Anyone know a good treatment for arthritis in dogs?

Question

Our 13-year-old Husky has had arthritis for awhile now. We don't leave him outside in the cold anymore (he used to love it), and he doesn't like cushiony dog beds (he overheats). Any supplements? We use one aspirin, a couple times a week, right now, but that doesn't do much. (The vet recommended it).

Answer 1

Glucosomine/chrondroitin given by weight so ask vet.Aspirin can be given 2-3 times daily but only for 3 days straight so save them for when you know he's really in alot of pain.Swimming daily is perfect exercise but not often do-able for alot of folks.
I bought my dog a cattle trough and put a pool filter on it.Then we made steps so he could walk in instead of jumping.
And lastly exercise,exercise,exercise!
I know it sounds terrible but it's really not.
I also have arthritis in both feet and ankles .When I'm hurting I know my dog is too. He and I started walking daily in the park.Started slow letting him set the pace and resting whenever he felt like it for 45 minutes on flat ground.Found out round trip we took daily was a mile and a half.When the weather got nicer we upped our walk to an hour then an hour an a half which takes us exactly 3 miles now we're working our way up to 5 miles.He also goes swimming after his walk then lays down and sleeps 2-4 hours.Then we're outside playing ball for 30 minutes or so at least twice before the day ends.Exercise is hard at first but as joints loosen up if they miss a day they get stiff again and you're right back to square one.
A heating pad held on affected areas for 10 minutes or so seems to help and give him massages at least 15 minutes 2-3 times a day.

Answer 2

Honestly, one of the best things you can do is to feed a prey model diet, many ppl have found their dogs symptoms improve greatly with this. If you are not willing to do that then look into a natural diet of some sort to lessen the effects of additives etc. Supplement a commercial diet with glucosamine and condroitin and a fish body oil supplement to provide omega 3's this will help give the body enough nutrients to lubricate the joints a bit better and reduce inflamation. you can use a cocktail sausage and slit it at the end to insert the capsule/tablet. You can buy these as human grade supplements from the health food store or the pet shop (human grade tends to be better for them) Dont waste money on those pedigree joint chew things they are full of other crap and extortionate when you see how much you can buy a better supplement for. chemical treatments from the vet will usually be harsh on their systems and not without side effects when used long term, but obviously it depends how advanced your dogs arthritis is, as to whether you will still need it. I would try the above for about 12 weeks before I let the vet put them on anything, this way you have had a bit of time to see the amount of improvement with the supplements which means even if your dog needs, say Metacam, it will be on a lower dose. Try to keep your dog more on the lean side and this will help them too. ADD; avoid letting him get soaked through on walks, although if its hot weather a swim will be better for his joints than a walk, but you need to dry him off thoroughly or the dampness will make him stiff - invest in a good quality coat for the bad weather. Make sure he is out of any draughts when in his bed.

Answer 3

I have a 10 year old alaskan malamute with arthritis as well. As others have said try the Glucosamine and Chondrotin Sulfate pills, but becareful what brand you get as they are not government regulated (I think thats what its called) so some companies sell the pills but its just all powder with no glucosamine or chondrotin in it. We found that weber naturals, which you can buy at walmart is a good brand. We give ours three 900mg pills a day (vet instructions) so a husky would be a little less than that but just ask your vet for a reccomended dosage.

Also ask your vet about Metacam, its a liquid medicine thing that you can give them and it has worked amazing for our dog.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Zubrin is a good choice. It is a newer NSAID, and there have been studies showing less hepatic problems with it over Rimadyl. Ask your vet about the different newer NSAID's now. I have actually used Zubrin on a boy with Pano before a dog show and it helped him. Rimadyl does not help Pano.

Answer 5

My German Shepard had arthritis. My vet perscribed Rymadyl, an anti inflammatory pain killer for dogs.

Answer 6

Be careful with aspirin as it can cause stomach bleeding in dogs and humans if used daily. Buffered aspirin is best if you have to use it. We use Shark Cartilage treats and food with Glucosimine Sulfate for our female Rott who has joint issues

Answer 7

You can do treats or supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin.

You can find both at a pet store like petsmart or petco in the treat and supplement area.

You can also sheck with your vet on dosage if you want to purchase it in the people drug store like walgreens. We as humans use it for joint discomfort and control.

Good luck :-)

Answer 8

its a dog and it is not happy anymore so all this therapy and aspirin is really for your conscience. Time to lay another legend to rest. I am sorry for your loss, but a Husky that lives to 13 has got to be some kind record. They usually only live 8-10 years.

Answer 9

Hi,,,, I agree with what most everyone said here,,,, i only add that I suggest a baby asprin,, the 81 mg kind that I take everyday is ok.... i would only give it every other day though,,,,

good luck

Answer 10

my dog had arthritis and i used acupunture and hydrotherapy(dog swimming) and it really helped him i made him lose weight and took him on walks that wasnt too much for him