I seriously needed some answers.... My dog, which I had for almost nine years is limping.... I am not too sure why she limped..... its e front left leg.... yesterday morning, its e front right leg, but after I massage for her, its ok and still can walk when I leave e house. But when I reached home at night, she is limping again, but this time round is the front left leg.... I tried to massage but it does not recover..... When I bought her out for walks, she is still limping, and it breaks my heart.... She has not fall down, but I wonder what is going on.... does it has anything to do with the cold weather since she is old already? Do I have to bring her to a vet or wait a few days 1st? I cant concentrate at work, I am still very worried for her..... Pls help to answer or have anyone met with this situation before? She looks so sad this morning, and it breaks my heart.....
2006-09-27 14:39:10 · 23 answers · asked by Faith 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
If she is an older dog, she may be developing arthritis in her joints. There are a few things to help with this (your vet will tell you this stuff too when you get your doggy in):
1. glucosamine--a supplement found in most foods to help with joint health. Its found more in larger breed dog food (premium foods, not stuff you get at the grocery store). Pet stores actually sell the suppliment you can put on her food.
2. Try a heating pad (and massages!) It will feel great to your dog & allows the 2 of you to bond even closer, especially if she is aging.
3. Asprin--lots of vets will recommend a certain type to give her for pain management.
Make sure you check her paws in case she stepped on something that is bothering her. However, if it arthritis, lots of love & patience on your walks (especially in colder weather) will help ease her pain some.
Good luck to you & your dog!
2006-09-27 14:53:59 · answer #1 · answered by emvannattan 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I disagree with everyone--if it came on spontaneously it probably isn't arthritis, although it is still possible. She may have hurt her leg (then relying on the other leg would make it sore the next day, so the limp would switch). Check her legs and paws closely and see if there are any cuts or visible injuries. Use your hand to put easy pressure on her legs starting with the shoulder and working your way down to the paw. Try loosely bending and flexing the joints. See if there is a spot or a motion that she is sensitive about. Definitely a good idea to see a vet because there are a number of problems that could cause limping. Good luck.
2006-09-27 22:05:26 · answer #2 · answered by M L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call your vet for an appointment.
When you make the vet appointment ask for the appropriate dosage of aspirin you can give your dog.Don't try to give tylenol.Just a regular adult Bayer aspirin.It has to be given by weight.
Massage both legs and chest and shoulders.Stretch and bend all the joints and check her feet really good for deep cracks and sores.
Then get the heating pad and wrap around one leg for about 5-10 minutes with it set on medium.Then wrap the other leg for the same amount of time.Put the pad over her shoulders next and lastly across her chest and between front legs.You'll need to sit next to her to hold the pad in place.
If you notice any swelling in the joints apply ice.
You'll need to do the above about twice a day.
My dog has arthritis in hips and one front leg.He's reponded very well to this treatment along with glucosomine/chrondroitin.
2006-09-28 08:29:37 · answer #3 · answered by misbehavin165 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog is older, chances are that your dog has developed arthritis. The colder weather is causing you to notice the symptoms that probably were not there in the warmer months. Arthritis can be managed medically with pain medications such as Rimadyl, Metecam, or Previcox. Also supplements such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin will help. You can purchase these at any commercial pet store. Take her to your vet for an adequate diagnosis. Arthritis can be managed for many years, and if the proper steps are taken, your dog should live a long pain free life. Good Luck!
2006-09-27 21:49:16 · answer #4 · answered by Pixie31 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could be arthritis. Some breeds are more prone to it than others. I have a black lab that is about 10 years old and she has really bad arthritis. One of the first signs I noticed was her limping and having trouble getting up and down.
I would get her to a vet but unless she is yelping or you know she has had some type of accident, it is probably nothing that you have to get her in immediately for though.
If it is arthritis, check with your vet for his recommendations but Arthogen, which is OTC, has helped my dog as well as doggie asprin, also OTC.
Good luck.
2006-09-27 21:54:26 · answer #5 · answered by It'sJustMe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first thing I would do immediately is take her to the vet, there is no reason for her to be in pain, you obviously love your dog. It could be because of all the reasons you stated, her age, the weather, or she could have hurt herself without you knowing it. However don't procrastonate just get her to the vet.
Good luck. I have always had dogs in my life and they are and have been my best friends and like my children. They are probably the best friend you can ever have! Good luck I hope everything works out o.k., I'm sure it will
2006-09-27 22:08:42 · answer #6 · answered by christine coonan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like arthritis. Is your dog overweight? If so, that won't help. Get her to the vet right away, there are medications and exercises that you can do for and with her to help.
I had a sheltie for 13 years, who developed arthritis in her joints. It broke my heart too, but the vet gave me some meds for her and it helped alot.
Give her lots of lovin', she's earned it for all the faithful years of fun and companionship the two of you have shared together.
2006-09-27 21:47:16 · answer #7 · answered by Laurie K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a dog who developed Lymes disease.She limped like you described. From one leg to another at different times. I would have a titer done to rule out the possibility. Tigger was put on Penicillin and has been Lyme free for 8 years.
2006-09-27 22:32:14 · answer #8 · answered by pitbullmom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How big is she? If she's a medium or large dog, give her a buffrin pill and then make an apt. with your vet. If she's a small dog, talk to your vet before the pill. The buffrin helps with her pain. We have to give one to our dog once in a while. Our vet suggested it. It really seems to help her a lot! Good luck.
2006-09-27 21:45:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like your poochie has arthritis in her leg. my dog has it and my vet recommended massaging it daily...giving him non-buffered aspirin but most importantly you have to keep her exercising...not too much a small walk a day. with the cold weather approaching it will bother her more but keep her active. letting her lay around is the worst thing for her. i also give her "shark-bone vitamins" i get them at gnc. i dont know how large you dog is...so you may need to give her less then what i said...my dog is 70 lbs. i hope she gets better. i know your sad. i hate to see doggies hurt. good luck to you both
2006-09-27 21:52:37 · answer #10 · answered by bossy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋