What can I do for my senior tripod dog's joint pain and weight?

Question

Thank you for the quick response on my concern for my 3 legged pit Trio. He's been used to his leg being gone for years to a car accident with old family. Nobody else would adopt this precious dog. My concern was with his weight and age on his remaining back leg. Some days he seems a bit slower and likes that hip massaged. I just want to b sure to keep remaining leg pain free in his old age and give him loving home. He has level ground and big yard i just put electric fence in. Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 65 lbs

Jenny, DVM · Accepted Answer

Keeping him at a lean body weight will definitely help his joints. Dogs bear 60% of their weight on the front legs and 40% on the back legs, so it is easier having a back leg amputated than a front leg. Any older dog can develop arthritis even without have a traumatic injury at a younger age. If he is slowing down or having a hard time getting up, then you can talk to your vet about appropriate long term NSAID's and other pain reliever options that are designed for long term use in arthritic dogs. There is some blood testing needed to get started and to monitor while on, but there are several combinations to provide very good pain relief to extend his quality of life. Your vet can also discussed different diets and a proper portion to maintain an ideal body weight for his lifestyle. They make food that help joints and mobility with additives as well as weight management formulas.

What can I do for my senior tripod dog's joint pain and weight?

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