I "inherited" a sweet little York-a-poo from my neighbor who died. The dog weighs about 16 pounds, and we think she's about 10 to 12 years old. Recently she has developed a limp. She can walk and doesn't whine, but just limps a lot. I've checked her paws and see no evidence of any injury or puncture wound. She continues to eat, and there is no sign that she's in pain. She just moves slowly and limps. My friend said a vet friend of hers suggested glucosamine to help with arthritis in her dog.
The first thing is to take your dog to your veterinarian for the problem to be evaluated. Without seeing the dog, it sounds as if she might have an arthritic condition. Arthritis is more likely to affect large dogs, but it is not uncommon in smaller dogs, especially if they are a little overweight. Therefore it is important to monitor the diet and reduce the number of treats. Arthritis can result from an accident or infection involving one or more joints, and it usually takes time to develop. If your veterinarian decides that arthritis is the cause of you dog's limp there are a number of pain-relieving medicines that can be prescribed to help the condition.
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate are dietary supplements. In some cases, they may help to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation associated with arthritis, as well as help to halt the damage to the cartilage components of the joint. There are some beef-flavored glucosamine products formulated for dogs.
Regular, low-key exercise is important to prevent joints from becoming stiff. Walks on a leash, with no running or jumping, together with avoiding slippery floors, are advisable. Lift her into the car or onto the sofa. Comfortable bedding, such as latex foam covered with a soft blanket, should be provided. All of these suggestions should help your dog feel more comfortable.
Categories: Dogs Health