What is the best medication for my dog’s arthritis?

8 Comments

1. just_wondering says:

   July 24, 2010 at 12:11 pm

   Ask your vet!
   DO NOT give your dog ibuprophen or aspirin.
2. Kendra says:

   July 24, 2010 at 12:31 pm

   I have found that in humans and in pets, glucosamine works best. I have arthritus and I swear by it. My last boss used it for her horse and she swore by it, and a friend has a dog she uses it for, and she too swears by it. It will help rebuild the cartilage as well as deal with other parts of the arthritus. It takes a few weeks to really see the effects, but its worth it.
3. Needmorelove says:

   July 24, 2010 at 1:08 pm

   Glucosamine in my experience works well in most dogs. It is sold as Cosequin for dogs. Veterinarians usually prescribe this drug with a NSAID (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) which are like aspirin (yes dogs can get aspirin but it must be in a regulated dose) for maximum results. Common drugs include Derramaxx, Rimadyl and Etogesic. Derramaxx seems to work pretty well for patients.Anytime you are giving a NSAID you must make sure that the dog has eaten because they all have a potential to cause ulcers.
4. dustbegone1xyz says:

   July 24, 2010 at 1:18 pm

   I have tried several meds and supplements on my dog. Cosequin is by far the best. And Dermaxx has been very helpful. You need a script for that. Talk to the vet and I’m sure he’ll go over different meds and the side effects.
5. jims61rocks says:

   July 24, 2010 at 2:10 pm

   The student gets an ‘A’. My (very good) Doctor has Jessi on Rimadyl and Glucosamine-Condroitin. But you need see your doctor. Woof!
6. lovemydawgs4 says:

   July 24, 2010 at 2:26 pm

   We give our German Shepherd Rimadyl. This medicine is great. Much difference in him once we started him on it.
7. doolittle says:

   July 24, 2010 at 3:15 pm

   It is best to seek veterinary advice for this. Some animals have pre-existing conditions which don’t make them good candidates for NSAID’s. It is wise to get a blood profile done before dosing your dog with anything like aspirin (COX I and COX II inhibitor) and very ill advised to dose the animal without seeking veterinary advice prior to treatment. Aspirin can be deadly if given to the wrong animal or given in the wrong dose on a continual basis. As for other NSAID’s like Rimadyl, Metacam etc…(COX II inhibitors) these are less likely to cause the ill effects often associated with aspirin. Glucosamine or glucosamine/chondroitin do not successfully treat arthritis in all dogs. Again, best to talk to your vet. Good luck
8. ms65442 says:

   July 24, 2010 at 4:09 pm

   This site has several resources for helping your dog’s arthritis: http://healthy-dog.fanaticshome.com