Lately when we take a good hike or walk in the woods, she gets stiff for the rest of the evening and is fine the next day. She is a mixed breed. She is running around part of the walk so it is not as though she is just getting sore on a slow pace walk. Any supplements or anything that would help?
Would you believe glucosamine? I had an Irish Wolfhound who weighed about 155 lbs. His hips were troubling him and our vet reccommended glucosamine, found at the drugstore by the vitamins. It’s made in doggie formula, but the human stuff was cheaper and worked as well according to the vet. I noticed my dog was able to move better, with less effort. Hope this helps your dog!
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She might have arthitus.
Talk to your local vet.
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http://nuvet.com/nujointplus.asp
nuvet joint, helps my large breed dog with his joints!
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Glucosamine, chondroiton, and MSM.
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You could give her buffered aspirin but ask your vet about the dose to give your dog. Also chondroitin sulfite supplements help joints.
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Would you believe glucosamine? I had an Irish Wolfhound who weighed about 155 lbs. His hips were troubling him and our vet reccommended glucosamine, found at the drugstore by the vitamins. It’s made in doggie formula, but the human stuff was cheaper and worked as well according to the vet. I noticed my dog was able to move better, with less effort. Hope this helps your dog!
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My vet.
Introduction
Does it seem as if your dog isn’t her old playful self? Well, did you know that arthritis affects not only humans—but one in every five adult dogs in the United States? Since your dog can’t tell you if it’s arthritis—it’s up to you to pay close attention to the signals. Signs that your dog may have arthritis include limping, difficulty sitting, standing, climbing or getting up, hesitancy to run or jump, sleeping more, less interest in play and listlessness. If you notice any of these symptoms for more than a couple of weeks, arthritis may be a possibility—and here are some ways to ease the pain and discomfort.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Steps
1Step One Click to enlargeTake your dog to the veterinarian for an evaluation which will likely include an examination and X-rays. If arthritis is the diagnosis, blood work will likely be done and a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) will be prescribed for pain and inflammation.
2Step TwoKeep your dog on a healthy diet and exercise to maintain the proper weight. Excess weight hinders movement and aggravates arthritis. Several short walks a day are better than one long walk.
3Step ThreeGive your dog supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3 (fish oil), which have been shown to relieve arthritis symptoms. These supplements can be found in capsules or in powder form and in certain dog foods.
4Step FourMake sure your dog has a comfortable and warm enough place to sleep. There are dog beds designed for arthritis that distribute their weight evenly to take excess pressure off the joints. A foam mattress topper for humans that conforms to body contours will also work as a bed.
5Step FiveMassage gently with a kneading motion around the painful joint and on the surrounding muscle to help ease some of the pain. You can also apply moist heat to the aching joints, such as a hot water bottle or a towel soaked in warm water (wrung out).
6Step SixLet your dog out only briefly during cold and damp or rainy weather. This type of weather aggravates arthritis in dogs, as it does in humans.
7Step SevenPut down mats and rugs. Slippery floors cause further wearing of the joints.
Tips & Warnings
To determine if your dog is overweight, check for a "waist.” Dogs at the proper weight will have a visible indentation behind their ribs. Place both hands (palms down) lightly on your dog’s ribs. You should be able to feel the ribs, but they shouldn’t be sticking out. If you can’t feel the ribs, chances are he’s overweight.
If your dog has to climb steps, consider getting a ramp for her instead. And if she sleeps in your bed, it’s also a good idea to have a ramp.
Engage your dog in therapeutic exercises for arthritis. Swimming is great therapy because it exercises the muscles without putting pressure on the joints.
Acupuncture can be used to treat dogs with arthritis, but it should only be performed by a certified veterinary acupuncturist.
There is a special leash/harness available called "Bottom’s Up" that is designed for dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia. It works by supporting a portion of the dog’s hind legs while he walks or attempts to go up/down stairs. (See Resources below)
Never give your dog human pain medication such as aspirin, without checking with your veterinarian first. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be toxic to dogs if the wrong dose is administered.
Rimadyl is an NSAID that is often used to treat dogs with arthritis. Sometimes it can be toxic to the liver, so make sure blood work is done before administering it to your dog. Also, if your vet prescribes Rimadyl, inquire about other NSAIDs that are more gentle on the liver.
Large dogs are more prone to arthritis and hip dysplasia.
References :
http://www.ehow.com/Search.aspx?s=dog+pain+in+legs&Options=
You might want to mention that to the vet but my recommendation is Zukes Hip Action. http://www.zukes.com. They are treats that contain glucosamine and chondrotin. Both my dogs have some joint issues and I’ve been using Zukes for years. They love it and it’s really helped.
One of my dogs is on Rimadyl too. It’s helping but has to be prescribed by the vet and her liver functions have to be monitored.
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dogs live up to 9- 14 years. he is getting really old. he should stay home. if you want him to take a walk, go around a block or around your house.
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Glucsamine is very good for arthritis. It helps to rebuild the cartiage. It does take a few months for the dog to get the full effect.
For the pain of arthritis you can give Boswellia. Look it up on the net. Boswellia can also be given to humans. My husband tells me that Boswellia has replaced about 3/4 of the Celebrex that he used to take.
I get Boswellia at
http://www.swansonvitamins.com It’s not expensive at all.
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