i have just been reading a few old posts about over excited pups and a few people recomended cod liver oil. this is very silly question but are we talking just the same thing as we would give people?!!! and does this only come in tablet form?

You can buy it in liquid form and I get it for my dogs from Tesco. It's the same for people and dogs as far as I know. I've not heard of using for excitable pups or dogs though. I use it for my old girl who is getting a bit stiff from old age.

I used cod liver oil a while back for my eldest because he was getting stiff and it worked a treat - unfortunately on my next visit to the vets I asked about it, dose etc to check it was all ok and the vet suggested that I didn't continue to give it to him.

I don't remember why now but I remember something about it being hard to dose for a pet and their bodies don't get rid of any extra like ours do. Problems are caused by a buildup in the kidneys or liver I think and it can cause long-term damage. She said it wasn't suggested for animal consumption, which is why veterinary practices don't prescribe it.

I asked what other 'natural' substances there were and we tried some but we soon discovered that my dog doesn't tolerate the shellfish ingredient.

I'm trying to find out information about 'devils claw' and dosage for pets at the moment but its not proving easy.

I know it's not relating to calming a puppy but I wanted to mention the dangers my vet suggested. Perhaps have a chat with your own vet before you start using it?

Cod liver oil is high in Vitamin A, which is stored by the liver. It's very important not to overdose on it.

Omega 3 fishoil complex is much easier on the system. Also with cod liver oil, if the kidneys are deficient in any way, CLO will cause more damage.
Kat

does that work to ease stiff joints? i would be interested to look into that.

FBO is good for joints and brain function, people and dogs...............

FBO?

My friend gives his Lab who had terribly bad arthritic back legs, Green Lipped Muscle from the health shop and its had amazing results on her. Has anyone ever used this for arthritis in their dogs?

Yes I found NZGLM very helpful for my Dandie in the early days of her arthritis, it wasn't really enough during her last couple of years though. 

Thats the sort of thing im thinking.

I know steriods can have other affects and he will need bigger doses when it gets really bad if he starts now, so i wanted to use something natural to lubricate the joint whilst its just a little stiff and save the chemicals etc untill he really needs it.

He is *only* 10 and a half at the moment so the longer i can give him something natural the better.

Im going to have a look into the suggestions so far :)

FBO = fish body oil :)