Therapy for Dog Arthritis?
Hi folks,
My very active dog has just been diagnosed with arthritis. Limiting her activity too much would be like poison to her. She is now on Cosequin, the only supplement I know of for animal joint health. I was wondering if anyone knew any massage, heat, water etc. therapies that have been know to have some success or that you have tried? Please let me know and thanks in advance.
Wow, thanks all for such great ideas, I’ll be looking into all of those. I’m really sorry I could only pick one best answer. Thanks to all!!
My border collie mix was put on Rimadyl by the vet and it substantially improved the quality of her life and I think extended her life by several years. Though it has possible side effects, I wouldn’t have a second thought about doing it again. I also used a glucosamine supplement.
A soft bed is very important.
Massage works, but you have to be very gentle. My vet put my dog on infant Tylenol (shes small). The cold weather made things worse, so I got her one of those dog sweaters when she goes out (looks stupid, but it helps).
I have a dog that has arthritis and bone spurs in her spine. I found that Rimadyl is the best medication for her when she needs it. I also give her hydrotherapy when she is hurting really bad. Just fill the bathtub up to “float” her hips off the bottom of the tub and make sure the water isn’t too hot for her and let her stay there as long as she can.
i have a 13 year old black lab and she also has the same problem, in fact its gotten more severe lately. we took her to vet again, took new xrays and they have found that her arthiritis is mostely on her back knees and part of her back. since my mom is into chinese medicine and SHE herself had arthritis on her hands, and has actually healed it completely, we began researching. we foudn out that there is such thing as acupuncture for dogs especially on arthritis problems. from what ive read, there has been a lot of success in that field and just about 3 weeks ago, we began taking her on her weekly appointment with this acupuncture vet near our house. we are given natural vitamins and herbs to feed her that will supposedly help her. each appointment costs $60 dollars and we have to do this once a week for a month or two.
you have to understand that its not something that heals in just two weeks, its something that has to be treated wiht long periods but believe it ornot..its successful and you will have good results after this. plus its a matter of positive thinking too, im not kidding. but its worth a try, it helped my mom heal that problme she had wiht the acupuncture, some im pretty convinced it can work with an animal as well.
My dog has spondylosis , which is a spinal arthritis . She is currently having hydrotherapy sessions , which is swimming in warm water for a few minutes by a qualified hydrotherapist .It is very successful .
However natural supplements such as glucosamine , chrondroitin and msm are excellent ways to help slow and repair everything . I don’t know where your from and if you can get it but Johnsons have just brought out ‘4joints’ which contain all these and more . My dog is doing well on it . Good luck
water therapy is awesome for dogs.. there are many great vet approved drugs out there for your doggy!
good Luck!
Acupuncture is used with great success in dogs. you may want to try an anti-inflammatory too, such as metacam, or deramamxx.
Hello my friend, Mellisa……..
I wonder why there are people who give much attention or value to the life of the animals, rather than of a human’s.
May i ask them: what is more important to, save the life of man or the life of the animal?
How many poor individuals who are now in the street, garbage area, under the bridge… perennially suffering of great hunger, illness, cold, marginalization from the society and the like.
Mellisa, my friend, by the way, how do you relate your brethren, specially the poor or those in need?
How i hope that many will response to the needs of our suffering brothers and sisters out side our homes [- the homeless individuals].
By the way, about your dog, just give a threatment that is due for the animal.
Hope, my friend that this will help.
thatnk you for your concern.
love,
wonderer