Anyone know what to do with little Chihuahua who has arthritis? I

[jwirr]

do not have money to take her to the vet and need to know how to decide the dosage for baby aspirin liquid for a 3 1/2 pound dog. I looked on google and they said it is okay for her to have it but not any amount.

[truedelphi]

1. Can you obtain some type of pet food that has

Glucosamine chondroitin in it? Within one week, your pet will have relief.

All my friends are doing that for their dogs. Then you don't need to worry about the doseage - as smaller dogs simply eat less.

[eShirl]

6. something like this

http://www.coastsidebio.com/animal-products/sea-bonesa-/sea-bonesa-8oz-bag/prod_7.html "Sea~Bones® are a specially formulated, semi-moist, bone-shaped healthy dog treat product for smaller breed dogs. Contains no beef or wheat, so they are easy-to-digest. Ingredients include Glucosamine HCL and our patented Sea Chondroitin® to help support and lubricate your dog's joints."


This company's version for cats really seemed to help our elderly cat.

[truedelphi]

8. It's good to know about that and thank you. n/t

[Kerrytravelers]

2. There are a few veternarians who post on DU.

Maybe go into the Pets forum and see if they are posting there today.

:hi: Good luck. Knowing any animal has pain always makes me sad. I adore animals. I am currently owned by a very loving, very fuzzy and very vocal cat names Pitter-pat.

[hlthe2b]

3. There are a lot of factors, including age and overall health of the dog

But one thing I do want to impart to you. Aspirin CAN be safe for dogs in small doses BUT, it's anti-clotting effects last one heck of a lot longer than they do in people. Thus, if you dosed several times a day or even EVERY day without break as you would do for yourself or other human family members, you could be setting the dog up for bleeding problems, including stomach ulceration. Several more general issues come to mind that you would want to do

I think that cost of a physical exam at your vet's might be the best money you've ever spent. They will advise you whether or not aspirin is the best way to go and the appropriate dosing scheme for your dog (there are newer anti-pain meds for dogs that can be more effective and safer). They can likewise gauge whether your dog would benefit from losing weight and advise on how to do it, in addition to possibly recommending some nutritional supplementation, like essential fatty acids (omegas) or chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine.

Whatever you do, don't start experimenting willy nilly. Ibuprofin and other similar drugs that are safe for humans can be toxic to dogs.

As the little breeds get older, you really want to limit their jumping up and down off furniture, which only exacerbates their problems. If they are overweight, they do need to walk. As with humans with osteoarthritis, walking can start off a bit painful, but be helpful in the long run.

[csziggy]

4. See this article

http://www.vetinfo.com/dpain.html

They give some dosages and alternative medications - not alternative in homeopathic or herbal, still veterinarian recommended but different choices. Some of the messages at the end discuss long term pain relief.

Good luck!

[robinlynne]

5. Glucosamine is definitely the way to go in the beginning of arthritis.

I wouldn't give your dog any human medicine without checking with a vet. I'm sure there are online vet discussions just like web md for humans. A canine therapist also taught me how to massage my dog and put hot and cold packs on him, because I couldn't afford to take him to her every week, but you need someone who knows what they're doing to teach you. Some muscles require heat, while some areas want cold packs.

[northoftheborder]

7. Arthritis in dogs

I've been told not to give dogs aspirin, as it is toxic to them. My veterinarian recommended glucosamine for my last dog, when he got older and became stiff. It had a very positive effect, immediately, for a few years, until he just got so arthritic that it didn't seen to help.

[robinlynne]

11. exactly, then you move on to stronger medication and stronger. But glucosamine works wonders for

the beginning.

[michaz]

9. If your dog has already been diagnosed by your vet with arthritis

you can just call the office and he will tell you what dosage to give the dog.

[jwirr]

10. Thank all of you for your answers. I will look into it and yes I will try to

get her to the vet who lives just around the corner from me.

[newfie11]

12. The advice you have gotten here is great.

I will add a few things. Aspirin can be given to dogs, it is toxic for cats but not dogs. Check with your vet.

Also if you have a vet nearby that uses a cold laser it is wonderful for arthritis. Our 9 year old Newfoundland has arthritis. We did the cold laser treatments (35 dollars a treatment) and what a difference. She is on Glucosamine and has been for some time due dysplastic hips/elbows.. It helped but not like the cold laser.
Link for info below:
http://www.namcvet.com/veterinary-services/pet-laser-therapy.html

This is not my vet clinic. She does not have a website.


edited due to my inability to complete a sentence.