My 11 year old dog is unwell

[BrenFurlong]

My dog is a Labradoodle who's always been happy and lively, but at the weekend she seemed lethargic, uncomfortable and stiff. I thought she might have strained something when she was chasing a bird.

On Monday she had perked up and seemed her normal self again, but today she was shaking, crouching and reluctant to move. The vet checked her over and said he thinks it's arthritis. The pain has subsided but she isn't herself and I just feel so worried and sad.

Does anyone have experience of caring for an older dog with arthritis?

My cocker spaniel is 11, nearly 12 and he's had arthritis for a few years now. We manage his pain with Galliprant which has really helped him, and he has the odd 1/2 paracetamol on top of this if he's particularly stiff. We also keep him on a long line so he's not free running and doing silly things like racing off after a pheasant or duck as he's rather prone to. He's got a much thicker foam bed, and we block off the stairs as he will just follow me everywhere.

Did your vet do any bloods just to rule other things out? We're used to flare ups/crisis but they normally only last a few days and our boy is soon back to his usual mad hatter self.

Has your vet given her pain meds? I have a nearly 13 year old big dog with very bad arthritis. He's been on painkillers for years and is mostly perfectly happy. He twisted his front leg at the start of the year (I think he hurt it on a walk turning too quickly) and was definitely stiffer and subdued for a while. We upped his pain meds until he was more comfortable and rested him. I've never seen my dog shake or cower from pain though. Don't be afraid to go back to the vets especially if symptoms have changed or worsened.

In terms of managing arthritis, I avoid my dog having to go up or down stairs as much as I possibly can. I also try not to over-exercise him, two-three shorter walks are better than one long one. That said, I still let him have fun because I'd rather my dog had a shorter great life than a longer less great one. (My dog likes exploring, going up and down banks and sploshing in water, he'd be miserable not doing some of that). I don't let him play fetch (that can be really bad on the joints) so if we play with a ball I roll it to him so he's not stopping suddenly and changing direction. I also tried a step into my car so he didn't have to leap in but that just made him leap further so I gave up on that! (My car is too small for a ramp). I also give him supplements (yumove senior), try and keep him lean (a battle as he's an expert scavenger) and he has therapeutic massages.

Oh and a big comfy thick cushion bed to sleep on, and I've relaxed that as such an old man he's allowed to sleep on the sofa! I hope your girl is ok, dogs get old too quickly.

I have your dog in its 2 original forms and they both have a story…

a Labrador with arthritis and he’s on Carprieve (sp?) at the moment for a flare up.

a Poodle who has Addisons Disease and it can really look like the way your dog is presenting. I’d mention it maybe in case vet wants to run bloods. Mine nearly died but luckily my vet knew it was a possibility and started the treatment without waiting for the results as she was so poorly but it took a few weeks of on and off symptoms to get to that crisis point.

I have an 11 and half year old bolognese girl with severe arthritis in both rear knees. She’s been on labrella for the past year which has been amazing. Expensive but she’s like a much younger dog now. I give her yumove senior too and, where possible, try to prevent her jumping.

Thank you everyone for replying to my post. It's been really helpful and reassuring. She's gone to the vet this morning with DH, I've requested a blood test. I just want to be sure everything is checked and there's nothing underlying, as she's only had a physical check.

When my beloved dog was crouching, struggling to stand straight up and cowering, it was her liver. In her case it was terminal - she went into liver failure really suddenly. The bloods should show anything like that though so hopefully it's nothing as dramatic for you.

My dog has had arthritis for a few years but improved massively with a daily JointSure supplement plus a liquid called Joint Aid. Both from Amazon. No more limping or pain.

@BrenFurlong - how's she doing?