| Unfortunately, old age and often arthritis catches up | | | | that's needed. |
| to our canine companions as easily as it does to us. | | | | If your dog is going lame, your vet my prescribe |
| You may notice your dog has trouble going up stairs | | | | Rimadyl or Meloxicam for when he is stiff. These can |
| or getting down from a car seat. | | | | be upset a dog's stomach and are also expensive. Be |
| First, make sure this is not a disease or condition that | | | | sure to check the Internet veterinary pharmacies for |
| can corrected surgically. If it's chronic or the effects | | | | prices. |
| of aging, however, we can lessen the negative | | | | 4. Many dog owners try other natural, non-harmful |
| impacts with a few simple techniques. | | | | treatments such as magnetic collars, acupuncture, |
| 1. Don't let your dog get overweight. This is the most | | | | massage, homeopathy and herbs. While I've heard |
| important thing you can do for him. Excess weight | | | | anecdotal information on how well these work, I |
| puts more pressure on his joints just as it does to | | | | know of no scientific studies that support them. |
| you. Make sure you can feel his ribs and put him on a | | | | That doesn't mean I wouldn't try one especially |
| diet if need be. | | | | acupuncture. Ask for your vet or friends/breeders |
| 2. Avoid activities that tax his joints. Never let a Toy | | | | trainer/groomer for recommendations of practitioners |
| breed jump down from a sofa (or anywhere) or | | | | of these techniques. |
| jump up to catch something. Leave the Frisbees to | | | | 5. Control his environment for his comfort. Make sure |
| Labradors and rely on walking or swimming for your | | | | he sleeps on a warm, soft bed. Avoid cold, damp |
| pet's exercise. | | | | climates and over activity. If you have uncarpeted |
| 3. If Fido seems to be in pain, talk to your vet about | | | | floors, beware of throw rugs and slippery areas |
| using glucosamine. In the veterinary form, it is sold as | | | | where Fido can slide, twist and injure his hip. |
| Synoquin. However, the animal brand is very | | | | 6. As a last resort, consider a total hip replacement |
| expensive compared to the generic brands that | | | | surgery (THR). In addition to the expense (up to |
| humans take. | | | | $5,000), there is a lengthy recovery period which is |
| Ask your vet about using the human version | | | | often difficult for dogs and their owners and |
| provided the tablets can be purchased or cut into a | | | | post-surgical checkups for the rest of your dog's life. |
| proper dosage for a small dog and have the quantity | | | | Do the best you can to control your dog's mobility |
| of glucosamine required. | | | | problems and identify the least medication that |
| Depending on the degree of pain your dog is | | | | relieves his pain. When that doesn't work anymore, |
| suffering, a buffered aspirin may provide all the relief | | | | then consider some form of surgery. |