Why do my older dog's joints pop? Is it arthritis? What helps?

Hi there, Yes, you are correct, surgery is the best way to fix this, but often times anti-inflammatory medications can alleviate the pain. I'd recommend rimadyl because it's safe for dogs. I'd also recommend a glucosamine supplement for cartilage protection. I like Dasuquin Advanced. I hope that helps and that Lovie feels better!

He may have early stage hip problems, which is very common in this breed. Cracking is usually a sign of either bone on bone contact or air bubbles in the joint due to reduced synovial fluid. I think its worth having him checked by your vet at some point to evaluate his hips. You can also consider getting him started on joint supplements now to support him as he gets older. My top picks here are Rejuvenate or Dasuquin. I hope that things work out well for your pet Marshall moving forward. Take care!

In senior dogs, arthritis is common and that could be causing Poppy's reluctance to climb the stairs. It may be painful for her. I would take her into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose if she is suffering from arthritis, and can give her some pain meds for it. Rimadyl (an NSAID) is a good drug to give to help with the symptoms of arthritis. I also recommend giving her glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate supplements. They provide the necessary nutrients for cartilage repair and function. Use of them helps relieve some of the symptoms of arthritis, and you can use it in conjuction with Rimadyl to help maximize relief from her symptoms. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Arthritis is definitely a possibility. You could start him on a joint supplement, like Dasuquin and see if that helps. Your vet could also take an x-ray to evaluate for arthritis and then start him on a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, like Deramaxx, Previcox, Rimadyl, etc. NSAIDs help relieve the discomfort associated with arthritis.

I would definitely recommend taking him to your veterinarian for an exam. An abnormal gait and 'popping' could be a sign of hip dysplasia causing subluxation of the hip joint. Luxating patellas, or kneecaps that pop in and out of the joint would be another possibility. You have a few more options for treatment if these joint problems are caught early, so I'd recommend making an appointment soon.

If there is no pain or limping then I would not worry. If he ever favors that leg, then I would get it checked. Arthritis is a possibility or a luxating patella based on the breed. Glucosamines and omega 3 fatty acids help a great deal but there are other medications your vet can add if needed.

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. I suspect Hank may have some arthritis. It is very common for dogs of all breeds, shapes, sizes to get arthritis as they age. The only true way to definitely diagnose arthritis would be with x-rays. I suggest you take Hank to your vet for an examination - there may be obvious clues to the vet that arthritis (or something else) is present. In the meantime you can try using a joint supplement that is made for dogs (not humans). I would use one that has the following ingredients: glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). The MSM is very important as it is a natural anti-inflammatory. I would suggest one of the following products; ( https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198943_Home.pml?productId=118402 ) ( https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198943_Home.pml?productId=115737 ) ( https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198943_Home.pml?productId=116465 ) It usually takes 6-8 weeks before you notice any difference once you start giving it to him so it use for a minimum of 2 months. If after that he does not seem to be doing much better you should really take him in to your vet for an exam. Hope this helps. Best wishes.