My large senior dog struggles to walk and stand. What helps?

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. There are MANY different things that can be done to help him get around better - namely medications that your vet can prescribe. I think it would be the least you can do to help him. Remember, just because a dog is not crying or complaining doesn't mean he is not in pain. Animals do not manifest pain the same way we do. They just carry on and do the best they can like they would do in the wild. Please take him to a vet for an exam and to get him started on some NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication). Don't let him continue to be in pain. You will be surprised at how much the medications help. You could also get him nail grips or special boots/socks for him to wear the have grips on them to help him not slide around on the floor: ( https://toegrips.com ) ( https://www.amazon.com/DOK-TigerToes-Premium-Non-Slip-Hardwood/dp/B0BHKN1G9C/ ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Sounds like your dog is having quite a few mobility issues. I'm not sure your how old your dog is, but with these symptoms I would suspect an older dog. There are things you can do to help (to a point) like adding a ramp or pet stairs to make going up and down easier, a good memory foam bed to soothe achy bones, glucosamine will help lubricate her joints so she moves a little easier, your vet may be able to offer some pain meds for the bad days but these are all temporary solutions. If she is an older pet this is where considering quality of life becomes important. She may be an older pet where these conditions get worse until she can't get outside to the bathroom and get to the food bowl. Simply getting to the necessities becomes a chore, that is not a life. It would be best to let her have her dignity and let her go if that is the case. Enjoy the time you have left together.

Thanks for using PetCoach. If she is slipping on floors, ToeGrips are sometimes more helpful than booties. https://toegrips.com/ If it is pain or weakness sometimes acupuncture can make a world of difference for senior dogs. Please be sure that you find a veterinarian that does acupuncture in conjunction with her current medications. If it has not been done X-rays to try to localized the cause of her problem can sometimes help determine the best therapy. (Ie back or hips or knees or all?) Best of luck I hope this helps.

I am so sorry to hear this. I would make sure she is on a joint supplement - I like dasuquin or flexadin. I would also look into the orthodog hip hound brace. I have had some of my geriatric patients who this has help tremendously with getting up. Unfortunately, it doesn't work on everyone. I would also talk to your vet about whether or not she needs a daily anti-inflammatory to help keep her comfortable. Finally, if you can find a vet in your area who specializes in acupuncture and Chinese herbs, this can be a tremendous help to increase the STRENGTH and decrease pain in an arthritic dog. I hope this helps!

I'm so sorry you're experiencing this. Sometimes large dogs go "down" and really struggle to get on their feet afterwards. If a solution can't be found, it can mean that it's time to say goodbye to them. However, I'd recommend trying additional pain medications, acupuncture, laser treatment, and a sling if any of those are options. Definitely check with your vet to see what more can be added. Also, get some yoga mats to line the walkways in your house to help her grip the floor if she does get up. I hope she's on her feet again soon!

Poor Blitz. I would first make sure you have him at a healthy weight. These things can be so much harder to handle when they are overweight. I am most worried about the aspirin dose as it can cause an upset stomach and even a GI ulcer when given for too long. I would talk to your vet about trying Galliprant or rimadyl or something similar for pain and inflammation. Galliprant is the safest for the liver and kidneys. I would also look to see if you have an alternative or integrative vet in your area that specializes in Chinese herbs and acupuncture. I have had great success with these and dogs with severe arthritis and pain. Finally, I would look into a brace that helps these guys stand up. It is called orthodog hip hound brace. You can also look into Dr. Buzby's toegrips or pawfriction to help him with traction on slick floors if that seems to be troubling him as well. I hope this helps!

The rear leg braces are not useful. If she needs assistance getting up I recommend a Help em Up harness by Blue Dog designs. Taking Lucy to a Rehab veterinarian would be good if there is one near you. They can give you exercises to do at home and they may offer hydrotherapy and other treatments that can improve her comfort and mobility. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Lucy.