Our Dog

[Kay]

Our lovely Lab is 14 years old and has began falling down,her back legs just seem to give way. I've been putting an aspirin in with her food in case she's in pain. Any other suggestions? Thanks.

[Snappy]

We've got an 11yr old lab with the same problem. When she has a bad day we put an aspirin or ibuprofen in with her dinner, which seems to ease her pain. I read in a dog magazine about glucosamine becoming available for dogs,its what people take to keep their joints working! When she runs her back legs move together like she's hopping and her legs give way sometimes. We usually rub her back legs when she gets up fom her bed to help with the stiffness. I hope this helps!

[Kay]

Oh thanks Snappy, I take glucosamine,I wonder if I could give her 1 or 2 of mine daily.I'll start rubbing her legs,I hate seeing her falling.

[FP]

FINA,  I would get her checked out with a vet to find out what exactly is wrong.  It might be something other than arthritis.  Aspirin, won't take away any inflammation.  Ibuprufen eases pain and takes away inflammation, but again check with a vet before giving her human medicine, because even if they are suitable for her the dosage might be different. 

[Ember]

When my dog was in pain, I gave him half an aspirin and when I told the vet he went raj.   I was told in no uncertain terms that human pain killers could be bad for dogs and do more damage than good.    The cynic in me wonders if that advice was given because the vet wants to sell their pills, but maybe not.   Best see the vet though, I am sure you will if you love your dog. Good luck

[Kay]

Thanks so much for your advice girls?? My neighbours dog has athritis ( Alsation 12) and the vet actually prescribed aspirin which helps a lot but I think a trip to our vet is in order.

[Clanad]

Please check this site before administering aspirin for your dog... http://www.school-for-champions.com/animalhealth/aspirin.htm.  Additionally, this breed should be checked for hip dysplasia, a rather common ailment for larger breed dogs.  If the vet suspects dyslplasia, an x-ray will be required. You probably know that 14 years is fairly old for this breed of dog... best wishes.... 

[FP]

I meant to say, FINA, that as Snappy suggested, rubbing her legs and hips to get them going is a really good idea, as well as gently moving her joints for her. 

Also a hot water bottle at night, under her blanket, will help to ease her joints. 

 

I need this myself, being an arthritis sufferer of the two-legged variety!

[kookiandmojo]

what you feed a dog effects its joints, coat etc, put her on a food such as nutro, james wellbeloved or pro plan, these contain glucosamine for the joints and other ingredients to help senior dogs, or you could try cod liver oil on her food or R and A liquid which is made by vetzime. good luck!!

[Kay]

Thanks for your replies.We're taking our lab to the vet tomorrow,she fell again today.

[zgma]

My ex-roommate, who has a german shepherd with arthritis and dysplasia, used to feed her dog on a raw meat diet, and she included cod liver oil and glucosamine/condroitin pills.  All of which made a big difference in the dog's quality of life.  Also - doggie acupuncture did wonders.  Really :-)