Golden with stiff back end

[Jessica3075]

My golden girl is 8 and starting to slow down a bit. I’ve noticed her getting a bit still when getting up into the sofa/bed/car boot.

I tried YOUMOVE. No change after 4 months so am now trying iKarmel Joints and Bones (I think it is). I put olive oil in her dinner and she’s on Carnilove wet and tinned food so, a decent brand. Anywayl, she still loves to chase/catch a ball. Should I stop this?

thanks

This is her 😊

I would stop vigorous ball chasing. Try hide and seek with it. If supplements haven't helped she needs painkillers. My dog is a year older, supplements did the trick for the last year but he's now on Rheumacam (cheaper than Metacam).

Ball chasing is really bad for dogs - it's such a shame that it's become so normalised because it causes no end of joint issues.

If supplements aren't making a difference then you need to see a vet - it's probably arthritis which needs proper intervention.

We use joint aid with our rottie. That works a treat

@Faz what do you use? 😊

Which pain killers are best?

I’ll cut out the ball chucking.

You need to take your dog to the vet for a proper evaluation so you know what you're dealing with. Don't go down the road of trying to medicate at home when you don't actually know what the problem is yet.

See your vet. They can determine if the dog is in pain, and may be able to ‘feel’ impaired joint movement.
If appropriate, ask for an assessment referral to a canine physio. A good physio will have the equipment and training to assess what’s could help, but will need your vet to refer you.
You may also want X-rays done, which would identify whether it’s arthritis or not.
If it is arthritis, there are a lot of drugs, complementary therapies and supplements which can help, but you need to get professional advice.

Throwing a ball is the worst thing you can do for a dog. I am astounded it’s normalised by dogs trust, rspca, rehoming centres, etc.

Anyway….

Galliprant is very good £67 pcm, my Lab also has 3 human paracetamol a day and Librela £100 ish pcm. He has also started Gabapentin. Get everything on prescription, it’s more affordable. If you have benefits you may get subsidised or free treatment with the PDSA.

My late border collie was on librela for the last 3 years of his life. I lost him in March.
It made such a huge difference to his quality of life, no side effects for him.
I also gave him human paracetamol on vet advice, dependant on weight.
Finn was also on a natural remedy called CurcuPet-K9 from Future You. It's not expensive. I think something like £15.00 a month. It has tumeric in it.

Thank you so much for the replies.

She kept bringing me her ball today but I resisted the urge and just praised her/did a bit of simple training with her, on our walk.

Shes had a new snuffle mat arrive today to keep her busy, as well. We usually do a fair bit of playing in the evening so, a new activity did distract her a little.