen levels of elderly dogs.
Q. I love your Wound Lotion. What makes it so good?
A. Benzalkonium chloride is a rapidly acting anti-infective agent with a moderately long duration of action. Aloe contains enzymes, proteins and growth factors that work together to reduce inflammation of the injured area, improve the rate of protein formation in wounds and reduce pain. Vitamin E is a potent fat-soluble antioxidant that helps with collagen repairs and wound healing.
Q. What causes bad breath in dogs?
A. The most common cause of bad breath in dogs and cats is tartar buildup surrounding the teeth. As in people, small particles of food remain in the mouth after eating. Food particles decompose creating conditions where oral bacteria thrive and form dental plaque - a combination of bacteria, mineral and decomposed food. As plaque ages and gingivitis develops into periodontitis, bacteria changes from somewhat irritating strains to bone destroying types that produce hydrogen sulfide and methylmercaptan, two principal odor causing molecules. Have you, or at least your pet, tried our BREATH FRESH?
Q. I noticed that you have tablets, soft chew, biscuits and liquids for helping joints in dogs? Why so many forms?
A. I don’t know about you, but I like variety in my diet. Besides, we try to make it as easy as possible to ensure that your pet eats the supplements we make, and what better way than to have biscuit in the morning and a liver flavor chewable at bed time.
Q. I’m a vet tech, and another company’s sales rep suggested that I find out if Nutri-Vet’s Hip & Joint Plus (which, by the way, my dog really likes) contains “low-molecular weight” chondroitin. Does it?
A. It does indeed. Not to sound too technical, but the lower the molecular weight of a this substance, the more readily is may be absorbed from the intestinal tract. Low molecular chondroitin generally weighs less than 20,000 Daltons (a unit of measurement).
A. You should most definitely. While many people heed the advice of experts and use preventive measures to guard against overexposure to the sun, it is important that dogs, cats, horses and other animals be shielded from the sun's intense rays. Cats and dogs can develop skin cancer just like humans, and the sun plays a big role in its development. In fact, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer among dogs and the second most common cancer in cats. Nutri-Vet SUN DEFENSE™ helps protect dogs (and cats and horses) from overexposure to the harmful effects of sun and defend against future skin cancer.
L. Phillips Brown DVM
Senior VP Research and Development
Nutri-Vet LLC