Back on Track products and 1-TDC supplement

Cara Sandler · Jul 10, 2016

Hi all! Anyone have any experience with either Back on Track products or the 1-TDC supplement? I have read the research that Back on Track has posted and as a pharmaceutical research professional, I do NOT find their data compelling. I do know a lot of people use their products for their performance dogs and swear by them, but in my book that doesn't actually prove anything. However, I am willing to try anything that will help my little Spirit Joy.

Additionally, a lot of people are swearing by 1-TDC as a joint supplement. Once again, I'm not convinced and I am somewhat leery of ALL supplements because they are not well regulated. But, if it will help Spirit I will give it to her.

Help! I'm just trying to do everything I can to help Spirit. She's getting a lot of little injuries, I suspect because she is a tiny little girl, with almost no muscle mass in spite of her exercise level. So we have also embarked on a fitness program to help her get stronger and hopefully the combination of everything will have her stronger and sturdier and able to handle the demands of the sport better. We are not going to trial for several months and at least in the immediate future I am not taking her to agility class so she can rest (I'll go without her - one of my friends said I could run her dog - I hope Spirit doesn't figure out that I've been running a strange dog while she sat at home).

Ann · Jul 10, 2016

I bought the Back on Track crate pad at my holistic vet's suggestion. Pixie spends the overnights in a crate next to my bed now to keep her safe. My vet said there were really good reports on it and I have to say after using it that Pixie does come out more limber in the morning than she used to. It's a nice fabric and has washed well too. Here's the one I got.
https://www.amazon.com/Back-Track-T...1468178962&sr=8-9&keywords=back+on+track+dogs

Jess041 · Jul 10, 2016

Missy has been taking 1-TDC for several months. We're on our second bottle and she gets one a day. She rarely gets injuries but I put her on it for preventive reasons and the periodontal aspect. I've heard nothing but good things! Missy is bigger than Spirit (16.5", 24-25 lbs). She's a very sturdy girl! I think that's what prevents injuries, because she is not respectful of her body. She's also on Dasuquin with msm. Again, for prevention.

corbinam · Jul 10, 2016

All 3 of my guys have Back on Track coats. I'm no scientist, and all evidence I have seen or experienced is anecdotal. But, I do believe that they keep the dogs' muscles warm, and that's important for preventing injury. So whether or not ALL of their claims are true, I can't say. But for me it's worth it in case they are, and I trust my trainers and other people who are smarter than me and have more experience in agility than me, and they swear by them!

Silaria · Jul 10, 2016

I have Back on Track coats, the mesh one, for Edan and CJ; Keiran will get one this year now that he's finished growing. Like Ashley, my experience is anecdotal but I do feel it helps keep their muscles warm after a run. I like the fact that, even in air conditioning, their muscles will stay warmer longer between runs and that it will keep heat in as I warm them up, including taking them out to pee, in the winter.

I don't use the 1-TDC supplement but have been using Vibrant Pets Canine Athlete for four or five years now. Does it really help, perhaps about as much as a multi-vitamin helps humans. All I know is at nearly 10 neither Edan nor CJ show signs of arthritis yet.

cmae · Jul 11, 2016

I use the back on track mesh coat for Cruz. While like you, I'm not 100% on the research, Cruz loves his coat and I do think it keeps his muscles warm. While it may not 'help', it certainly doesn't do any harm!

Cara Sandler · Jul 11, 2016

Thanks for the feedback so far - keep it coming!

One other thing that occurred to me - the bigger issue I have with Spirit is keeping her cool - NOT keeping her warm! Is there any chance the coats will prevent her from cooling off effectively?

corbinam · Jul 11, 2016

Cara Sandler said:
Thanks for the feedback so far - keep it coming!

One other thing that occurred to me - the bigger issue I have with Spirit is keeping her cool - NOT keeping her warm! Is there any chance the coats will prevent her from cooling off effectively?

I rarely use the coats when it is hot. Any layer, IMO, will make them a bit warmer. I have used them when it's slightly warm only if I suspect soreness. The majority of the time that I use them we are in the AC or it's cold out. I'll even use them in the winter to and from class.