How to tell if my older dog's pain is from injury or arthritis?

Yes, it could be Ziggy has pulled a muscle or injured herself. I recommend resting her for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a leash, and bring her right back in when she's done. If she still appears to have trouble with that leg after that time, then I would take her into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose what is causing this, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. She may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.

It sounds like poor Laika is in a lot of pain. It could be that her arthritis has flared up, but there could be something else wrong such as a strained or torn ligament. Because she sounds so painful, the best thing to do is have her seen by a vet right away. The vet can diagnose what is causing her pain, and can treat her for it. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. My advice is to take her into a vet now. Good luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Causes of a front leg lameness could be: arthritis, a strain or sprain that needs more time, Lyme disease, neck injury and pinched nerve, peripheral nerve sheath tumor, bone tumor, bursitis/tendinitis. I think having Mya examined is a good idea since it’s been waxing and waning for a few months. Your Vet may want to check her for Lyme or take X-rays. She may just need a few weeks of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and rest. I hope this helps and I wish Mya a speedy recovery!

Poor Luna! Because she is 8 or 9, my first thought is that she may be suffering from arthritis. That would cause her pain, and from your description, it sounds like she is painful. It could also be that she injured herself. Arthritis is common in older dogs. 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 conjunction with Rimadyl to help maximize relief from her symptoms. Give her vet a call today to make an appointment. Best of luck!

It seems she is hiring somewhere. At her age arthritis can be starting but I would suspect a back injury or a soft tissue strain or sprain. The best thing is actually cage rest. No running or jumping, no playing even if she feels better after a few days. She needs rest for at least 2 weeks. I would advise getting her seen by your vet as they have medicine to help make her more comfortable and can localize he spot that is hurting to help you prevent it again in the future

The walk may have been too much for Benji. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.

It could be that Buddy is suffering from arthritis, and that's causing him to limp in pain. Arthritis is common in older dogs. I would take Buddy into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose if he is suffering from arthritis, and can give him 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 him 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 his symptoms.