Nutri-Vet Liquid Bandage Spray for Dogs, 2-oz bottle

What is the "Natural Smoke Flavor" in your soft chews for dogs?

Natural smoke flavor is made by spraying smoke from a wood fire with water and condensing it into a liquid. The undesirable components separate from the water-soluble smoke and are then filtered and removed, and the healthful and flavorful parts, being water-soluble, are retained in the condensate. The process is natural and yields only the natural, healthy, flavor-rich smoke elements in liquid form.

Can I give my senior dog aspirin?

Aspirin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID is OK for the temporary relief 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 they are in people. Using NSAIDS wisely, 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.

What’s with all the anxious animals lately?

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.

I feed my old Golden a dog food containing glucosamine and chondroitin. It is OK to give him the Nutri-Vet Hip & Joint biscuits?

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 food 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 sufficient levels to promote joint flexibility and maintain healthy joint connective tissue, without overeating.

How does Green Grass work?

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.

Are Omega-3 fatty acids as important for dogs as they are for people?

I think so. Dogs, like people can produce some, but not all of the fatty acids they need. 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 which optimize skin and coat conditions, as well as promote canine health and vitality may not be sufficient.

My 8 year old dog (a spayed female) is beginning to leak urine while she sleeps. Is she in trouble?

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, because this problem is usually a response to estrogen or testosterone supplementation following spaying or neutering. It appears that hormones are involved in maintaining bladder and urethral tone.

I noticed that your Bladder Control supplement contains pumpkinseed and soy. Why is that?

Pumpkinseed helps strengthen bladder muscles, while supporting normal relieving of the bladder. Soy protein contains isoflavones that help maintain bladder muscle tone after spaying or associated cause with low estrogen levels in elderly dogs.

I love the effectiveness of Nutri-Vet’s Wound Lotion. What makes it so effective?

Benzalkonium chloride is a fast 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, while improving the rate of protein formation in wounds and pain reduction. Vitamin E is a potent fat-soluble antioxidant that helps with collagen repairs and wound healing.

What causes bad breath in dogs and cats?

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.

I noticed that you have tablets, soft chews, biscuits and liquid forms of hip and joint supplements for dogs, why so many? Why so many forms?

I don’t know about you, but I like variety in my diet! We try to make it as easy as possible to ensure your pet eats the supplements we make. What better way, than to have a biscuit in the morning and a liver flavored chewable at bed time.

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?

It does indeed. Not to sound too technical, but the lower the molecular weight of a substance, the more readily it may be absorbed from the intestinal tract. Low molecular chondroitin generally weighs less than 20,000 Daltons (a unit of measurement).