Arthritis in Dogs

Question:

Hello,

I have 2 Standard Poodles, 10 years in age.  We walk 5-6 miles daily and I have recently noticed them lagging and slowing down.  I feed a "grain free" high quality kiddble and add meat, vegetable, fruit, egg, and yogurt. Both are in excellent health. They are on a joint supplement from Foster Smith, but I haven't noticed any difference, what would you suggest in the way of supplements for their age and joint health?
Thank you in advance.
Pene

Response:

Hello Pene,
Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. You are doing a great job with the diet and supplementation for older dogs. Two questions though before suggesting additional supplements. Have you had your dogs x-rayed for arthritis in the hips or knees and also had the heart evaluated. Both of these conditions can cause the lagging and slowing down.

If you have a diagnosis of arthritis there are several other supplements you may try. Arthroplex by Thorne and Arthrisoothe-Gold by NatureVet, they both contain additional ingredients that help repair cellular damage and decrease pain and inflammation.

Also, an excellent treatment for chronic and aging condtions would be acupuncture. You may try www.ivas.org or www.tcvm.com to find an acupuncturist in your area. Best of luck.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM,CVA

Follow up question:

Thank you Dr. Smith. I have not had a diagnosis for arthritis and will soon be making an appointment with our vet.  Would giving the Arthroplex be harmful before a diagnosis?  Are there supplements, vitamins for seniors that you like?
Thank you again, this is very helpful.
Pene

Response:

Hello Pene,
Arthroplex would not be harmful nor would it compromise a proper diagnosis. If there were arthritic changes, x-rays would show the changes on the joint surfaces.

As long as your dogs are receiving a high quality, well balanced diet supplemental vitamins aren’t critical. Though Canine Geriatric Basic Nutrients by Thorne and Canine Plus Senior by Vetri-Science are both excellent and provide additional ingredients like antioxidants, probiotics and digestive enzymes. These formulas provide essential elements for geriatric and aging dogs to support the heart, liver and immune system. Hopefully this will give you enough information to help maintain your dogs good health no matter the diagnosis.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA