Our little furry friends always make sure to give us energy and love, and in return, we should be attentive to their health. Especially during the cold season, our elderly four-legged friends, particularly dogs, can be vulnerable to weather conditions. This is the time when it is recommended to consult their health records to ensure that we have fulfilled all the caregiving responsibilities for our pets in a timely manner: internal and external deworming, anal gland expression, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. Furthermore, it is crucial to pay closer attention to their diet and provide them with a specialized diet if needed. It is much more convenient, practical, and beneficial to perform these interventions ahead of the snow and moisture setting in.
If your four-legged friend is an elderly dog, it’s important to give them extra special attention.
Large breed dogs (such as Bucovina Shepherd, Carpathian Shepherd, Mioritic Shepherd, Caucasian Shepherd, Rottweiler, Newfoundland, German Shepherd, and even Labrador) experience severe joint and spinal (particularly lumbosacral) pain during this period. This problem is caused by the development of so-called “spurs on the spine,” which are essentially bony protrusions on the vertebrae that cause pain. The signs of this condition are noticeable: the dog rises with difficulty, the hindquarters tremble, it walks stiffly, avoids climbing or descending stairs, and if it does engage in these activities, it exhibits intense pain. If you observe these symptoms, a definitive diagnosis can only be made through radiological examination.
The veterinarian can provide you with the appropriate treatment for this condition, depending on the severity of the situation. Typically, the treatment involves a specialized diet that includes joint supplements and anti-inflammatory medications. Both treatments are started simultaneously, but after approximately 5 days, the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs is stopped and the supplementation continues for up to 90 days. Some examples of supplements that can be used are Chondro Vet, Canvit Chondro Super, Athro Protect H.A., and the anti-inflammatory medications include Carprodyl, Rycarfa, Rifen, Onsior, and Trocoxil.
It is recommended to prevent rather than treat, thus avoiding the suffering of the dog and the associated expenses.
Prevention can be done by administering nutritional supplements at the beginning of the cold season and continuing until March. Additionally, if you have an outdoor animal, make sure they always have a dry shelter in a draft-free area, preferably elevated and not directly on concrete.
Don’t forget that your pet will be grateful for every act of care you provide!
Donează acum
Împreună putem face o diferență 🙂
Ține minte că orice ajutor este important pentru animalele care suferă.
