Why is my senior dog limping, screaming, and struggling with steps?

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.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. Poor girl. It could be the meloxicam is no longer enough for her pain, and she may need an additional pain medication or an increase in dosage. She does sound painful to me. Rest her as much as possible tonight, and then take her into the vet first thing in the morning. I hope this helps!

Hi Loyd. Limping means Sheba is in pain, and I suspect she was moving slower earlier because she was also in pain. I'd have her seen by a vet today to get pain medication. Please do not give her any human pain medication, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.

Poor Bailee! Limping can be caused by a fracture, arthritis, sprain, infections, or even certain types of cancer. I recommend keeping Bailee calm until you can get her in to see a vet. Your vet can take x-rays to determine exactly what is going on. I hope all is well!

Poor Grace. It may be she injured her hip in the crate. I'm concerned about the screaming when you move or touch the leg. Unfortunately there are no pain relievers you can give her at home. Many human ones are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I'd take her into a vet now to get treated.

It sounds like the lameness get worse and now it got to a point of non weight bearing, so in this case I would recommend to take him to a vet. The vet will examine him, asses the lameness as well as probably give him pain relief and joint supplement. The vet may want to consider to run some diagnostics if indicated from the physical examination. Good Luck

If Molly is limping, then she is in pain and she does need to see a vet for pain medication. Unfortunately there are no OTC pain medications for dogs. Many human ones are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. You are doing the right thing by encouraging your parents to take her to the vet, it's the right place for her to go with her problem. I would keep her from jumping off high places to prevent her from causing herself more pain. I would have her seen by a vet in the next couple of days. I hope this helps!