You may or may not know this but I have two dogs that are handicapped. We rescued Lucky (above) and Gabe and they were our special 3-legged babies. We knew that it may be difficult at times for them but we decided to do all we could for them. Having only 3 working legs is hard on them but both get around and seem happy.
We decided to give them food with supplements in it. They get Glucosamine in their food and in their treats. We have taken them both to the vet before when they seemed to be having some difficulty. The problem is now our dog Gabe. He just isn’t doing as well as he used to. He can’t go up stairs by himself anymore. It is sad to watch even though he doesn’t show any pain. He still gets around well any other time but he can’t climb stairs at all anymore. Mike has to carry him upstairs when we go to bed.
I think I am going to buy Glucosamine as an additional supplement for him. I will look into other natural pain relievers. I know my mom gives her dogs puppy aspirin so maybe that would be a good option for him. We have given him prescription pain medicine but it really makes him a bit spacey and I think we may need to stick to supplements. I hate that he can’t move as well as he used to but I am going to do all I can for him. All I want is for my dogs to live happy and healthy lives.
Do any of you know anything about supplements for dogs? Anyone have any ideas what I can do to help Gabe get around better (I think his back leg/hip is just sore from being used so much)?
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Debby Pucci says
I am so sorry. It’s so hard to see them suffer.
Christina Hidek says
Ok my iPad word corrected vioxx to viol! I love my iPad, but the word correction function is troublesome. 🙂
Christina Hidek says
I’ve had great success with supplementiing my dogs diet with vitamins and other nutrients. My lab was on doggie viol, which required liver testing twice a year an a daily pill,all of which cost about $1,000 a year. And she still had trouble getting around. Right around when there were all of the scary dog food recalls, I discovered a book by Richard Pitcairn – natural care of animals. I changed both of my dogs’ diets to one of his recipes (real food- human grade!) and started giving my dogs vitamins and was able to completely get my lab off of her vioxx AND she was moving around like a puppy.
If you decided just to supplement, I would give your dog vitamin c and fish oil. Puritains pride has the best prices on those vitamins- I’m always looking for the best deal on those to lower our cost.
The other benefit to the diet change was weight loss of 10 Pounds- easier for her to get around being skinnier.
Email me if you have questions or want info on the other supplements
Stefany says
Thank you so much for your thoughts Christina! I am going to search for the book you mentioned. I would love to help my dogs feel better and keep them healthy.