Supplements for Dog with Multiple Health Issues

Question

Good afternoon,
I wondered if you could suggest which combination of products would be recommended for my dog Bailey. Her info is as follows:

She is a 7 year old 60lb spayed Bearded Collie who was diagnosed with Lyme disease several years ago and has since developed painful arthritis which causes her to have difficulty standing, and pain with the first half dozen steps, after lying for any length of time but goes away after she begins to move around (she does occasionally stumble over her right front paw while walking but doesn't limp as a general rule). She has a history of multiple food allergies (allergy panel was run) and she also has a tendency to get UTI's and skin irritation in her private area as she has a skinfold around her vagina that keeps the area moist.

She takes 2 Cosequin DS daily and Deramaxx 1/2 tab most days for the arthritis and is treated as needed with antibiotics for UTI's (1-2x a year). She is on Royal Canin Duck and Potato light diet (1c dry BID with a spoonful of canned duck/potato and raw fruit/veggies). No recent changes in diet or bowel/bladder habits.

We see a conventional vet but the Cosequin doesn't seem to help much and I don't want her on Rx painkillers for the rest of her life.

My main concerns are overall health maintenance, improvement and pain prevention for the arthritis, and UTI prevention.
Thank you for your help.
Jacqui

Response

Hello Jacqui,
Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. You may consider offering a higher quality hypoallergenic diet such as Orijen, Wellness Core, or Innova EVO. Good quality proteins, no fillers or by products are key to superior immune support. There are alternative joint health supplements that may work as well if not better than the Cosequin. ArthriSoothe-Gold or Arthroplex may work just as well and be a bit more cost effective.

UTI-Free by Pet Alive may help with the chronic urinary tract infections as well as immune support such as Immugen by Thorne. Discussing preventative health with a Holistic veterinarian may help minimize the amount of medications. Acupuncture also may greatly improve the arthritis as well as help the chronic UTI’s. Best of luck.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA