best and safest medication for a 90 lb arthritic dobbie?

Answer 1

Only your vet can give you that answer. you and your vet know your dog best.

EDIT>>>

PLEASE BEWARE OF RIMADYL SIDE EFFECTS!

My dog was on Rimadyl for years (and did NOT die from it). I support Rimadyl, it allowed my dog to walk the last few years of his life. However, it effects every dog differently and can have fatal side effects.

If you're thinking about Rimadyl please do your research first and know your facts! ASK QUESTIONS and GET CLARIFICATION!

I also had my dog on glucosamine/chondroiten, it helps with joints but has to be taken long term to make a difference.

Please heed my warnings on Rimadyl, it's a wonderful drug as long as you are aware of the risks.

Answer 2

Recent studies suggest that some of the supplements don't have a significant effect. Your dobbie needs to have an anti-inflammatory given on a regular basis. Sometimes you can use Rimadyl or Zubrin. The best advice is to take her to your vet, and have him recommend the one that is best for her type of arthritis. It's so hard to see these big guys in pain, but hopefully your vet will be able to make her comfortable.

Answer 3

Rimadyl is a daily med that you can give when needed, there is also Metacam which is more costly as has to be given everyday on food. Both go by the weight and depending on how bad the arthritis is. Your vet can help determine that by and exam. Either way just remember that Prednisone is the last resort in treating inflammation in the joints. I am sure that there are other drugs out there that you can ask you vet about that may be better.

Answer 4

Rimadyl
You have to get a prescription from your vet. I have a 13 year old lab/akita mix 70 lb. dog. It makes all the difference in the world. It means he can get up off the floor at night. He can get up the stairs (sometimes 2 at a time!!) It does not hurt the stomach, but you have to get a liver check every 6 months (it's just a blood exam).

Answer 5

You need to see your vet. Vets recommend different drugs for different situations. In my experience (tech), Rimadyl has far too many side effects to be considered a good option. I prefer Deramaxx and have seen it work wonders. Another option is changing the animal's diet. Purina makes a fantastic food called JM (joint managment). There also supplements to consider. One that I have seen work very well is Synovi G3..although it is costly. Bottom line, talk to your vet. Have the dog evaluated and have bloodwork done as well.

Answer 6

Do NOT use asprin every day! If you use it.......make sure it is a baby asprin. I would not suggest giving anything until the dog has had a full lab work up. Older dogs may have underlying liver problems, which will be made worse by some drugs.

Answer 7

Are you looking for medication or supplements?

I would definately give a supplement of glucosamin, chondrotin, and MSM. You can use the human version. I get mine at Costco. You want at least 1500 mg daily.

I also give mine Glycoflex.

Answer 8

My vet said we could do a children's asprin each day to ease the pain of this. But I'm not telling you to do it without consulting your vet first. Hopefully, you can take the suggestions here and consult your vet about each one so that he/she can let you know what will likely work best for your dog.

Answer 9

My vet precribed metacam.....it was wonderful for my older dog. It made her very happy and got her activity level back to normal. She was also given rimadyl for awhile after a surgery, but it did not help her as much as metacam.
I know other people that used metacam and it worked very,very well!

Good luck with you and your dog!

Answer 10

I believe Rimadyl is usually recommended.. aspirin works, too, if you're looking for a home remedy, but mind you look up the dosage first.