Author: Sandy Chebat

Thanks to preventative medicine and better veterinary care, our pooches are living longer than ever before. Just as with humans, senior dogs experience age-related conditions and challenges as they get older, and new needs will emerge over time. Our loyal, happy senior dogs can develop many of the same physical problems that humans experience as we age, such as heart disease, diabetes, vision problems, joint issues, and weakness. You might also notice behavior changes such as confusion, increased vocalization, more anxiety, changes in sleep cycles, and house soiling. Sometimes we notice the signs of aging in our dogs: Their favorite game of catch might feel too strenuous; they may not be able to jump up to their favorite seat by the window; they can’t hear us calling them in for dinner. Armed with knowledge about senior dog care, you can ensure your pup has the best quality of life during their senior years.

Especially prevalent in older dogs, arthritis is something many pet parents eventually must address. And while the condition typically cannot be cured, dog arthritis natural remedies can provide afflicted pets with improved mobility and quality of life. A combination of holistic remedies helped Roz, a female Pomeranian dog living in Costa Mesa, California. “At about 5 years of age, and after gaining a couple of pounds, Roz began favoring her back legs when walking,” says her dog mom, Marilyn Iturri. “Sometimes she’d hold up her left hind leg and put no weight on it, and sometimes it was her back right leg.” Her veterinarian diagnosed Roz with bilateral patellar luxation, a condition in which the kneecap dislocates from its proper position, and which can cause arthritis, Iturri explains. Like an increasing number of pet parents, Iturri says she started her dog’s arthritis treatment with less invasive and less expensive therapies than the recommended corrective surgery. “First, I started limiting her food intake to lose the weight she had gained,” she says. “She thought she was starving—and still does. “We put her on a daily dose of glucosamine … and added Carprofen short-term for pain,” she continues. “I also massaged the muscles around the knees a few times a week for general comfort.” Her veterinarian also recommended Adequan injections. Within six weeks of adding Adequan, Roz stopped favoring either leg, Iturri says, even at the dog park where she exerts herself most strongly. Since then, Roz remains quite comfortable. “I have seen her limp only once since the treatment, and that was for only a few steps,” Iturri says. “She is happy and always looks forward to her walks.” Many pet parents like Iturri who are dealing with dog arthritis seek out natural remedies for managing their dog’s condition. “They generally are trying to avoid using chemicals produced synthetically that may have more side effects,” says Judy Morgan, DVM, an integrative veterinarian and owner of Clayton Veterinary Associates and Churchtown Veterinary Associates, both in New Jersey. “Natural remedies also can have side effects, but generally they are less severe.”