Worried about my dog

[Soneo7]

I am so worried about my elderly dog. He is 11.5 and has trouble walking. I am so afraid he will become paralyzed. It's all I can think about. I love him so much.

[kenster1]

hi my dog is 12 next week she had arthritis as a pup when she runs she can be in pain for days but good brisk walks will do her joints the world of good.

[Cicinoodle in reply to kenster1]

This is a sweet post. What king of dog do you have? I had a German Shepard that was older and they can have hip troubles, just like humans they can get stiff from arthritis.

I know there are special diets out there just for this at the local stores.

Walking and rest and hugs and love will help

here's an article I found: hope it helps your worries

Fortunately, there are ways to help your pet age gracefully — and better cope with joint pain.

“The most important thing is to keep them active,” says Dr. Walker, adding that you should talk to your veterinarian about a daily exercise routine that takes your pet's individual medical issues into account.

Another option for critters in their golden years: physical therapy. “Really old dogs can benefit from nonimpact activities, like using an underwater treadmill once or twice a week,” says Dr. Walker.

You can also talk to your vet about anti-inflammatories for an arthritic animal, as well as adding glucosamine to your pet's diet. “Glucosamine is better as a preventive that's introduced when they’re younger, especially for larger breeds,” she says.

Surgery has also been proven to treat certain orthopedic and neurological conditions really well — even in old dogs, says Dr. Walker. But it’s not right for every pet.

“It’s best for sudden injuries. For example, one day your dog is walking around just fine, and the next day he can hardly get up off the floor,” she says. “But if it’s a degenerative problem, and your pet is slowly getting worse, it’s rare that surgery can help. It’s better to manage the condition with physical activity and possibly medication.”

[Moon_Struck]

Hi - I've experienced similar in the past so understand the worry. When did you last take your lovely dog to the vet for assessment?

In hindsight, I wish I had found a better vet for my dog - in retrospect, I realise the vet was somewhat lacking. Find the absolutely best veterinary care you can. And give your dog the best diet you can.