How We Solved Our Dog's Arthritis Problem
Our family adopted Megan, a beautiful Australian Shepherd, three years ago when she was five years old. She was leash-trained, crate-trained, well-behaved and a delight - and still is.
As with many pet owners, we spoil her rotten. We sometimes feed her treats she probably shouldn't have and being the fabulous dog she is, she eats everything on her plate. So, she's overweight - like the rest of the family, I might add. Also, I know she doesn't get the exercise she needs. Again, like the rest of the family.
Over the past couple of months we have noticed that Megan has been having difficulty moving around. We have laminate floors and it's often difficult for her to get a good footing anyway when getting up. Now it's even more difficult and when she does get up, she walks stiffly. Going up and down our few front porch steps also seems to pose a challenge for her. When she goes outside she lately has been doing her business much closer to the house than before (we live on a hill).
We suspected that our Australian Shepherd had arthritis. Coincidentally, I also have arthritis in my knees. About a year ago I began taking a glucosamine and chondroitin vitamin supplement and it has helped a lot. So, I thought, can dogs take this same joint supplement?
I did some research and discovered that dogs can take joint supplements. Actually I read that dogs could have the people version but I opted to look for a chewable supplement.
Megan has been taking Sergeant's Vetscription Joint-Eze for a month now. It was the only glucosamine and chondroitin joint supplement available for dogs in my local grocery store so I decided to try it. For the first three weeks, according to her weight, she was on four chewables a day. Starting this last week, she takes two per day. She loves the taste and looks upon the vitamins as treats.
Megan seems to be feeling much more spry. She'll actually hop up a little when a treat is presented and she is running around more than she has been lately. She is still a little stiff when she gets up - but then again, so am I!
I highly recommend trying a glucosamine and chondroitin joint supplement for your dog if you feel arthritis may be an issue. Of course, consulting the veterinarian first is quite important to rule out other problems.
