Elderly dogs have many of the same problems as elderly humans, including arthritis. Arthritis is painful for dogs and may impair their mobility and reduce their quality of life. Dogs often ignore pain, however, and arthritis may be difficult to recognize until it has progressed. Fortunately, over-the-counter medications can help ease the symptoms.
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What Is Arthritis
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Cartilage cushions joint bones. With age or injury, cartilage breaks down and eventually the bones rub against each other, causing pain and swelling. Arthritis is common, affecting about 20 percent of adult dogs and is the most common reason for chronic pain. Arthritis is a progressive disorder with no cure. The only treatment is pain relief.
Symptoms
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Arthritis symptoms may be difficult to recognize and may be mistaken for normal changes related to aging. Signs of arthritis include stiff or sore joints; difficulty sitting or standing; hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs; loss of interest in play or other activities; increased sleep; weight gain because of decreased activity; behavior or mood changes, and reduced alertness.
Safe OTC Pain Relievers
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are the standard treatment for arthritis in dogs. Plain buffered aspirin is the only recommended OTC pain reliever for dogs. The safest choice is to purchase aspirin specially formulated for pets. If you cannot find it at your local pet supply store, you can use aspirin intended for human consumption. Select low-dose formulations (81 mg) rather than the full adult dose (325 mg) and avoid enteric-coated products. Enteric coatings delay the breakdown of the tablet until it reaches the intestine, where the aspirin causes less irritation. These coatings are designed for the human digestive tract, however. In dogs, the coating fails to break down at the proper stage of digestion, resulting in unpredictable absorption and possibly an accumulation of undissolved aspirin in the intestines that may reach toxic levels. The best choice for your pet is plain aspirin with a buffering agent to reduce stomach irritation, such as Ascriptin or Bufferin. Do not use extra-strength or arthritis formulations because the drug concentration is too high for dogs. Begin dosing at 5 mg aspirin for every 10 pounds (for example, 40 mg for an 80-pound dog) and slowly increase the dose until your dog appears to be pain-free.
OTC Glucosamine and Chondroitin
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Glucosamine and chondroitin help rebuild the damaged cartilage in joints. This supplement can be found in products specifically formulated for use in pets. Omega fatty acids is another OTC remedy that can help relieve joint pain and stiffness.
OTC Products to Avoid
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Dogs metabolize drugs differently than do people, and medications that are safe for people may quickly accumulate at harmful levels in dogs, especially small ones. Read all labels carefully. Never give your dog any medication that contains acetaminophen, naproxen or ibuprofen, which can be poisonous and cause organ damage. Be aware of signs of toxicity, such as excess salivation, weakness, vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, staggering, seizures, diarrhea or discolored urine. If you see any of these signs take you dog to the vet immediately.
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