Posted by Susan J on December 22, 2003, at 9:41:23
In reply to My 13 year old dog, posted by judy1 on December 21, 2003, at 11:47:40
Hi,
I'm so sorry your pup isn't feeling too well. My family and friends have had a lot of experience with arthritis in dogs...
> Yesterday he had an accident in the house (first time since he was a puppy).
<<Not sure if this is related to arthritis or something else age-related. Is it possible to start taking him out more frequently? I know older dogs often need more potty breaks...Our dogs with arthritis took rimadyl (spelling?) which is basically doggie ibuprofen (human stuff is toxic to them). I'd do prednisone, too, if it helps decrease the pain and just watch liver and kidney function...But glucosamine/chondroitin products, available OTC, seemed to help my ex boyfriend's dog a LOT in a matter of weeks...
Other than that, keep him warm, try to make stuff easily accessible to him (ie no stairs to get to water bowls - I used to have fresh water avail. on both floors of my house for my boyfriend's dog), and just love him up, hugs always help!
Good luck, he's lucky to have such a great human. :-)
Susan
poster:Susan J
thread:292115
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20031217/msgs/292339.html