Question by SuperHornet: I have a question about my dog….?
I have a 14 year old German Shephard. He has arthritis very bad, and is just generally close to death. He lies on the floor and whines and yelps all night long. Like I said he is 14 years old and he weighs over 90 lbs. I just do not want to see him suffer anymore. I do not have enough money to youthanize him, and I do not want to shoot him, thats just inhumane. I am an owner of 3 dogs, I love them very much, seeing Rex suffer is breaking my family’s heart. Is there anything that I can purchase to ease my dog to the end? I know you may think I am too cheap to get it done properly, but we just want to bury him in a spot where we believe he should be, thats all. Any response to my question would be greatly appreciated,
Sad For My Dog, Illinois

Best answer:

Answer by smurf
Speak to yuor vet about your financial concerns and about getting Rex euthanized. I’m sure they can work out a payment plan for you. Anything you might consider giving him from “over the counter” would likely cause additional pain and no matter what would be considered animal cruelty if given by an everyday person.

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Question by loveabull2006: Glucosamine and Chondrotin supplement for arthritis?
Where would I find these supplements for my dog. She is a 6 yr old Pit Bull that weighs 57 lbs. How much should I give her? Do these work good for arthritis?

Best answer:

Answer by shonoel
They work for some humans, but I’d consult a vet instead of Yahoo Answers before feeding them to my dog.
If you care about her, pay for professional advice rather than picking an answer from someone you don’t know.

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Question by KatF: Can I give Lortab to my dog?
I have a Yellow Lab who weighs 70lbs. He is in pain this weekend from hip displaysia and arthritis. I can’t get him to a vet until Monday. He cannot have asprin because he was on steroids two weeks ago for a severe allergic reaction. I have some leftover lortabs.. can he have part of one? Anybody know for sure?
Kat
Ok – all good advice. fyi he is not allergic to asprin.. just can’t have it this soon after the steroids. He is asleep now on top of my down comforter with a towel over his back and hips to keep his body heat in. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Best answer:

Answer by ♫Riff Raff♫
read the ingredients carefully

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Question by talon_26m: How long does it take to get over a dog?
6 weeks ago I had to put my dog to sleep. She was very old and going blind, had arthritis and was suffering. I have had this dog since I was 15 and I am now 33. When I made the sacred decision I thought it was the right thing to do. When the time came I held the dog in my arms and watched her go to sleep and her breathing slowed to a peaceful stop. After that moment I have felt guilty. Everything I see around the house reminds me of my dog. My performance at work has been poor. My relationship and sex life has been poor. I have not socialized with any of my close friends on or usual go out nights. I have upset friends, girlfriend, and coworkers. I have become cold with people and basically block them out. This has been so unlike me. How long is normal to get over this? I have never even mourned this long over a long relationship breakup.

Best answer:

Answer by ♥ I Love My Dog Max ♥
I feel your pain. It’s natural to feel that way, but it’s not something to feel guilty about. You gave her the best years of your life. She was suffering so you put her to sleep which was the kindest thing.

She died in your arms, knowing she was loved. I’d love to die like that. At the end of my life, knowing I was loved right through it and then dying with the people I love around me.

You did what was best and you should be happy. You’ve given her a happy, full life filled with lots of love. Just accept that what you did was right and move on. It’s what she would have wanted. I know how you feel, and its perfectly normal to feel like this. I know I did. Talk to your loved ones and explain how you feel. I’m sure they will understand and give you support to help you through this difficult time.

Good luck and I hope I helped. I’m so sorry for your loss.

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Question by John D: can i give my dog medicine?
my dog has arthritis… we gave my last dog aspirin or advil or tylenol… or something like that… our dog veterinarian said it was ok.

i just dont remember which one it was.

is there anything else i can give him or do to help with the arthritis my dog has?

Best answer:

Answer by Kip’s Mom
Advil and tylenol are very bad for dogs. Aspirin can be given, but only at the recommended dose – for that, you need to call your vet.

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Question by Daren A: Dog needs to be put to sleep, need advise.?
My German Shepard is 15 years old, almost 16. She has hung on for as long as she can. I won’t go into details of her medical condition, but you probably have an idea. Painful arthritis, blader problems, almost blind etc.

My question is how to do it. I read an article from a pet site that promotes the best way is for the owner to do it themselves. At first I thought this was barberic until I read on. Their feeling is that at the vet, it is a cold, nervous environment for the dog and horible last memory for the dog. They suggest taking the dog out into a field where it can feel free and placing a bowl down with its favorite snack and the shooting the dog in the head as it eats. I really don’t think I could do this, but do agree, the vet is no fun place for a dog, especially its last memory.

They also suggest using a favorite meal with sleeping pills, followed by carbon monoxide. This does not sound safe to me.

I just want the most comfortable, not convienent way for my dog.
I had not realizd vets make house calls. I phoned the vet around the corner from my house and they will come out to the home. We plan to bury the dog here after they are done. This is such a sad day, but thank you for the advise!

Best answer:

Answer by Blue Lisa
My sympathy for you during this difficult time, but you’re making the right decision to put her out of her pain before it’s unbearable. I would definitely NOT recommend putting her down yourself (and certainly not with pills and carbon monoxide, in which case you couldn’t be with her because of the risk of poisoning yourself). I would talk to your vet about the option of having the dog put down by a vet in your home. My vet doesn’t offer this service, but there is another vet in my town who will come to your home and put your dog down in the comfort of familiar surroundings.

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Question by Lisa: What will help my aging Golden Labradors arthritis?
She is already on prescription meds from the vet, and doing ok most days. Will massaging the afflicted shoulder help? If so what’s the best way to massage a dogs shoulder? I use heating pads and she has a heated orthopedic bed, but was wondering if there was anything else that might help my girl?
She is such a wonderful dog and I want to make her senior years as comfortable as possible. So any suggestions or websites with good tips to relieve discomfort would be wonderful.

Best answer:

Answer by poa.girl
Massaging probably won’t help. Ask your vet if you can give her pain killers, like Advil, if she has a bad day. And, as always, keep your pets interests first- if it gets too bad, don’t be afraid to let her go. I know it hurts, but sometimes it’s in their best interest. Best wishes.

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Question by Kenneth Alexander born 6/5/10 <3: arthritis for dogs…?
I think my dog has arthritis, I’m taking her to the vet today, what do you think I should expect to pay? And what will they be doing to her? I’m assuming x-rays and meds, but on average how much does that cost? Thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by Bonnie L
No telling how much it will cost. Have your vet refer you to a canine internal medicine vet.

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Question by jayebird: I am applying for an assistance dog. Any insight,advice or others with assistance dog feed back welcome.?
I am 55, female and have several health issues. I have hepatitis–c, copd, arthritis,asthma and fatigue easily. I also have several emotional problems I have dealt with for many years. My health care professionals support the idea of me getting a service/assistance dog. Thank–you for any information.

Best answer:

Answer by KatieW
There is a ton of information you need to know before getting an assistance dog. What tasks do you want it trained to do? How will these tasks mitigate your disability? Do your doctors agree that you are legally disabled? What are the state (or country) laws that apply to service dogs where you live? Some states require that you register the dog with the state. Some states recognize only certain types of dogs. Do you want to apply for a dog from a program or train your own dog? If from a program, exactly what kind of dog do you want? Most programs are training dogs according to the type of assistance it will provide (guide, hearing, mobility, medical alert, autism, etc). You need to know which of these categories you fit into so that you know which programs to apply to. Also, can you afford to care for a service dog. This includes the yearly cost of simply owning a dog, service dog gear such as vests and patches, and the cost of private training or acquiring a dog from a program. Some programs charge up to $ 20,000 a dog, others are free but require you to attend a certain number of meetings each year or volunteer a certain number of hours annually in your community.

There are many websites you can look at for information.
http://www.assistancedogsinternational.org/service
http://www.servicedogcentral.org
http://www.iaadp.org/ (International Association of Assistance Dog Partners)

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Question by s_hunter43: We took our dog to the vet because she was yiping & whinning like she was in pain? ?
We took our dog to the vet she was yiping & whinning like she was in pain? ?
No limping but seems her back end is sore. She whines when we try to pick her up. The doctor prescribed her Rimadyl & also said we should do a x ray on her back..Any help!! Or will the Rimadyl work I thought its for arthritis…

Best answer:

Answer by Bonzie12
Rimadyl is a pain medication to help ease and controll pain. Your dog may have a disc problem and you should have the x ray done to find out what is causing her pain and discomfort.

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