Brent Goodman holds degrees in English from Ripon College, a Masters of Fine Arts from Purdue University, and has extensive experience in research communications and educational publishing across various fields of study. He is currently the Senior Copywriter at Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies, the nation's leading online and catalog pet supplier.
Osteoarthritis is common in older dogs, but can occur at any age. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from this uncomfortable disease, make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately.
Sometimes owners, in the stress of the moment, forget to tell their veterinarian relevant information about their pets. Here is a handy checklist to bring with you to your next veterinary appointment. Check the box beside the question if your dog experiences any of these symptoms.
Check which symptoms your dog exhibits:
___ Limps after exercise
___ Is reluctant to jump into the vehicle
___ Is reluctant to jump into the vehicle
___ Doesn't want to go for a walk, or tires easily on walks when did not previously
___ Stiff, particularly after getting up from resting for a while
___ Rests more often
___ Seems to be in pain during cold weather
___ Is reluctant to climb stairs
___ Won't jump on sofa or bed anymore
___ Has lost interest in food
___ Does not want to sit or stand - would rather lie down
___ Bites at certain joints on leg
___ Seems "depressed”
___ Is uncomfortable when touched, especially on hips or tail area
___ Does not seem comfortable when squatting to eliminate waste
Once you have completed the checklist, print and take to your veterinarian so you can discuss the results together. Be sure to let your veterinarian know about any medications or supplements your dog is currently taking, including aspirin or any other NSAIDs. Some medications or supplements may interact in potentially harmful ways; your veterinarian can make the best recommendation for your dog.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- From Hairballs To Arthritis, Pet Nutritional Supplements Tries To Solve It All
- From Hairballs to Arthritis, Pet Nutritional Supplements Tries to Solve it All
- How to Treat Arthritis in Dogs and Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
- Help for Dog Arthritis Sufferers
- Help for Dog Arthritis Sufferers
- Help for Dog Arthritis
- Young Dog and Arthritis
- Help for Dog Arthritis
Top Rated Dog Food, Worth of One More Bite
By: Jeannie Wu | 20/12/2009Have you ever scrutinized the ingredients in a commercial dog food promoted on national TV and consider if those were healthy or not? Some of dog foods on hand are so highly processed and contain extra preservatives. Like eating potato chips for humans, they aren't doing any better for our...
The Best Dog Food For Your Dogs
By: Jeannie Wu | 20/12/2009Loving pet owners strive to give the best dog food to their dogs. But with all the products in the market, it can be a challenge to find one that is suitable for your pooch. Even if you do research, you can still end up empty handed on the decision...
Where to Get Your Puppy Food Ratings
By: Jeannie Wu | 20/12/2009Are you thinking of buying some dog food for your beloved puppy? Guess what, don't rush. A lot of people commit the mistake of buying the wrong kind of dog food simply because they miss to do one important step: getting the puppy food ratings. The good news is you do...
The Basics of a Puppy Food Comparison
By: Jeannie Wu | 20/12/2009Being a new puppy parent is an exciting time for anyone. However, the role can be confusing especially if you do not know the kind of food to give to your new pup. Of course, you'll want your pet to get the best puppy food out there but with all...
Want to Be an Environmentally Aware? Go For Organic Dog Foods
By: Jeannie Wu | 20/12/2009Nowadays, more and more people become environmentally aware that's why there is an increase demand for organic food. And many people realize the bad effects of taking too much commercial food to their health. Therefore, there's a lot of them have altered their lifestyle particularly to their eating habits and...
Finding the Right Natural Dry Dog Food
By: Jeannie Wu | 20/12/2009Dogs are actually no better than humans. They also need to be healthy. Thus, try to search for natural dry dog food. This type of dog food is organic, which means it is enriched with a lot of good things that will help nourish the body of your dog. It allows...
Find Large Breed Puppy Food
By: Jeannie Wu | 20/12/2009You're a new puppy owner and you want to find the best large breed puppy food for your dear bunch of joy. But... Is a trip to local pet superstore would be of help or will lead you to a more complicating task? Knowing that there's a lot of brands...
Different Varieties Of African Lovebird
By: Thomas Roberson | 20/12/2009There are nine general class of African lovebird. The peachfaced, masked and Fischer's lovebirds belong to the common category while the Nyasa, black-cheeked, Abyssinian, Madagascar, black-collared and red-faced lovebirds belong to the rare or uncommon African lovebird group.
5 Keys to Summer Safety and Health for Pets
By: B Goodman | 20/05/2009 | PetsIncreased exposure to the outdoors in warm weather introduces some risks for your pet. Follow these 5 tips to keep your pet safe, comfortable and healthy during summer.
Dog Fence Systems
By: B Goodman | 12/05/2009 | PetsAs a responsible pet owner, one of your primary responsibilities is ensuring that your dog stays in your yard and does not run at large. By keeping your dog confined, you eliminate many threats to his safety, such as being hit by a car, getting lost, or getting into poisonous substances. Additionally, your neighbors will appreciate the fact that your dog's droppings stay in your yard, and not theirs. But what type of dog fence if right for you?
Halloween Safety for Your Pet
By: B Goodman | 04/09/2008 | PetsMake the Halloween season safe for all family members - including your pet. Be prepared with these tips recommended by veterinarians.
Arthritis Symptoms Checklist for Dogs
By: B Goodman | 21/08/2008 | PetsDo you suspect that your dog is suffering from osteoarthritis? Check which symptoms your dog exhibits.
How to Curb Excessive Barking
By: B Goodman | 21/08/2008 | PetsDon't let excessive or chronic barking disturb the peace in your home. There are many ways to help control undesirable or excessive barking.
Blastomycosis Checklist for Dogs
By: B Goodman | 22/07/2008 | PetsBlastomycosis is a serious systemic fungal disease that creates a variety of symptoms. Early detection is critical to successful treatment and rate of survival. Refer to this checklist of symptoms if you suspect your dog has been exposed to this organism.
Why Man's Best Friend is Man's Best Friend
By: B Goodman | 22/07/2008 | PetsDogs have an extraordinary affect on many aspects of the human condition. Their ability to act the clown, be non-judgmental, help us feel needed, offer unconditional love and trust, provide an ear to our troubles, and warm fuzzy fur to hold and stroke ensures them the well-deserved title of "man's best friend.”
Pet Supplies: Automated Cat Products Simplify Daily Care
By: B Goodman | 30/04/2008 | PetsTech-advances in pet supplies for cat offer improved care for your cat along with convenience for you.