I asked this question eariler and wasn't specific enough i think... i got several people e-yelling at me. So, I have a small 30 pound lovely beagle spaniel mix. We adopted ehr under two eyars ago and we love her very much. Her health has declined on several loccasions since we got her. At this point she has arthritus and is on meds for it but still has stiff sore back legs. In addition she is a follo dog. She tries to follow us around and heard us all into one room. Despite her attempts to convince her to lie down she insistis on standing while we eat dinner, and walking around when we are not all sitting down in on e of the rooms with ehr blankets. So. My problem. bcuz (i think) of her stiff back legs, she sometimes ends up lying down when she turns quickly. She does not sturggle or try to get up again and seh seems comfortable enough. So, is it alright to leave her there is fhe seems comfortable and is in the position seh normally lies down in on her blanket?
2007-08-02 05:46:03 · 9 answers · asked by ChaChaChingThing 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Because it seems to me that in the long run, lying down (rather than walking around constantly) will do less damage and cause her joints to be less stiff at the end of the day. I want my doggy to be as unsore as possible!!!
2007-08-02 05:47:35 · update #1
You know, I never could understand why people have to get so rude and yell at people who ask questions. That's the only way to learn, is by asking questions. So, why get yelled at? Now that I got that out of the way, I'll try to answer your question.
If laying down is more comfortable for her. Then by all means, let her lay down. She knows when she has had enough with walking around. So, where ever she lays is where she stays. I was thinking of you getting her a heating pad, maybe on low for her to lay down on. That might help her with her pain and stiffness. It's sad tho, like us humans there isn't much that can be done for arthritis. I hope this helped.
2007-08-02 05:57:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wow, that's a tough call. Sorry to hear about all this. She might have hip dysplasia ontop of the arthritus. I would say that as long as she isn't in any pain you can just let her lay unless it looks like she's trying to get up.
I would definately consider working with her and training her. By giving a command to go lay down during meal times it might save her legs a bit more. But a good amount of exersice is good for arthritus and dysplasia. Consult your vet if you think her mobility is really becoming an issue.
2007-08-02 05:54:51 · answer #2 · answered by theresa b 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, aspirin!!! We have a 15 year old dog that belonged to our neighbor and was her husband's shadow, but he came here 3 years ago when her hubs dies, became MY hubs shadow, and won't go home. He was an outside dog for 14 years (read his story here http://www,jozart3.com) and stayed in our yard a while, then wanted inside last summer. At his age, we hesitated to let him in but it was so hot outside and considering his age, we gave in. His first day in the house, we watched him closely because he had never been inside a house and was NOT housebroken. WELL!!! Fooled, we were, because when he got his arthritis bohunkus up he went to the door and rang the bells that our two dogs ring when they need to go out. He has never yet done a thing in the house. He is so arthritic, it's pathetic and has a very difficult time getting up, so I give him a coated aspirin twice a day and watch that boy go! He goes with my hubby twice a day to feed horses and even put the horses in their stalls every night. He's one smart booger! Aspirin works for Jack and his arthritis ia BAD. Sorry about the long story.
Best wishes with your dog's pain. I know it hurts you as well to see it.
2007-08-02 06:04:06 · answer #3 · answered by Bama 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can get medicine for your dogs joints, just like people take for their stiff joints. You should be able to get it at and pet store. My neighbor gives this to his dog and it really helps his dog, so that he can move around more freely. I've seen him both when he is taking it as well as when he isn't, he moves better when he is being given the joint stuff every day. He is a happier dog, plus it's like a natural stuff for animals.
Also ask the vet about giving her aspirin to help with the pain that she may be having. I believe that you have to give them aspirin that is coated, so that it doesn't hurt their stomach.
I think like the aspirin Ecotrin, it is a coated one and that will help with pain and stiffness. I'm not sure of the spelling, but ask your dogs vet about giving your dog aspirin for the pain and stiffness.
I use to have a German Sheppard that had joint stiffness, it was her vet that recommended the Ecotrin aspirin.
You need to speak with your vet to know how much to give your dog, since she is a lot smaller than my Sheppard was.
Best of luck to you with your dog's health.
Additional detail: Something else that you might try is putting a heating pad on the floor where she can lay down on it with a towel over it. She may like the heat to help sooth any pain that she may have in her hips. Animals are like people when they get stiff they need all the help that they can get to loosen up. Walking also will help keep her from stiffening up too.
My cat is older and she loves to lay on the heating pad, she lays on it even in the summer, but cat's love lots of heat.
2007-08-02 05:57:45 · answer #4 · answered by Cindy 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
She has a natural inborn instinct and will know when and where and how much she can do... not to worry but I would give her a can of sardines in oil a couple of times a week and see if this helps her stiffness... since she is already on medication I will not suggest the Glucosamine Vitamins... lol
I think you are wonderful... and she is lucky to have you.
H.O.T. Dog
Handler Owner Trainer of GSD's
Member U.S.A & A.W.D.F
2007-08-02 05:53:59 · answer #5 · answered by H.O.T. Dog 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
If it were my dog, I would just give her a baby aspirin 2-3 times a day and let her do what she wants. The more she uses her legs the better it is for her. Arthritis gets worse with no exercise.
2007-08-02 05:50:40 · answer #6 · answered by mama woof 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Walking or standing might be taking the pressure off. Let her stand or lay, she knows what's comfortable and how she feels.
2007-08-02 05:53:46 · answer #7 · answered by DP 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would see if there is an herbalist in your area, or a health food store, most health food stores have natural joint remedies for pets. there is also a website I buy items from http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/
Good luck to you.
2007-08-02 05:52:14 · answer #8 · answered by ♫♪Sasha Woo Woo♫♪ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
use senior dog chow has many additives to help with these problems
2007-08-06 01:15:27 · answer #9 · answered by cheri h 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋