Dog seems to have joint discomfort..?

Question

I have a large breed dog (a doberman to be exact) and he's about 7 years old. I know that large dogs often encounter involving joint pain. He seems to have joint pain because more and more often he fidgets when standing and prefers to lie down after just short periods of standing up (if not needed.. when we take him on walks he's more than delighted to go). I believe one of his hind foot is bothering him. I've talked to my veterinarian and he's had me look into some prescription pain medications but I'm a student and the prescriptions are really expensive! I've started him on joint supplements for animals like chondroitin (sp?) and glucosamine but I was wondering if there was anything else I could do to help him out. I don't want to try to give him painkillers if I don't know whether or not he is allergic or sensitive to them. Does anyone else have more knowledge than I do?

Thanks for the tips, MelissaB. I do live near a body of water, but unfortunately he hates swimming and even avoids taking bathes! One time he fell into a pool and just floundered about until I pushed him out -- I don't know whether or not he is able to swim, unfortunately.

Answer 1

I had a female Rottie who weighed 105 lbs. She wasn't overweight; she was of the largest variety. Since her parents were from different continents, inbreeding was not a factor and she lived to be 14. In the last 2 or 3 years, she developed painful hips. Not from any hip syndrome or anything, but just because she was old. I had her at all the vets in Park Slope and they all had these expensive and questionable regimens that "may or may not do some good" and I just said thanks, but no thanks. A friend suggested ONE aspirin when she seemed to be feeling it. Know what? It worked. For the rest of her life, I gave her one aspirin every time she got that look on her face and I'll tell you. She was spry as a pup up till the last 6 months. He should be on a high protein, low fat diet also to make sure there's not extra weight. Good luck; I hope the big guy feels better!

Answer 2

There are a couple things that you can do to ease your pets pain. One is acupressure, the other is massage. Apply pressure to the spine, not hard pressure just enough to easily move your hand from vertebrae to vertebrae. Once you get back to the hind end then begin to massage his hips, then down each leg, also between the pads of his paw. This will help the dogs muscles to relax and mend if the joint has been injured. It will start the healing process but it doesn't happen overnight. It takes time. Believe it or not some Vets also do acupuncture for severe pain with dogs. This doesn't hurt them at all but it numbs the area and helps the healing process. Good Luck and I know your dog will start feeling much better.

Answer 3

READ THIS ANSWER ... I have an Akita that weighs 130 pounds and is 5 years old ... she already has arthritis and a few months ago was acting exactly like your dog. Like most other people, I have her on the joint supplements and also one baby aspirin per day.

AMAZINGLY ... the last thing I introduced was Senior Dog Food. I am amazed at how much energy she now has ... running around, wagging her tail ... and even making it up on the bed to sleep with me.

You are doing the most you can for your doberman ... good luck and continue to love it ... kisses and do not forget the leg massages.

Answer 4

Unfortunately when you are on a limited budget, you are doing everything that you can already. My mother's giant breed dog also has joint problems(he's a Newfoundland). He is on prescription medication for the pain(Rimadyl), which helps, but like you mentioned is expensive. She also gives him the same supplements that you are already giving your dog, with an addition of a supplement called Nzymes. The initial cost of this one is pretty expensive(approximately $60), but it lasts a long time, and it is human quality so you can also take it if you want.(it helps many more problems than just joint pain) You can find more information at their website http://www.nzymes.com/
You can also try physical therapy, but that too is expensive. If you have a body of water near you that you can take him to swim in though, you can exercise him yourself.
Giving over the counter medications without a vets recommendation is not a good idea though.

Answer 5

Another couple of joint discomfort aids that may help are Hyaluronic Acid and Celadrin and MSM.
I don't know about HA and Celadrin, but MSM is too bitter to put in his food, he wouldn't eat it. You would have to get him to swallow capsules.
Another thing you could try are Herbs such as:
White willow bark and Yucca root.
White willow bark is very similar to aspirin in pain killing without the side-effects, and Yucca root has some sort of pain killing or anti-inflamatory effect. Also, Yucca root is usually sold in Supermarkets and is a long round waxy root that I peel and eat raw for maximum effect.
I don't know where you can get these for animals, but most of these can be found on this web site:
http://www.superb-vitamins.com
or in your local health food store. However they are usually much more expensive from the store.
If you have a master Herbologist in your area, they may be able to suggest other herbs that would also be helpful.
Good Luck!

Answer 6

You're right to try the glucosamine and chondriotin first. Just like with people, its always best to start with non-pharmaceutical solutions. If your dog seems to need more pain relief, ask your veterinarian what an appropiate dose of aspirin (not tylenol or advil) would be for your dog. There are also holistic veterinarians you can consult. The only specific one I know of works out of Lewiston, CA. His name is Dr. Neil Wiener. Holistic veterinarians are having success treating animals using acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic, and massage techniques. Perhaps you could get some advice from one of them.

Answer 7

When my old girl seem tired and sore from the day I give her 2 or 3 of the 81 mg aspirin (low strength adult) at night so she can sleep better. I also give her one glucosamine/chondroitin twice a day. I buy mine in the vitamins section of walmart, and yes, it is expensive. This has my vet's approval.

Answer 8

Well, if it's arthritis, starting your dog on anti-inflammatory pain killers is really the only good option. Ask your vet about baby aspirin. I know a couple people who have their dogs on daily aspirin, and it's not overly expensive. Keep him on the chondroitin if at all possible, that's a great step.

Best of luck!