What is the solution for arthritis in a 16 yr old dog?

Question

My lab is 16 yrs old. She's in good health, other than at times she does get arthrits in her hind legs.
One vet put her on "it's like Advil for people, but it is made for dogs....I cannot remember the name.
She is in no pain, I would NEVER let her suffer. But I wonder if anyone out there has any recomendations for the arthritis.....thank you!!!

Yes, I am afraid my labIS 16 yrs old...
Just as of yesterday...I am not trying to "waste anyone's time"...I just want to know what to do????
Why the heck would I lie??? Seems YOU have the problem!!!!

The Last note was meant was meant for DYLAN B....Thanks to all the others!!!

Yes, I am afraid my lab IS 16 yrs old...
Just as of yesterday...I am not trying to "waste anyone's time"...I just want to know what to do????
Why the heck would I lie??? Seems YOU have the problem!!!!

Answer 1

Hi Katie N!
Treatments for canine arthritis range from natural supplements using chondroitin and glucosamine, to veterinary prescribed drugs such as Rimadyl and Deramaxx. Studies and actual results have shown that natural supplements can be extremely effective in fighting the effects of arthritis in dogs without the potentially dangerous side effects of Rimadyl and Deramaxx. Before deciding which treatment option is best for your dog, you should observe the signs of dog arthritis.

Dog Arthritis can be a very debilitating disease if left untreated. Dog owners should pay close attention to their animals and take prompt action when symptoms are noticed. Often a natural supplement is all that is needed to help your dog. Sometimes more aggressive treatments are needed such as surgery. The most important thing is to notice and diagnose the problem and then decide what treatment is best for your dog.Please look article: http://www.askedweb.com/askedweb/Arthritis_In_Dogs_-_What_You_Can_Do_To_Help_Your_Dog/
Jason Homan

Answer 2

Other than what the vet gave you I can also suggest to get her a bed made for senior dogs.
My Golden, Cori, lived to be 16 and 1/2 years old. I also used to but warm packs on his hips when he was having a hard time in the winter. They seemed to help quite a bit.

If dogs are kept in very good condition and given very good vet care and with the owner excellent care they can live to be very old.

Answer 3

Alot of times they will put your dog on Rimadyl, but long term use can affect the liver. You can use a buffered aspirin occasionally, but there are some other remedies that I noticed people listed. As for people saying dogs cant be 16, my neighbor just put down their 18 year old shepard!

Answer 4

I give my 12 YO mastiff mix glucosamine/condroitin (talk to your vet about dosage) and a doggie version pain reliever (also Dr recomended). It helps, but it doesn't get rid of anything. Accupuncture has been known to help, pretty much anything you would do for a human is OK for a dog, except certain medications (aspirin, ibuprophin, etc are poisonous)

Answer 5

In some cases acupuncture can work for dogs with joint problems. But this can be expensive, good thing to look into it though.
Check with your vet, my practice offers it
Good information on the below site:
www.acupuncture.com

Answer 6

If it doesn't hurt her, give her massages. Or put a heating pad on her or in her bed when she rests...the external things you would do for a human being. It's beautiful that you love her so much, and wonderful that she's been with you so long.

Answer 7

MY BLACK LAB LIVED TO BE 14 YEARS OLD AND VERY BAD ARTHRITIS. ALL THE ANSWERS GIVEN TO YOU ARE PRETTY CORRECT EXCEPT BABY ASPRIN IS THE CHEAPEST WAY TO GO ALONG WITH OTHER ARTHRITIS TREATMENTS LIKE MASSAGE, ACUPUNCTURE (THIS ONE EXPENSIVE) AND SO ON.

Answer 8

Now son ur gitten on my nerves with your lying, now theres no way on this earth that thers evr goin be a dog that goes and lives to be 16 years old, please do not waste our time, labs are people too