Does my dog have arthritis?

#Middlebury #Dog

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My black Lab, Gordon, is almost 12 years old. He has always been energetic, but lately on our walks he seems to get tired easily, slows down his walk, and whines from time to time. His hind legs seem to be stiff and he has a harder time laying down in his pet bed. Do you think he has arthritis? Will it affect his life? – Jeff in Silver Spring, Maryland

DEAR JEFF: He does seem to be showing symptoms of arthritis. Jot down everything you see Gordon doing that seems different or “off,” and take those notes and your dog to the veterinarian. The vet can evaluate Gordon for arthritis – an inflammation of the joints seen frequently in older pets – and rule out any other underlying conditions.

If Gordon has arthritis, there are lots of medicines and therapies available to alleviate his pain – many of which are the same treatments used for humans, albeit in smaller doses. There’s no cure for the condition, but he still has years of life ahead and will be close to his old self with treatment.

In addition to medication, arthritis symptoms can be eased by using heating pads or cold packs. Regular exercise keeps blood flowing to the joints and eases discomfort. And it can keep Gordon’s weight down, which will ease the stress on his joints.

Many owners have had good results by changing their pet’s diet. Dog foods formulated for senior pets can keep his nutrition on point. Allergen-free dog foods may yield good results, too. Try working with his vet to tweak Gordon’s diet a bit and see if there’s any improvement.

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