is there any thing i can do for him in the way of pain management? i can't put him on a heating pad because it's 90 degrees where we live so i have him in the bedroom where it's air conditioned. he is a german shepard so i'm sure he's really hot in all that fur. is there anything i can do for him right now without a trip to the vet?
2006-07-09 07:39:15 · 17 answers · asked by jenny 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
euthanasia. dip cubes of london broil in radiator coolant. yum yum
2006-07-09 07:42:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I copied this article off the Internet, unfortunately it does not give the dosage to use, but I am sure you will get that answered also.
Just give the dogs weight and someone will know the correct dosage.
Canine Arthritis Drugs
Veterinarians are increasingly using drug therapy for the treatment of canine arthritis. The type of drug your dog receives largely depends on the type of arthritis he has. Your veterinarian can provide detailed information regarding why and when certain drugs are used.
Common arthritis drugs include aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol®), carprofen, ectodolar and prednisone. All of these are used to reduce inflammation, and some act as analgesics.
Note that ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or Nuprin® is NOT recommended for dogs or cats, although it works for humans. Furthermore, acetaminophen is toxic to cats, so products such as Tylenol should not be given to any pets other than dogs, and only under the advice of a veterinarian.
Side Effects
As beneficial as drug therapy is, it can cause problems for your dog. Some of the most common side effects include:
vomiting
diarrhea
kidney & liver problems
hair loss
excessive urination.
These side effects are usually associated with prolonged use of medication; short-term drug therapy is relatively problem-free for most dogs. If your dog is on medication, be sure you know what side effects to look for that could indicate a problem.
Recently, the use of nutraceutical products containing glucosamine has increased, with good results reported. Discuss this option with your veterinarian.
2006-07-09 07:58:44 · answer #2 · answered by Chihuahua Magic 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A liquid supplement of Glucosamine and Chondroitin has worked wonders for my dogs and cats joint and arthritis problems. For a German Shepherd, a teaspoon would probably be the right dose (I hide it in canned food). Flexicose is sold on-line and is excellent, I've also used the over the counter ones. A baby aspirin twice a day might help with the pain. Be careful using pain relievers on pets. I've given baby aspirins to several of my dogs with good results
2006-07-09 07:53:52 · answer #3 · answered by Joanna 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really should bring him to the vet. The thing with arthritis is that it is progressive, and they can live for a while with it, but eventually it gets to a point where it is unfair to the animal. youre dog is pretty old, especially for a german shepard, and i would seriously consider if he is going to be happier going on like this.
2006-07-09 07:45:27 · answer #4 · answered by lita k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The kindest thing you may be able to do for him is to put him down. Larger dogs like shepherds don't live as long as the smaller breeds, so he may not live to be much older anyway. If he is in constant pain from the arthritis, ending that pain may be the best thing to do. I would discuss it with your vet.
2006-07-09 07:44:04 · answer #5 · answered by rhymeweaver 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.You can give him the ultimate release from this life he is living.I am sure your dog is not happy and may also feel humiliated .My last dog lost control of his rear legs and bowels at the age of 12 and was so embarrassed when he messed himself. I think you have given you dog a nice long life .But I feel you need to let him go now.It is difficult but the best thing for all concerned.Take him to your vet and have him put down.The night before give him a wonderful meal of anything he loves, then release him.
2016-03-26 22:45:30 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not too much. There are some really good medications available from the vet, and maybe some prednisone too. But all need to come from the vet, with the proper dosage for age, weight, etc.. Good Luck.
2006-07-09 09:27:22 · answer #7 · answered by mcghankathy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He should be on glucosamaine - but you really should take him to a vet. It could be arthritis, but it could be other things such as hip dysplasia or a spinal problem.
2006-07-09 07:47:51 · answer #8 · answered by sim24 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well the vet can prescribe you pain pill and bone and joint things but if he gets into realy bad pain you should put him to sleep you dont want one of the most loved things in your life to be hurting.
2006-07-09 07:47:08 · answer #9 · answered by Mekena 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My rottie had the same problem..I had to take her to the vet for shots, they started out as monthly shots, and as she got worse they became weekly, she was 14 when she finally passed. Also since it is warm where you live get a kiddie pool, for some reason water seems help.......
2006-07-09 07:43:39 · answer #10 · answered by highgamer6969 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What does your vet recommend? You can try buffered aspirin, but don't over-do it. You can also look into doggy wheel-chairs (yes, they DO have them). If your vet thinks there is nothing that can be done to improve your pet's quality of life, it's time to let him go. Don't be selfish. It's your responsiblity to do what's right for your dog.
2006-07-09 07:45:46 · answer #11 · answered by Fully armed in the battle of wits 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋