What is the best supplement that I can give my six year dog for very stiff, painful legs?

Question

I tried inflamaway. It didn't really work. I guess I might be looking for a miracle cure, but it hurts me to see her in so much pain. She is a small shepherd mutt and LOVES to run and play. . .but after she is always so stiff and sore. She cries when she gets up. It doesn't help that we have hardwood floors either. I just want to take away the pain.

Answer 1

This may help http://ca.video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=112d5a90da7eb40d54664c934be0b8c3.547707&cache=1

Answer 2

When you are thinking about whether or not it is time to euthanize your pet, think about what type of life she has now compared to when she was last well. Whenever I speak to an owner about whether or not they should euthanize their pet, I have them sit down and look at the HHHHHMM Scale. Sit down when you are having a slow day, and go through this scale in your head. Really think about your answers to each question. By the time that you are finished, you will know what you need to do. I am very sorry that you are having to go through this with your pet. The fact that you are so concerned shows that you are a very good owner. ******** Quality of Life Scale: The HHHHHMM Scale Pet caregivers can use this Quality of Life Scale to determine the success of pawspice care. Score patients using a scale of 1 to 10. Score Criterion 1-10 HURT - Adequate pain control, including breathing ability, is first and foremost on the scale. Is the pet's pain successfully managed? Is oxygen necessary? 1-10 HUNGER - Is the pet eating enough? Does hand feeding help? Does the patient require a feeding tube? 1-10 HYDRATION - Is the patient dehydrated? For patients not drinking enough, use subcutaneous fluids once or twice daily to supplement fluid intake. 1-10 HYGIENE - The patient should be brushed and cleaned, particularly after elimination. Avoid pressure scores and keep all wounds clean. 1-10 HAPPINESS - Does the pet express joy and interest? Is the pet responsive to things around him or her (family, toys, etc.)? Is the pet depressed, lonely, anxious, bored or afraid? Can the pet's bed be close to the family activities and not be isolated? 1-10 MOBILITY - Can the patient get up without assistance? Does the pet need human or mechanical help (e.g., a cart)? Does the pet feel like going for a walk? Is the pet having seizures or stumbling? (Some caregivers feel euthanasia is preferable to amputation, yet an animal who has limited mobility but is still alert and responsive can have a good quality of life as long as caregivers are committed to helping the pet.) 1-10 MORE GOOD DAYS THAN BAD - When bad days outnumber good days, quality of life might be compromised. When a healthy human-animal bond is no longer possible, the caregiver must be made aware the end is near. The decision needs to be made if the pet is suffering. If death comes peacefully and painlessly, that is okay. *TOTAL *A total over 35 points represents acceptable life quality

Answer 3

I would strongly recommend a liquid glucosamine in a pharmaceutical grade (not a pill form). I would also recommend placing thick rugs around that she can lay on since you have hardwood, this will give her traction and ease the pain when trying to get up. Place them in the places that she normally lays. Hardwood is beautiful, but it's definitely not dog friendly. The following link talks about this liquid glucosamine and directs you to the site to purchase it as well. Along with the liquid glucosamine, I also encourage you to feed her an all natural dog food starting immediately. "Natural Balance" is one of the best. For a dog that is only six years old and also a "small mix shepard" she should have plenty of healthy years left in her. I do however hope that you have seen the vet to confirm that she indeed only has arthritis. Many see results from a liquid glucosamine rather quickly, however, the results of a premium dog food are over time, but last a life time.

Answer 4

If you haven't already done so, you should take your dog to the vet for a thorough exam. Stiffness and pain can be due to many different reasons such as arthritis, hip problems, bone spurs on the spine, etc. Your vet can determine the exact cause and give you advice about treatment - he can also prescribe a pain medication to help manage it.

If you don't already give your dog supplements for joint health, now is a good time to start. You will want to try something that has Glucosamine, MSM, and Chondroitin in it. A very good brand formulated specifically for dogs is Synovi - it's unfortunately also very pricey. A friend of mine had a Rhodesian Ridgeback with arthritis and the Synovi supplements made an amazing difference. So I would definitely recommend it over other brands.

You can also give your dog aspirin to help with the pain. Your vet can advise you on the proper dosage based on your dog's weight.

Answer 5

Well I lived with a dog who started to have severe arthritis in his neck.. so much so that he couldnt even walk.. The vet gave us Metacam and it was the closest thing to a miracle I have ever seen... He was running around, jumping etc after just a few days with no more pain and it is a liquid that is soo easy to get your dog to take!! It may or may not be the right meds for your dog but I have to say from experience that it works wonders for that kind of thing and it is for treating arthritis.
Check it out here for product information, its also relatively cheap(about $15 for a bottle to last over a month)... http://www.metacam.co.uk/index.php
http://www.metacam.us/index.lasso?page=home&GUI=gui_1

As in all things you should consult your vet and have a full examination to ensure this med is right and safe to use for your dog.. Good Luck!

PS Glucosamine and Chondroitin are good supplements to add to your dogs diet as well...they help build up deteriorated joint cartilage and help with arthritis. The metacam will instantly relieve pain but the glucosamine will help keep it from getting worse and may actually reverse damage to joint cartilage. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucosamine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chondroitin_sulfate

Answer 6

Don't worry about using supplements, they are expensive and a good dog food should have all the nutrients needed to provide healthy joints. We use Blue Buffalo food for our dogs (and cats). Even though your dog is small, their large breed food would suit her well. It has glucosamine and chondroitin plus two new ingredients shown to improve joint health- green lipped mussel and sea cucumber. The food is money back guaranteed so can't hurt to try.

Answer 7

When you talk to your vet, ask about giving her glucosimine daily for the joints and possibly baby asprin at times for discomfort. We had a bulldog that had problems with her joints. This is what he recommended. She was on it for over two years. He also suggest taking her swimming instead of long walk as there isn't as much pressure on the joints as when they have to carry their weight.

Answer 8

Maybe you should talk to your vet about getting some prescription pain relief such as Rimadyl.

Answer 9

Ark Naturals has a whole line of arthritis relievers.
www.arknaturals.com
Cheers