Your canine questions answered
Coping with arthritis
Q: My German Shepherd is getting a bit creaky in her old age. I know how to manage arthritis in my horse, but I’m not sure about the best approach to help my pup. Is there a medication or supplement I should start her on? She still loves to join me on trail rides. Will the exercise help or make it worse?
A: Older dogs and older horses have similar problems with arthritis, and they share similar solutions as well. The mainstays of treatment include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), joint supplements and even Adequan injections.
Day-to-day management changes can help, too. Just like arthritic horses, arthritic dogs don’t do well with superstrenuous workouts, but slow, regular activity helps a lot. Observe your dog closely and critically, and try to determine the levels of exercise that seem to help or leave her sore. Just as you do with your horses, avoid the weekend warrior syndrome; instead, spread out the exercise she gets through the week.
But before you make any changes to your dog’s care or routine, have her examined by her regular veterinarian for a proper diagnosis
