Our lab mix is almost 7 years old and is starting to take a little longer to get up from a laying position. I think her hips are getting a little creaky, though she doesn't seem to be in any pain, just a little slower. Any suggestions about what we can do to slow the arthritis - certain foods, OTC medications? She has been taking a joint vitamin for just a couple days that I bought at the pet store, but I wanted to see if anyone had any other suggestions.
2007-10-01 09:51:11 · 7 answers · asked by Melissa K 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I like glucosamine/chondroitin plus weight reduction if your dog is overweight. I don't know if the doses are high enough in many dog products so it is worth asking your vet about human caplets. Supplements also take time to work.
A warm bed, slightly elevated, soft and supportive may help. Swimming, if you have access to it, can be easier than running. Avoiding hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete may help. Some type of hard floors like marble can be tough on joints.
Trimming nails can help her from slipping and help prevent foot problems from exacerbating hip problems. If things get worse, you might ask your vet about buffered aspirin for pain and you might look into a hip leash (goes around back legs) to help her up stairs although it doesn't sound as if she's in bad shape yet.
- good point, they do make microwaveable pads for pets now. They don't get cold like hot water bottles do. I've used a heated throw for my dogs but a space heater works better as long as there is no danger of fire.
2007-10-01 10:58:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'd be astonished if any supplement from a pet store actually made a difference.
Go to a vets. Arthritis is very common, and there are some excellent treatments available. Anti-inflammatories like Rimadyl make such a world of difference. A vet can also give you some proper supplements and advise you on diet.
Chalice
2007-10-01 10:06:07 · answer #2 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try gloucosiamine supplements. You can get treats with this, or even dog food with this already added. Or you can just get a powder to put over his food or a tablet. Does he have a heated bed? That is also supposed to help. Hydrotherapy is really good. It allows the dog to exercise without putting wieght on the joints. And since most dos love to swim, its a real treat for them. Good luck.
2016-03-19 03:18:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They make dog foods especially for that. Our vet recommended for us to mix a vitamin supplement called shark cartilage into our Rotts diet. She is doing fine now. Make sure that she still gets exercise. Movement will help keep the joints limber.
2007-10-01 10:15:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My 13 yr old boston terrier would frequently steal my moist heating pad that i had heated for the same purpose. He would lay on it and it seemed to comfort him and make him a bit more lively. They are readily available in most drug stores, you can microwave them for moist heat, and lay them anywhere. They do have some type of bead inside that i worried about him having a "destructo" moment with, so i watched closely.
2007-10-01 12:28:34 · answer #5 · answered by 2cardis 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My suggestion would be to have her checked by the vet.
It might be dysplasia and it could be arthritis, but only your vet can properly diagnose and treat it.
2007-10-01 09:56:44 · answer #6 · answered by Yo LO! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
joint care by pedigree
2007-10-01 10:00:43 · answer #7 · answered by tasty 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋