Arthritis is a common condition in older dogs. At first, though, owners may not always realise when their dog is suffering. That’s because dogs tend to hide discomfort and pain from their pack.
Signs that your dog may be suffering from arthritis include:
- Difficulty sitting or standing
- Sleeping more
- Weight gain
- Reluctance to jump, run, walk or climb stairs
- Decreased interest in playing or engaging in activities
- Being less alert
- Favouring a limb
- Changes in attitude or behaviour
One day in 2011, Daisy let me know something was wrong. We were out walking and she slowed down and stopped and the look in her eyes was one of pain. She had finally let me know that she wasn’t feeling herself.
A series of x-rays confirmed arthritis in her lumbosacral spine and left hip.
Since then, she has responded to rest, conventional treatments, hydrotherapy, and other complementary therapies including my massage and laser treatments.
Quality of life for an arthritis sufferer can be attained – once the owner is aware of the problem!
DoggyMom.com 
A great informative post and I agree if you spot it in time,you can make life easier for your friend. Bob has developed arthritis, it was difficult to see at first, because he spends so much time sleeping – he always did. But with a change of diet, more gentle forms of exercise, including visits to the beach, he is much improved.
Hi Maria
Exercise is important – it just has to be at the pace and level that an arthritic dog can tolerate. Well done! I meet many dog owners in my practice who virtually stop all exercise which only speeds up their dog’s degeneration. Thanks for getting in touch.
Thanks I enjoy reading your tips and hints for caring for our four legged friends, one question, can I give garlic tablets to a dog?
Garlic tablets may be too concentrated for a dog to handle, since garlic in high doses can cause problems similar to those of onion – a type of anemia. What makes you interested in giving garlic? It is flea protection? How big is your dog?
Yes flea protection, Ellie is a collie, lightweight, & Bob is an elkhound (Norwegian) heavy at 50lbs and constantly on a diet
For flea protection, I prefer a combination of dietary garlic and brewer’s yeast. Fresh garlic is best and avoids the risk of overdose as I think dried garlic (pill form) can be too concentrated. For a medium dog like Ellie 1-2 cloves per day; for a bigger dog like Bob – 2-3 cloves per day. Add approximately 1 Tbl of brewer’s yeast daily to their diet too. And then apply diatomaceous earth through their coats (sprinkle and comb through) which will literally suffocate any fleas that they have on them.
Hello, Please see our website at kindred-caninesinmotion.org for arthritis care using alternative therapy + Platelet Rich Plasma and Adipose(fat) stem cell therapy. See our success stories ;))
Sent from my iPad 🐱🐶 Dr. Joyce Gerardi Kindred-Canines In Motion Inc. Mobile Arthritis Therapy Regenerative Veterinary Medicine (919) 618-0809 Kindred-canines in motion.org drjoyce@kindred-caninesinmotion.org
Our friends use a heat pad at night and this has worked wonders 🙂