My senior dog struggles to sit and stand. Is it time for a vet visit?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry that you are in this position. I would recommend that you consider going to your veterinarian before making this decision. They would be able to gather more information, examine him and determine what would be best to proceed with always considering his quality of life. They may decide to recommend something that may improve his quality of life and buy you both some quality time to spend together. Best of luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petcoach! Poor Harley, it is hard getting old! He could have arthritis or a spinal degenerative issue. I see a lot of older pugs with hind leg issues at Harley's age. Usually I start them on a steroid and gabapentin. Sadly it tends to be progressive if the neurologic spinal issue. If it is intermittent then starting Harley on a joint supplement and Omega 3 fatty acids may help if it is arthritis. Below are brands of each that I like for my patients. I hope this helps and good luck! https://www.chewy.com/nutramax-dasuquin-msm-joint-health/dp/35838 http://vrshealth.com/canine-products/canine-omega-benefits/

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.

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! 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!

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.

Hi. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If at all possible I recommend a vet visit for Skeeter to do a little senior blood work. Many times this can tell us if there is something wrong that medications or diet change can help. And the vet can also prescribe medication for his arthritis. There is nothing over the counter that is safe for a little dog. Please avoid aspirin even if sold for dogs as many dogs develop severe gastric ulcers from aspirin. Glucosamine supplements such as Dasquin can help but if he is painful her may need something stronger. Sometimes older dogs can benefit from melatonin at night if they are disoriented but discuss the dosing with his veterinarian. I hope Skeeter is comfortable and happy for many more years.