ANITA'S ANIMAL CORNER
A New Trick For An Old Dog
By Jean Sutherland

     Just as our joints wear out, so do our dogs. One of the newest tricks on the table for both us and our pet is Glucosamine, a natural supplement and component of cartilage. There’s promising, but still not certain proof that it helps treat arthritis and for both you and your dog it is something to try.
     If a dog is particularly stiff, it is also quite safe to give them a buffered aspirin. I checked the dose with the vet - about a quarter of a 325-mg. tablet for each 10 pounds the dog weighs.
     According to Dr. Stanley Rubin, being overweight is the main culprit in dog arthritis. He says “I think one of the biggest enemies causing degenerative arthritis in dogs is obesity. It’s very common in our pets. If you have an older animal that is obese, then try weight control. Reduction in weight is going to put a lot less stress on those joints,” he says.
     Although it might be tempting to coddle a dog with soreness in the hips and joints, that’s a bad idea. Moderate exercise is an important part of the treatment for dog arthritis. Leash walks. Swimming is good.
     You can also help your arthritic dog by keeping him warm. Arthritis tends to flare up in cold or wet weather. So those pet sweaters you see on small dogs may not be a silly indulgence. Making sure his sleeping spot is not in a draft. Providing a good pad for sleeping to ease sore bones. Getting up in the morning is a little easier for him. Elevating food and water bowls for large dogs with arthritis. If your pet is especially sore, a ramp rather than stairs makes it easier for the dog to go outside. You then avoid the hassle of inside accidents.
     Plain old Aspirin is the first line treatment recommended by many vets.
Aspirin can be quite good, if there’s no gastric irritation. Buffered aspirin will help avoid that. You should discuss the dose with the vet, and the frequency, and know about the side effects. The most common side effect is going to be vomiting because of gastric irritation. Aspirin may pass the test for both human and animal use. But beware, aspirin, for example, can be fatal to cats.
     Glucosamine falls into the category of neutraceutical. There are several kinds, but glucosamine sulfate is the one best absorbed by the body, according to all reports. However, some vets find it causes gastric upset in certain dogs. In that case, they recommend using glucosamine hydrochloride (HCL). For many people with arthritic dogs, the cost of medications is another consideration. You can buy glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine hydrochloride over the counter in drugstores and health food stores for about $15 for one hundred tablets.
     Our snowbirds are here now and just like any other year many fall in love with a pet here and need to take it home. If anyone needs information or tips on how to get a cat or dog back home with them, please send me an email and I will be more than happy to help.
     If you are looking for inexpensive reading material, please come and see us at the market on Wednesday in Ajijic and our book ladies will be happy to help you. We only accept donations; we do not price our books. http://www.anitasanimals.com email travellers@laguna.com.mx.