Truth, Justice, and All-American Allergen-Free Apple Pie

Late last year my dog suffered a hind leg injury. His vet recommended surgery, but I wasn’t convinced that I wanted to put him through a major operation at his age. It was also very costly, and while he’s worth every penny, it was unaffordable.

Agonized over his condition and not sure what to do, I scoured large dog forums on the web to find out how other dog parents treated their pets’ injuries. Some chose surgery, but their dog’s condition was worse after it.

After doing some research, I decided to give it some time before I sold a kidney to afford the procedure. In the interim I wanted him to try new supplements. He’d always taken glucosamine/chondroitin tablets, but he needed something more powerful.

Skeptical of websites with large, colorful print and glowing testimonials, I decided to order a product called Flexicose for him anyway. It is a mixture of ingredients designed for maximum joint health, and was highly recommended on a number of forums.

While I cannot speak to how much of each ingredient is in Flexicose, besides glucosamine and chondroitin, it contains vitamins, MSM, aloe vera, omega 3 fatty acids, bromelain, and other beneficial ingredients. I’m already a big fan of bromelain; it’s great for reducing mucus when you have colds and aids healing after surgery or injury.

I contacted the company to find out if the product was gluten-free, and while the answer seemed to be yes, I’m still not convinced. Caramel coloring is one common ingredient that can come from grains. My dog is allergic to wheat, but I’ve seen no sign of an allergic reaction to Flexicose, thankfully.

Normally if he eats wheat he gets terrible yeast infections in his ears that look reddish like an ear mite infestation. Years ago I switched him to a high quality grain-free food, and that eliminated the $100 vet visits the infections caused. The low calorie version has helped him to keep his weight down at a time of reduced activity.

I highly recommend the Natural Balance and Wellness brands for both dogs and cats since two of my pets have food allergies. When you think about what dogs and cats eat in the wild, it makes sense that they would react to grains and other common allergens in regular pet food anyway. I’m a person with multiple food allergies, so I understand why some of us have reactions.

Back to Flexicose– this medicinal cocktail is great. My bluetick coonhound mix showed improvement almost immediately. It was clear that a small amount of liquid Flexicose on his food every day was helping him more than his tablets ever did. It’s also much more economical. I’m considering giving it to my cats instead of Cosequin, but have to figure out how to measure a safe dosage of it first (doses for cats are tiny).

My hound always loved to run and has started doing that again. Moments ago he was on squirrel patrol and I saw him barreling towards the hemlock tree at Mach 2. Using Flexicose has caused such an improvement that it scares me because I don’t want him to injure his leg again. He’s also getting in and out of the car on his own power even when I offer to lift him, which further jangles my nerves because I’m paranoid that he’ll hurt himself.

It’s not often that I endorse a product in a place that the entire world can see, but Flexicose appears to have played a role in my traveling companion’s recovery. I don’t consider him 100 percent healed by any means, so allow him to exercise with caution. This is not a substitute for surgery. But he’s much better off now than he was ten months ago.

You can find more information on pet Flexicose here.

There is also a people Flexicose. I don’t know anyone who takes it, but if it’s anything like pet Flexicose, then it seems like it would be worth a try.

*************************************************************************************

Note: a very effective product for yeast infections in dogs’ ears is Zymox. Please consult your vet before using to be sure it’s safe for your fuzzy one.

*************************************************************************************

My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to 99 cents a can. That’s almost $7.00 in dog money. -Joe Weinstein

*************************************************************************************
©2010 H. Hiatt/wildninja.wordpress.com. All articles/posts on this blog are copyrighted original material that may not be reproduced in part or whole in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from H. Hiatt/wildninja.wordpress.com.