http://www.karinadickerson.com/arthritis-medications-otc/
Any ideas for a dog with arthritic hips?
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.
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.
Beat The Pain! OTC Arthritis Medications (Health Tip)
