John

I was reading back posts and came across your cod liver oil warning. How much is too much and if you do give too much (as I suspect I am), what are the consequences.

Ta.

9th

My dad used to give his Cocker Spaniel one of the 'One a Day' Cod Liver Oil Tablets every morning. Bess would crunch them and swallow the tablet and liquid and shudder as it went down. She would then dash to her water bowl and gulp down half a bowl!!

I'm sure that was too much to give a small dog but she had a lovely coat and never suffered arthritis :D

Fiona

Not so Grumpy Collie has a combined one a day EPO/Cod Liver Oil and I'm now worried that the dose might be too high.

9thM Hi:) I have just started giving my Zac a cod liver oil tablet he is only 6/12 months
I am worried now just incase they are dangerous .He is a very heavy pup and was worried about the joints any symptoms to look out for.

Sorry to worry you all. :)
It is a long time ago when I was first given Cod Liver oil! It used to be the thing for children, old people, cats and dogs and just about anything which moves. And yes, It is good, but it was quite a few years ago now that doctors and vets first found that too much showed up as an excess of vitamin A. This can encourage new bone to be formed which can show up as calcification around joints causing pain, lameness and spinal problems. I was reading an article the other day which said that a diet of liver can have the same problem!
I can’t imagine anyone feeding liver to the extent that it would ever be likely to cause trouble and the same with Cod Liver oil. I think it’s more a case of, “A LITTLE of what you fancy does you good!” A lot of dog feeds do already contain Cod Liver oil so you need to take that into account when feeding. I use “Masters Crunchy” which states “Contains Cod Liver oil” The food manufactures always maintain that no supplements are needed with there foods so all I can say is that if you are going to then use it sparingly.

Regards, John

Oh dear, when I saw your response I honestly thought the adverse affects would be on internal organs, I don't know liver or kidneys. But is sounds to me that if I get it wrong I'll actually make him worse! I think I should have checked what the side effects are! I am going to get some Glucosamine and stop the Cod Liver Oil I reckon.

Thanks John

Anita

I give Molly a Cod Liver tablet with her breakfast every day and she has a lovely coat and is healthy.

Julieann

Anita

Any idea how much Glucosamine to give a 20kilo dog?

Kate

Hi

Haven't got a clue! I am still waiting for my local health shop it get it in for me (no Holland & Barret here I'm afraid). I was going to base it on what the vet told be for cod liver oil, which was then translated by the husband! Dollar weighed 38kg (he is not fat a big strapping lad) and my husband pointed out that he wieghs not much less than me! So I was going to base it on a bit less than the smallest human dose, and ask on here as well!

Sorry not much help, Anita

Hi Anita,

My GSDs get one 600mg tablet a day (bitch 38kg dog 44kg). Oscar was on a double dose for the first ten days then down to one a day and it has worked wonders for him. Good luck

Lisa

Thanks! Off to check if they have come in tomorrow

Anita