5 SIGNS THAT YOUR DOG IS SUFFERING

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR DOG IS IN PAIN

One of the worst feelings you may experience is knowing that your dog is suffering. But, sometimes it's very hard to recognize, know and realize that something is wrong with your pet. Dogs are notorious for hiding pain and by pet owner realizes that their pet is hurting typically means they are hurting really badly. But you could be your pet’s hero by identifying the signs and knowing what will help your pet.

Here we will shed light on precisely what dogs should be given for pain and why pet parents should keep their fur babies far away from medication for human consumption, despite what Google may tell you.

5 SIGNS THAT YOUR DOG IS SUFFERING

Dogs are known for hiding pain, it's instinctual for them. This is why pet owners should recognize any distress in order for pet parents to help heal their pets right away. But we don’t have mind reading capabilities so here are some tell-tale signs that your furry friend is likely to be in pain.

ENERGY

A decrease in energy level is a first notable sign that your pet is in pain. Pet owners should recognize what is and isn’t normal in their dog. All dogs a different, but if your pet is usually bouncing off the walls and is now glued to the couch, it is likely a sign that they are in pain or combatting a health issue.

BITING

Another sign of pain or distress is biting, including biting themselves or others. A clear indication of pain is when the dog doesn't want anyone near them or touching an area that might be sensitive.

SWELLING

The most visually noticeable sign of pain and distress is swelling. Swelling and inflammation are tell-tale signs that something isn't right, whether it's disease or injury. Pet owners should make sure that they are always keeping a close eye on any changes in their pup's behavior and body.

yOUR DOG'S TAIL

Another telling sign that your furry friend might be in some kind of pain is their tail. If your dog's tail is usually upright and is now either between their legs or sagging a bit, it's typically a sign that they aren't feeling like their best selves, often due to pain or distress.

EYES

Dogs that are experiencing pain will often have dilated pupils or bloodshot eyes. Your pup may also have loopy-looking sick eyes (the same way that human's eyes get when we are feeling under the weather).

So know that you know the signs, you must be wondering what are the solutions?

THE DO NOTs

The following over the counter (OTC) human medications are DEFINITE NO-NO's for dogs. Trust us, these medications will do much more harm than good and instead of easing pain will ultimately cause a lot more distress.

NEVER EVER Give your pet:

• Ibuprofen – found in Advil, Motrin, and Nuprin
• Acetaminophen – found in Tylenol and many decongestants
• Naproxen – found in Aleve

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF NSAIDS

If your dog accidentally ingests NSAIDs (of any dose), the side effects can be severe and tragic. Even the mild side effects aren't much worse than the initial distress that you may have been trying to aid in the first place.

Side Effects of Fido ingesting NSAIDs include:

• Severe, painful intestinal issues
• Vomiting (with or without blood)
• Diarrhea (with or without blood)
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Depression
• Kidney problems
• Kidney failure
• Bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract
• Liver dysfunction
• Liver failure
• Death

As you can see, NSAIDs should never be given to dogs as pain management.

A SOLUTION MADE EASY 

Which is why we highly recommend Chondropaw for pets. If you haven't heard of Immun-K for dogs then welcome aboard! Immun-k is an incredible Micro-doses of botanical extracts. Chondropaw for dogs is specifically made from 99% pure pharmaceutical grade Chondroitin composite by Aconitum, Allium Sativa, Avena Sativa, Bryonia Alba, Cinamoniun, Pulsatilla, Kali Carbonicum and Lycopodium making it  100% natural, effective, and safe. That means zero adverse, potentially irreversible reactions. Chondropaw comes in 2 different presentations that can be administered orally that can be enjoyed directly. Because of the fact that Chondropaw is all natural, it has virtually no side effects. This means pet parents have the ability to ease their dog's pain without adding harsh chemicals into the dog's delicate system.

These benefits include but are not limited to:

• Immune system support
• Pain management
• Aid for those suffering from seizures and epilepsy
• Easing symptoms of arthritis
• Preventing inflammatory bowel disease
• Fighting cancer
• Easing symptoms from medications and cancer treatment
• Reducing autoimmune disease
• Decreasing chronic inflammation
• Supporting heart health
• Easing skin and allergy issues

We are happy to report that Chondropaw for dog treats, is now making great strides in helping ease and manage pain in our four-legged companions. In fact, Chondropaw is making such substantial progress in the world of holistic veterinary health and wellness that the seemingly magical supplement has been quickly replacing what was one the "only" medication available for certain ailments.

We love Chondropaw for dogs because of the fact that it is all natural and has virtually zero side effects. Pet owners have seen a tremendous improvement in their dog's chronic pain such as arthritis pain as well as acute pain.

When it comes to your fur baby, you want what's best for them. The fact that it's entirely possible to improve your dog's health in an all-natural, safe way is something that we can all celebrate. Give Chondropaw a shot. You won't regret it!

   

 SOURCES

https://simplewag.com/what-can-i-give-my-dog-for-pain/

https://www.certapet.com/tramadol-for-dogs/

https://happybodystore.com/give-dog-for-pain/

https://canna-pet.com/side-effects-dramamine-dogs/

https://www.honestpaws.com/products/relief-turmeric-flavored-cbd-dog-treats

https://www.honestpaws.com/products/joint-support-cbd-soft-chews

https://www.honestpaws.com/products/joint-support-cbd-soft-chews

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How to Help a Puppy Who Isn’t Gaining Weight

How to Help a Puppy Who Isn’t Gaining Weight

You’re feeding your puppy a nutritionally-balanced diet and following the directions on the label with precision. You watch as your new best friend voraciously eats his dog food, and surmise his appetite isn’t the problem. Despite your best efforts, however, he’s not gaining weight as he should. Puppies grow at different rates, but if yours is below the average for his breed, there may be an issue. Anything from ineffective feeding methods to underlying diseases can cause slowed growth in puppies, says Dr. Dan Su, a clinical nutrition resident at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

You may unwittingly be feeding your puppy an insufficient number of calories or a diet that lacks essential nutrients for growth. However, “medical causes of slowed growth are more common and can include parasites, digestive issues (such as inflammatory bowel disease), a liver shunt, and diabetes, for example,” Su says.

Read on to gain insight into why some puppies are resistant to weight gain, as well as what you can do to tip the scale in their favor. Of course, run any changes you plan to make to your puppy’s diet past your veterinarian first.

Underlying Causes 

For pampered pets, the inability to gain weight is rarely due to inadequate food intake, “especially if the puppy’s appetite seems good,” says Dr. Cailin Heinze, a veterinary nutritionist at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in North Grafton, Massachusetts.

It’s best to play it safe and bring your puppy to the vet to rule out medical causes. There could be any number of reasons behind her inability to gain weight, but intestinal parasites—particularly roundworms and hookworms—are probably the most common, says Dr. Joe Bartges, professor of medicine and nutrition at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia in Athens.

Inflammatory bowel disease, protein-losing enteropathy (any condition of the GI tract resulting in loss of protein), and hypoglycemia are examples of diseases your vet may look for, says Dr. Susan Jeffrey, a veterinarian with Truesdell Animal Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. Or the problem may be dental-related. “Is there something painful? For example, the puppy’s teeth may not have erupted normally and may be coming into contact with the tongue.”  

Additionally, certain foods can be too rich for some puppies and result in diarrhea. “This isn't necessarily a food allergy, but I think some pups with developing gastrointestinal tracts can't handle certain foods,” she explains.

Is Your Puppy Getting Sufficient Calories?

If your vet has ruled out an underlying condition, it’s possible your puppy is not getting the right number of calories. Jeffrey recommends discussing your dog’s diet with a vet and calculating the recommended daily caloric intake for the puppy, a methodology based on breed, a dog’s activity level, and reproductive status. “Spayed or neutered animals may not need as many calories as intact animals,” she says. 

Feeding a higher calorie food may be beneficial if the puppy has a poor appetite and isn’t finishing the recommended portion of food, says Heinze, who is board-certified in veterinary nutrition. “But this should only be attempted after parasites have been checked for and treated and blood work and other diagnostics have been done to rule out health issues.”

Examine Your Puppy’s Diet

Diets devoid of an essential balance of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates may also be to blame, says Jeffrey, whose professional interests include preventative care.

“You should be feeding your puppy a diet that is AAFCO-approved (complete and balanced) for growth, as well as choosing a diet that is appropriate for the presumed adult size,” Jeffrey explains. “For example, large and giant breed puppies should eat a diet labeled for large breed puppies.”

Despite what you might think, diets formulated for growth aren’t always high quality. “Consider changing the diet to a more well-known diet from a larger pet food company or even feed a therapeutic diet,” advises Bartges, who is board-certified in veterinary internal medicine and veterinary nutrition.

A raw food diet isn’t a cure-all, either. “While I help people with raw food diets if that is what they want to feed, I discourage pet parents from feeding raw food diets to puppies,” he says.  “The margin of safety is narrow during growth and this can be an issue not only for nutrient imbalances but also infectious disease.”

What to Avoid

You may be tempted to add a nutritional supplement to puppy food to encourage growth, but using supplements without consulting a vet can harm your canine companion. For example, “excess calcium can increase the risk of developmental orthopedic diseases in large breed puppies; excess vitamin D can lead to toxicity,” Su says.

Another potential problem to avoid is obesity. “Many puppies that owners deem too thin are at a healthy weight and the owners are trying to make them fat because they don’t have a good understanding of what a healthy puppy looks like,” Heinze says. “Unless the puppy has a known health issue, being slightly ‘ribby’ is generally healthier than slightly overweight, especially for large and giant breed dogs.”

Vets recommend frequent weight checks to ensure your puppy doesn’t become overweight. “And if weight gain is faster than desired, calorie adjustments can be made before weight gain becomes excessive,” Su says.

In addition to ruling out underlying conditions and ensuring your dog’s diet is balanced and provides the appropriate number of calories, you may want to examine your feeding methods. “Some puppies need several small meals throughout the day instead of two large meals,” Jeffrey says. “Feeding small meals may help with weight gain.”

Also look for behavioral clues. “If the puppy is having to compete to eat with other dogs in the house, the puppy should be fed separately,” she says. “Not only will this help reduce stress, it will allow the owner to determine the exact amount of food the puppy is eating.”

Author:  Paula Fitzsimmons

Via:petmd.com

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WHAT CAN I GIVE MY DOG FOR PAIN?

One of the worst feelings that a pet owner can experience is knowing that their beloved four-legged friend is in distress. Dogs are notorious for hiding pain, so when pet owners can see it, it typically means their pup is hurting pretty badly. Therefore, it makes sense that one of the most common questions that veterinarians are asked is "What can I give my dog for pain?" A quick Google search will come up with all sorts of "cures" for your pup's pain, let this serve as a warning-- not everything you find online is effective, let alone safe. In fact, some of it can be extremely dangerous.

In this article, we will shed light on precisely what dogs should be given for pain and why pet parents should keep their fur babies far away from medication for human consumption, despite what Google may tell you.

HOW TO TELL IF A DOG IS IN PAIN 

We touched on the fact that dogs are known for hiding pain. It's instinctual for them. This is why if your dog is showing any amount of distress, pet owners should recognize that the time to act is straight away. Often by the time that the dog begins showing signs of pain, whatever condition they are suffering from may be relatively progressed.

In order for pet parents to help heal their dogs, they first have to be able to recognize that their fur baby is in distress. Of course, once you realize that your pup is hurting, more often than not, a trip to the veterinarian is probably in order. 

Thankfully, dog owners don't have to develop mind-reading abilities. There are several tell-tale signs that your furry friend is likely in pain.

ENERGY 

The first notable sign that Fido is in distress is a significantly decreased energy level. First, pet owners need to know what their dog's "normal" is. All dogs are different so if your four-legged companion tends to be on the lazy end of the spectrum, a little extra lethargy may not be something to worry about. However, if Fido is typically bouncing off the walls and is now glued to the couch, it is likely a sign that they are in pain or combatting some other health issue.

BITING

The next sign of pain or distress is biting, including biting themselves or biting others. A clear indication of pain is when the dog doesn't want anyone near them or touching an area that might be sensitive. If your dog generally doesn't nip at others or at themselves and suddenly begins, there is likely something more serious going on than a case of the Monday's.

SWELLING 

The most visually noticeable sign of pain and distress is swelling. Swelling and inflammation are tell-tale signs that something isn't right, whether it's disease or injury. Pet owners should make sure that they are always keeping a close eye on any changes in their pup's behavior and body.

YOUR PUP'S TELLING TAIL 

Another telling sign that your furry friend might be in some kind of pain is their tail. If your dog's tail is usually upright and is now either between their legs or sagging a bit, it's typically a sign that they aren't feeling like their best selves, often due to pain or distress.

FIDO'S EYES 

Lastly, Fido's eyes can be very telling. Dogs that are experiencing pain will often have dilated pupils or bloodshot eyes. Your pup may also have loopy-looking sick eyes (the same way that human's eyes get when we are feeling under the weather).

THE ABSOLUTE NO'S! 

We will go into a thorough explanation as to why, but just in case our readers don't make it through the entire article, here are the absolute NO's when answering "what can I give my dog for pain?"

The following over the counter (OTC) human medications are DEFINITE NO-NO's for dogs. Trust us, these medications will do much more harm than good and instead of easing pain will ultimately cause a lot more distress.

NEVER EVER Give Fido:

• Ibuprofen – found in Advil, Motrin, and Nuprin
• Acetaminophen – found in Tylenol and many decongestants
• Naproxen – found in Aleve

Hopefully, we've gotten your full attention. Now we can explain why and how these human medications should stay far away from Fido. 

NSAIDS FOR DOGS

One of the commonly purchased OTC medication for pain relief is Naproxen. Naproxen is found in common medications such as Aleve and is an NSAID. NSAIDS stands for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. NSAIDs are known to treat a wide array of ailments from joint pain caused by arthritis, to reducing fever, to decreasing swelling. However, while NSAIDs are over-the-counter medications, it doesn't make them safe. In fact, NSAIDs (including medications like Aleve) are incredibly toxic for dogs and should never be given to help with pain. Instead of fighting your pup's fever, NSAIDs will likely ultimately cause a slew of additional health issues to form.

ASPIRIN FOR DOGS 

Aspirin and baby aspirin are two human medications that typically come up first when the question of "what can I give my dog for pain" arises. It is true that your veterinarian may prescribe aspirin or baby aspirin for short-term pain relief from minor injuries or conditions. If advised by a veterinarian, dog owners should give their pup coated aspirin, as it is easier on the stomach. Additionally, aspirin and baby aspirin should always be given with food.

We want to make sure that our readers know that aspirin, even baby aspirin, should never be given long-term or for chronic pain. Aspirin poses a high risk of causing internal bleeding. Dog owners should always follow the dosage advised by their vet.

IBUPROFEN FOR DOGS 

Ibuprofen is another NSAID that is typically harmless for human consumption (when used as directed, of course). The NSAID is used for a wide range of ailments from fever to pain and inflammation to arthritis pain. However, pet owners should never give their dog ibuprofen for pain management as it can tragically lead to death. You can see how critical it is for dog parents to recognize that just because a medication is safe for humans, it can end in devastation for their pups.

ALEVE FOR DOGS 

As we previously mentioned but want to reinstate, Aleve is an absolute no-no in terms of treating pain in dogs. Aleve is an NSAID and can cause horrific side effects for your already distressed pooch. Stay far away from Aleve when considering the question, "what can I give my dog for pain?"

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF NSAIDS

If your dog accidentally ingests NSAIDs (of any dose), the side effects can be severe and tragic. Even the mild side effects aren't much worse than the initial distress that you may have been trying to aid in the first place.

 Side Effects of Fido ingesting NSAIDs include:

• Severe, painful intestinal issues
• Vomiting (with or without blood)
• Diarrhea (with or without blood)
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Depression
• Kidney problems
• Kidney failure
• Bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract
• Liver dysfunction
• Liver failure
• Death

As you can see, NSAIDs should never be given to dogs as pain management.

CAN I GIVE MY DOG TYLENOL 

While acetaminophen (Tylenol) is not an NSAID, it is still just as dangerous and should not be given to your dog for easing the pain of any kind. If Fido ingests a toxic dosage of Tylenol, it has the likely potential of causing irreversible damage to the liver, kidneys, and tissues throughout the dog's body

Again, even though over-the-counter medications are generally regarded as safe for humans, they can be fatal for dogs.

Furthermore, cats are even more sensitive to the dangers of acetaminophen (Tylenol). In fact, tragically, even one regular strength Tylenol tablet can lead to sudden death of the cat.

PAIN MEDS FOR DOGS: THE DOWNSIDE 

There are certain over-the-counter medications that your vet may consider to be "okay" for dogs. However, we want to stress that these medications should be used with extreme caution. To be frank, we recommend not using them at all. However, since your vet may recommend them, we want our readers to know as much information as possible about these pain meds for dogs.

DRAMAMINE FOR DOGS 

Dramamine is an antihistamine and an antiemetic drug. It is commonly used in human consumption to ease motion sickness. Your vet may recommend Dramamine if your dog suffers from symptoms of motion sickness and as a way to make traveling easier on both the dog and the dog owner.

However, Dramamine is not entirely safe. Common side effects of the drug include:

• Dry mouth
• Lethargy
• Sedation
• Urine retention (the inability to fully empty their bladder)

Additionally, Dramamine can be even more dangerous if your dog suffers from any of the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity or allergies to Dramamine or other antihistamines
• Bladder neck obstruction
• COPD
• Gastric outflow obstruction
• Glaucoma
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Hyperthyroidism
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung disease
• Pregnant or nursing
• Prostate disease/enlarged prostate
• Seizure disorders
• Stomach/intestinal obstruction
• Urinary obstruction

Furthermore, Dramamine can have a negative interaction with a slew of commonly prescribed medications such as:

• CSN (central nervous system) depressants
• Anticholinergic drugs
• Anticoagulants (may decrease the effects)
• Epinephrine (may increase the effects)
• Heparin
• Tranquilizers
• Sedatives
• Warfarin

This is concerning for us. Any drug that is considered "safe" shouldn't have so many "ifs, and, or buts." It should just be safe. For this reason, we don't feel that Dramamine is a "safe" choice for Fido.

NOVOX FOR DOGS 

Novox is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is formulated for dogs. It is typically prescribed by a vet to treat arthritis and its corresponding symptoms. Because of the fact that Norox is formulated for dogs, it is obviously significantly safer than any of the over the counter NSAIDs that we have previously discussed. However, this is not to say that it comes without its fair share of side effects. These side effects include:

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Eye irritation and dryness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Jaundice (yellowing) or the eyes, mouth, skin, and/or gums
• Excessive thirst
• Increased urination
• Kidney issues
• Dizziness
• Disorientation
• Stumbling
• Paralysis
• Seizures
• In some cases, even death may occur

Furthermore, this medication (like so many) doesn't treat the root of the problem. Therefore, your pup is ultimately getting short-term relief but at the price of a whole list of potential side effects.

TRAMADOL FOR DOGS 

Tramadol is a medication that is used for pain relief. While it is commonly prescribed, we have a few issues with it that we want to bring to your attention.

First of all, it is highly advised that when the pain has subsided, dog owners must slowly ween their dogs off of the drug. This is because it has some pretty awful withdrawal side effects that may be just as awful as the pain that it was supposed to be helping. 

The withdrawal side effects include:

• Respiratory issues
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tremors
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Jittery feeling

The side effects of Tramadol itself vary from mild to severe and include:

• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Appetite loss
• Drowsiness
• Tremors
• Respiration issues
• Convulsions
• Rashes and skin irritations
• A declining heart rate

Furthermore, there are certain dogs, including those pregnant or nursing, that should under no circumstances take Tramadol. For these reasons you can see why we don't love the idea of dog owners giving their pup Tramadol for pain management.

GABAPENTIN FOR DOGS 

Gabapentin is another commonly prescribed drug that vets often recommend for older dogs with suffering from neuropathic pain, chronic pain and/or seizures.

While Gabapentin is prescribed for a wide array of ailments and has been known to treat said conditions rather effectively, it also has its fair share of side effects that dog owners should be aware of.

The side effects of Gabapentin include:

• Lethargy or sedation
• Loss of coordination (Wobbliness)
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Depression
• Bulging eyes

For these reasons, among others, we always advise our readers to proceed with caution when it comes to treating their fur babies with conventional medications.

NATURAL PAIN RELIEF FOR DOGS 

Luckily, we are living in a time where natural pain relief is proving to be equally effective for our beloved four-legged companions. These natural remedies are also showing time and time again that while they are effective, they can also be safe (a bar that the aforementioned methods clearly don't meet).

At the end of the day, Chondropaw wants your fur baby to be healthy and happy without the potentially fatal consequences of conventional medication. Along with Chondropaw, there are several other natural, holistic ways to make sure that your dog stays pain-free in a safe, effective way.

FEVERFEW 

Feverfew is an all natural, holistic remedy that treats inflammation. It is a common remedy for humans who suffer from arthritis and migraines and has shown to be equally effective and safe in treating symptoms of pain in our dogs and cats.

COMFREY 

Comfrey is an herbal, natural supplement that has proved to ease pain associated with joint injury. Additionally, comfrey also speeds up cell reproduction, making it an effective healing source.

TURMERIC 

You may have heard of turmeric for human consumption. In some parts of the United States, you can even go to a coffee shop and order a turmeric latte. Now studies show that the anti-inflammatory effect of turmeric for dogs is comparable to that of cortisone, but luckily without the potential adverse reactions.

• Additional herbal supplements that pet owners may want to explore include:
• Skullcap
• St. John’s Wort
• Licorice
• Ginger
• Cayenne
• Yucca
• Boswellia
• Devil’s Claw
• Horsetail

These supplements, in particular, reduce inflammation are great for pain associated with arthritis:

• Arnica Montana (Leopards Bane)
• Rhus Toxicodendron (Poison Ivy)
• Ruta Graveolens (Rue)
• Calcarea Carbonica (middle layer of the oyster shell)
• Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey, Boneset)

As you can see, whatever pain your precious pup is going through can likely be solved with a natural alternative. Every day studies are continuing to prove how remarkable all-natural supplements can be. They are not only effective but safe. Isn’t that ultimately what we all want for our fur babies and for ourselves?

Give CBD oil for dogs and CBD dog treats a try. We sincerely believe in the power of this herb and are confident that it can make a world of difference in your dog’s life. Moreover, we hope that your furry companion feels better soon!

SOURCES

https://simplewag.com/what-can-i-give-my-dog-for-pain/

https://www.certapet.com/tramadol-for-dogs/

https://happybodystore.com/give-dog-for-pain/

https://canna-pet.com/side-effects-dramamine-dogs/

https://www.honestpaws.com/products/relief-turmeric-flavored-cbd-dog-treats

https://www.honestpaws.com/products/joint-support-cbd-soft-chews

https://www.honestpaws.com/products/joint-support-cbd-soft-chews

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Relief for Golden Retriever Hip Pain

When your fun-loving golden retriever has hip pain, he hurts all over -- because virtually every movement depends on strength and flexibility in his hips. Relief for his hip pain may be at your fingertips.

Weight Relief

Under that golden retriever coat, your dog is likely packing extra pounds that add stress to hip joints and muscles, increasing the pain and further damaging his hips. Run your fingers along his sides with minimal pressure. If you cannot feel his ribs for the fat, cut his caloric intake. You can keep using a quality food that your dog likes and your vet approves, but reduce the daily ration. Feed him smaller meals more often and add a dollop of canned pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, as a topper. The pumpkin fiber is good for his tummy without adding fat. For treats, offer a kibble bite or a veggie treat such as a green bean or a carrot slice, either raw or steamed in chicken broth. As the weight comes off, the hip pain will decrease if the extra weight is the only issue.

Medical Relief

When your golden retriever’s hip pain interferes with walking, sleeping and doggie business, pain management becomes critical. If the pain is not controlled, your dog avoids getting up and moving around. The hips and joints stiffen, deteriorating and causing more pain. During a vet visit, the examination helps determine treatment based on your dog, its age, and the hip problem. A young golden with hip dysplasia may benefit from surgery. Older dogs or dogs with other ailments may need rest, painkillers and weight management. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ease inflammation and curb pain for short-term needs such as post-surgery care or hip strain, as well as provide long-term relief for arthritis and other diseases.

Nutraceutical Relief

Chronic hip pain often responds to nutrient supplements that contain chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane. Available over the counter, these supplements reduce joint pain and inflammation over time, usually showing results in a month. Essential fatty acids, commonly found in fish oils, vegetable oils, and flaxseed, can relieve pain by reducing joint inflammation. Another nutraceutical, green-lipped mussel, contains chondroitin sulfates, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 aiding in hip pain relief. Nutraceuticals take longer to work but they're an alternative to NSAIDs. Consult your vet because nutrients can react with medications and may not be suitable for your dog’s condition.

Exercise Relief

Get out the leash. Your dog’s days of jumping hurdles, racing over rough ground and climbing stair flights are on hold. Hip damage and pain are aggravated by hard running and jolting stops. Your vet may recommend crate rest for an injury or hip surgery, then regular walks. And by walks, he means a leash-controlled stroll that lubricates the hip joints, warms the hip muscles and keeps the cartilage moving smoothly. For degenerative hips or osteoarthritis, regular casual walks are good but ball-chasing is bad. Swimming is another good exercise for hip pain. The water buoyancy takes the weight off the hips and supports your dog while encouraging hip movement. The cool water eases inflammation in aching hips. Just don’t go dock-diving.

Comfort Relief

Pamper your golden retriever with an orthopedic or memory foam dog bed that cushions sore muscles and joints. Gently massage his hips and body, paying special attention to the muscles, as massage improves circulation while relaxing painful hip tension. Keep him indoors in cold weather or in a heated dog house. A dog coat keeps his hips warm during winter walks as cold causes pain in deteriorating joints and atrophied muscles. Feed him in a raised bowl that eases the strain on his legs and hips. Acupuncture helps some golden retrievers with hip pain and other ailments.

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Have Dog Arthritis Worries ? Help your Pet in Just 7 days

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