What can I give my senior dog to help with her arthritis pain?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on February 10th, 2018

  Hi there! You could consider starting Sally on a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement like Cosequin or Dasuquin if you think she has joint pain related to arthritis. These supplements are very safe, and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. If this isn't enough to make her comfortable, then I would recommend asking your veterinarian about prescription medication options for arthritis pain. There are a number of meds that are very effective for arthritis pain in dogs and can dramatically improve their quality of life, including Rimadyl or Metacam, tramadol, and gabapentin. Adjunct treatment options like acupuncture, laser therapy, or Adequan injection can also be helpful in some cases.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on April 8th, 2019

  Poor Cooper! Structural orthopedic issues like this can definitely predisopose dogs to arthritis and mobility problems as they get older. There are lots of things that can be done to help make him more comfortable, including medication, laser therapy, acupuncture, and joint supplements. I would strongly recommend making an appointment with your regular veterinarian to sit down and discuss these treatment options, so you can put together a comprehensive pain management plan for him. In the meantime, you could go ahead and start an over-the-counter joint supplement like Dasuquin or Movoflex, as well as an omega-3 fatty acid supplement like Welactin. Both of these have been shown to help with arthritis and other orthopedic problems in dogs, and are very safe to use.

  

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  Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 21st, 2017

  I'm sorry to hear that Cheif seems so painful. Unfortunately there are no safe over the counter pain medications for dogs. However, you can try glucosamine and chondroitin supplements (such as Dasuquin or Cosequin) to protect the cartilage in the joints. Fish oil supplements can also be used to decrease inflammation. If these supplements alone are ineffective, Cheif will need a trip to the vet so that prescription based pain medications can be started.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful