Question by Andrew R: Any “detailed” description (or photo) of best way to pick up old dog who falls down with severe hip arthritis?
Our dog tries to bite us because pain is so bad. Only a muzzle can prevent that, but once he’s fallen it’s impossible to get it on him.

Best answer:

Answer by N Mass
If you can, give him some pain medication while he is still down. Let it get to work and then try and move him.

You could also fashion a sling that he can wear around his middle with some handles attached, then pick him up by that when he falls.

If he is in this much pain, you may want to consult the vet. It’s a question of quality of life at this point rather than quantity. If he is trying to bite the people he loves when they are trying to help him, he must be in a great deal of pain.

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Okay, I do know that this is a bit late in coming, but the first time I tried to upload it it failed on me so…here it is. This is a record of how far Abbey has come in her trialing career. From being afraid of contact obstacles and the judge, to being diagnosed with hip dysplasia, I’d say we’ve both been through A LOT. Aside from our Jumpers runs of 2008 we had no Qs at any of the trials we went to. She constantly ran away to bark at something and didn’t stay focused or…other things. Now I can honestly say that in less than a year’s time with some adjustment in my attitude and in her training that we have gone above and beyond what I was ever expecting. This dog has shown me that she can do so much and I have to say I am SO, SO, SO proud of her. For those juniors out there whose dogs aren’t quite where you want them to be yet….DON’T GIVE UP…because the next thing you try could be what sends you shooting to the stars. I hope you enjoy watching our success as much as I have enjoyed experiencing it. Good girl, Abbey. Enjoy!
Video Rating: 5 / 5

A leg massage is very beneficial for dogs with wrist arthritis. Learn more about leg massage for dogs with wristarthritis from a veterinary technician in this free dog care video. Expert: Dawn Smith Contact: www.traditionalchinesetherapy.com Bio: Dawn Smith has been a traditional Chinese herbal medicine practitioner for six years and a registered veterinary technician over 20 years. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Examples of the ‘hip sway’ & ‘frog sit’ & the outward pointed toes that Elliot has been having… he has not had x-rays yet to confirm the hip dysplasia, but it’s most likely his problem. Update: Sept. 9th ‘09 we did confirm the hip dysplasia with x-rays. ANOTHER UPDATE: (as of Feb ‘10): This puppy, at 10 mos old, also has ALLERGIES, CHRONIC DIARRHEA & MULTIPLE GASTRIC UPSETS, a HEART ARRHYTHMIA, & is being evaluated for AN AUTO IMMUNE DISORDER!!!!!!! I don’t forsee him having a long or comfortable life… Anyone w/ extra money want to pay our vet bills??? lol… we’re broke & they don’t care!!! I plan on emailing them for my money back, & see what their response is in regards to this will be….. I’ll post their response here at a later date….. update 3: (5/6/2010): www.flickr.com self explanatory. i emailed the ‘breeders’. still no response. im not thinking that they are going to bother responding either. i added up our vet bills to date & they were 06.19. Elliot just turned one yr old a couple wks ago!
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Massaging a dog’s sacrum is a useful treatment for hip dysplasia. Learn more about dog massage for hip dysplasia with tips from a veterinary technician in this free dog care video. Expert: Dawn Smith Contact: www.traditionalchinesetherapy.com Bio: Dawn Smith has been a traditional Chinese herbal medicine practitioner for six years and a registered veterinary technician over 20 years. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso
Video Rating: 4 / 5

umm… hi.