2006-08-22 05:33:25 · 8 answers · asked by Tikilo 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Your vet is the best place for advice and proper meds- stuff you can do at home- walks (short) everyday help keep stiffness out- and pet massage of the problem areas-my nine yr. old giant schnauzer has arthritis and I bathe him and do massage at the same time once a week- it really helps him move better and feel better-lol- make sure you have a good vet because there are some really good meds out there that help
2006-08-22 07:06:13 · answer #1 · answered by j_t3006 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's really not a great idea to keep a dog on Metacam long term. Even on the lowest doses, it does have side effects and if she's been on this for 4 years now, I'd seriously be querying the wisdom of keeping this up. If she was an elderly dog, with an uncertain prognosis (like my old girl with a terminal cancer was and the comfort she got from Metacam was worth risking the potential side effects), I'd say go ahead with the Metacam. However, she's young to be on this for so many years already, and there are many products containing glucosamine etc., fish oil, which might help, without these side effects. You might explore the possibility of going to a homoeopathic vet - and I do think you need to get a second opinion. Have you had her x-rayed? Personally I'd be going down another road to see whether there's something better that can be done to make her life more comfortable.
2016-03-17 01:02:01 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Twice daily walks or swimming in a warm pool. Gentle exercise is good for the joints and for keeping excess weight off.
Soft, heated dog beds.
Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements.
Prescription pain killers, but be careful! There have been some fatal problems with Rimadyl and other drugs. Aspirin can cause ulcers, so check with your vet before you give them anything.
You can get or make a sling to aid them getting up and walking -
http://www.handicappedpets.com/leggings/leggings.htm
2006-08-22 07:19:26 · answer #3 · answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A soft, warm bed. Sometimes put a blanket over the dog when it lies down. Aspirin is effective -- ask your vet how much. And there are prescription drugs your vet can provide. If he has to go down a flight of stairs when he goes outside, make a ramp for him, and staple on a piece of carpeting so he doesn't slip. Use a similar ramp to get him into your car. And go to Google with "arthritis" and "canine" for more info.
2006-08-22 05:45:30 · answer #4 · answered by gtk 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Studies have shown that giving your dog vitamin C will actually help with arthritis. I would suggest talking to your vet about the proper dosage relative to your dog's weight. It seems to be the least invasive, natural way.
You'll also notice a difference in other geriatric symptoms.
2006-08-22 05:42:53 · answer #5 · answered by Superchick 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No grains. Add suppleemtns.
Dog Feeding Info (top 10 foods according to the WDJ and specific health diets)
http://www.dogaware.com/
2006-08-22 05:51:33 · answer #6 · answered by cm30324 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rymadil is a pain killer for animals, especially for arthitis. Also a baby asprin (81mg) will help, givebn once a day. Keeping them in a moderate climate will also help. If you live where it is cold in the winter, even a little sweater will ease the stiffness.
2006-08-22 05:42:34 · answer #7 · answered by melisker 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We put our old Lab on Medicam. It's about $100.00 a month for his size, but it did him wonders. Have to get it from the vet and they need regular liver tests, when you love them though. He was very mobile right up til the end.
2006-08-22 05:43:33 · answer #8 · answered by LAUGHING MAGPIE 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Glucosamine bisuits are good. they have helped my baby with arthritis. you can get them at any petstore and the dog thinks its a treat.
2006-08-22 06:03:45 · answer #9 · answered by Queen of the Dachshunds 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋