My senior dog drags her paw and struggles to get up. What can I do?

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.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. I would recommend getting rubber bottomed booties for him, which can be found online quite easily. Another great product is called toe grips. Toe grips has a website you can order directly from. I would also make sure you are giving joint supplementation such as Dasuquin. If you are not giving pain medications to reduce inflammation I would recommend you discuss putting him on something with your vet. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hi there. In general, there should be no problem with having Sadie wear booties designed for dogs most of the day, if she tolerates them well. So you could certainly try this. As another option, I would suggest taking a look at canine toe grips, which are designed specifically for this purpose and are much less bothersome to most dogs than booties: https://toegrips.com/ Putting down rugs and carpet runners in areas where she spends a lot of time can also be a good way to give her more traction. I hope that helps a bit! :)

I recommend you take a look at the links below and then consult with your veterinarian about what other options would be suitable for Grogan. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951467 https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=8896028 The Help Em Up Harness and Toe Grips at the links below may prove helpful as well: https://helpemup.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjc7P5_vm4QIV16mWCh0GSgUDEAAYAiAAEgLsV_D_BwE https://toegrips.com/ I also recommend looking into rubber-backed carpet runners over any tile or hardwood floors to provide more traction for Grogan. You can also look into acupuncture, massage, physical therapy and chiropractic as treatment options for Grogan in future, and see if your vet can refer you to vets in your area who practice them.

Hello, while I am glad you have been using a good joint supplement, it sounds like your girl needs some more serious pain medication for her osteoarthritis. There are many to choose from, and they can literally give an aging pet a new lease on life. I have literally seen crippled dogs that owners wanted to euthanize become happy, active pets. The first thing to do is see your veterinarian for a thorough exam, blood work & possible x-rays & hopefully start your pet on a medication to ease her pain. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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!

Hi there! Your dog may be getting sore and arthritic, which would make it harder for her to get up when she's laying down. There are many possible treatments for arthritis in dogs, including pain medication, physical therapy, acupuncture, Adequan injections, laser treatments, specially-formulated foods, and a variety of supplements. It would be a great idea to have your dog examined by a veterinarian to determine if treatment is needed at this time and, if so, which treatment would be more appropriate. Please remember there are no safe over the counter pain medications for dogs, so you will need to have these prescribed by a veterinarian. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and best of luck to you and your dog!