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7 results for “senior dog lameness”
What to Do When Your Dog’s Joint Is Swollen
A swollen joint in a dog can come from an injury, arthritis, or calcium deficiency, and the right response depends on the cause. Gently pressing the swollen area tells you whether it is painful; pain or refusal to be touched points to a joint problem. Injuries usually settle in a few days with topical treatment, while arthritis needs a veterinarian's diagnosis and long-term care with anti-inflammatory pain relief, weight control, and adjusted exercise. Severe arthritis may require surgery. Keeping the diet balanced helps prevent calcium-related swelling.
Why an Older Dog’s Hind Legs Suddenly Go Lame
When a senior dog's hind legs suddenly go lame, watch closely and review whether your daily care is sound - it can come from age-related calcium loss (osteoporosis) or joint trouble. Start by checking the paws for cuts from glass or thorns; clean any wound, remove debris, apply a pet wound powder, and bandage, keeping the dog rested indoors so the injury does not reopen. Long-term calcium loss is common in older dogs and weakens the bones, so add calcium-rich foods like shrimp, egg yolk, and tofu and use a vet-recommended calcium supplement. If there is no wound and diet is fine, the cause may be the joints - large breeds are prone to arthritis as they age, worsened by cold floors or over-exercise; a joint supplement plus warmth may help, but swollen, painful joints need a vet.
What Is Chondroitin for Dogs, and Who Needs It?
Chondroitin, or chondroitin sulfate, is a natural compound in cartilage that feeds joint cells, locks in joint fluid, and calms inflammation. Healthy young dogs get enough from food, but seniors, large breeds, dogs with joint-prone genetics, the obese, and hard-working dogs benefit from supplements—ideally paired with glucosamine and omega-3. It supports, not replaces, veterinary care for real joint pain.
Multiple Myeloma in Dogs and Cats
Multiple myeloma is a malignant plasma-cell tumor of the bone marrow that overproduces immunoglobulin and is rare in dogs and cats. Signs include lameness, bone pain, anemia, bleeding, and weakness, with diagnosis by X-rays, bloodwork, and marrow sampling. Treatment is chemotherapy plus infection control.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Dogs
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common age-related enlargement of the prostate in older male dogs, leading to difficult defecation, constipation, reduced urine output, blood in urine, and a full bladder. Castration is the most effective treatment.
The Dangers of Dogs Climbing Stairs
Stairs strain a dog's spine and joints, especially for senior, obese, and long-backed breeds like Corgis, raising the risk of disc and hip damage. Limit stair use and support joints with calcium and glucosamine.
Thinking of a Golden Retriever? Know This First
The Golden Retriever is smart, gentle, and friendly, and with training can work as a guide or search dog. But it sheds heavily, drools, has a strong odor, eats a lot, and needs at least 1–2 hours of exercise daily or it turns anxious and destructive. It's also prone to hip dysplasia, obesity, ear infections, and eye disease. Know the real commitment before you bring one home.