) If anyone has any tips on what I can do to help the little guy, please help. thanks so much.Kiriko
Arthritis
Moderators: Pike Ridge Beagles, Aaron Bartlett
Arthritis
I have a 9 year old Beagle with an arthritis problem. His right hind leg has been bugging him. I have him on a great food (don't know if I can say the name on here, I'm really new) for senior's that has Glucosimine in it. (can't remember how to spell. ) If anyone has any tips on what I can do to help the little guy, please help. thanks so much.
Kiriko
) If anyone has any tips on what I can do to help the little guy, please help. thanks so much.Kiriko
Glucosamine chondroitin - good stuff for joints. You might also consider getting a 'script for Rimadyl from the vet for him. Rimadyl is an anti-inflammatory formulated for dogs with arthritis and other causes of pain and inflammation. It really does work wonders to give them some relief.
Give the old boy a scratch behind the ears for me.
Give the old boy a scratch behind the ears for me.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are actually different substances. Some foods and supplements only have one or the other. I buy supplements that have both and also have MSM (Methyl-sulfonyl-methane). I've seen reports that suggest that each one individually can help with joint problems, but I've also seen studies that say the benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin are relatively insignificant without the presence of MSM. I not only give supplements to one of my dogs, but I take them myself.
There is some controversy over Rimadyl, although in terms of bad-reactions causing death, Rimadyl has been shown to be as safe for dogs (or safer) than aspirin. I know that my wife was giving it to one of our dogs for a short-term injury, but it wasn't helping her much. There are a few other prescription meds a vet can give you, too.
There is some controversy over Rimadyl, although in terms of bad-reactions causing death, Rimadyl has been shown to be as safe for dogs (or safer) than aspirin. I know that my wife was giving it to one of our dogs for a short-term injury, but it wasn't helping her much. There are a few other prescription meds a vet can give you, too.
Kiriko,
You can get the glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM supplements at pretty much any grocery or drug store these days. The brand I have right now is Osteo Bi-Flex, but that was just because it was the one on sale (2-for-1). I've used other brands, too. I just buy capsules that are small enough of a pill for me to put in my dog's food and not have him notice/care. He just snarfs it down with the rest of the food. It's usually 2 pills daily for like 30 days and then 1 pill daily thereafter. A $20 supply lasts 3 months for my dog. You can get supplements in chewable tablets or as a mix to put in water, but I don't imagine that dogs like the taste of those.
I do know doctors that are skeptical about how effective this things are, but I think they help. Like I said, I take them, too, and I think it makes a difference. It certainly won't take care of all of the problem, so if the arthritis is severe enough, you may not even notice any difference in how your dog behaves.
I'd try the supplements, and if that doesn't show a significant improvement after 2 months, I'd talk to a vet about Rimadyl or something else.
You can get the glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM supplements at pretty much any grocery or drug store these days. The brand I have right now is Osteo Bi-Flex, but that was just because it was the one on sale (2-for-1). I've used other brands, too. I just buy capsules that are small enough of a pill for me to put in my dog's food and not have him notice/care. He just snarfs it down with the rest of the food. It's usually 2 pills daily for like 30 days and then 1 pill daily thereafter. A $20 supply lasts 3 months for my dog. You can get supplements in chewable tablets or as a mix to put in water, but I don't imagine that dogs like the taste of those.
I do know doctors that are skeptical about how effective this things are, but I think they help. Like I said, I take them, too, and I think it makes a difference. It certainly won't take care of all of the problem, so if the arthritis is severe enough, you may not even notice any difference in how your dog behaves.
I'd try the supplements, and if that doesn't show a significant improvement after 2 months, I'd talk to a vet about Rimadyl or something else.
Arthritis
thanks so much. Having Glucosamine in his food helped the last time so I hope it does again. (The brand had it in the food) He won't care if I give him the pill as is. He'll eat anything.....as all you know how they can be. thanks ever so much
kiriko
kiriko