Dog lovers......?

Question

Anyone have a dog with arthritis? Our Sheltie , Rusty, named after #2 Rusty Wallace, takes deramax once a day and Cosequin twice a day. My husband is buiding him a ramp at our back deck so he doesn't have to climb stairs to get in and out of the house. And I give him body massages sometimes, any other tips to make him feel better?

Answer 1

Sounds like you're doing the right things to help him. We used to put warm packs on our old Husky/German shepherd cross when his arthritis and hip dysplasia were making him miserable. Just make sure that the heat packs aren't too hot or left on for too long so that the skin isn't burned.

Rusty may hate you for this, but if you live in an area with cold winters, making him wear a sweater might help, too. Not letting him sleep on a hard surface helped our dog, so we made sure he had plenty of blankets for cushion and warmth. Try to see that he's kept warm and moderately active, so that his joints don't get even stiffer from lack of use.

I hope Rusty lives to a ripe old age. . .sounds like he's got some loving, caring owners!

Answer 2

I used to have a dog that would have trouble getting up and down stairs. He had to "do his bussiness" on the deck. I had to put him to sleep. Better luck with your dogs.

Answer 3

see another vet, there is better medication on the market for dogs with arthritis. and warm packs, or a heating pad if he doesn't chew stuff.

Answer 4

Hi,My dog has arthritis.He like......14 years old!!!He just lays around all day and when he wants to play it's like you have to play in slow motion.I don't think I have any advise,so good bye and good luck!!

Answer 5

they make some dog bowls that are raised off the ground so that its easier for them to get to their food with out the pain of trying to get low enough to reach it. that might be helpful.