Dear Porky and Buddy,
My dog, Alonzo, is about ten years old and all of a sudden he seems to be slowing down. He doesn’t seem to really like to go running with me any more and sometimes he sort of sighs and groans when he gets up out of his bed.
I have a little arthritis myself and I just take Aleve for it and it seems to help. Can I safely give that to Alonzo? I hate to see him so uncomfortable.
Jim
Dear Jim,
Getting old is not for sissies, as you know. But it happens, even for dogs. So, it’s understandable that you want to try to help.
But the short answer to your question is NO.
You should not willy nilly be giving any medication to Alonzo on your own.
Aleve is one of a class of medications called NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.)
Some are approved for use in dogs. Aleve is not.
There is a group of people whom we refer to as “veterinarians.”
They know what drugs are safe for dogs and what ones are not.
Always call your vet before you give any pet any over the counter medication.
If Alonzo has not been in for a check up recently, you should schedule one for him.
There are lots of ailments that we attribute to getting old that are treatable, including various aches and pains.
Get your vet’s advice about how to keep him in prime health at his age and how to increase him comfort level, including what is appropriate exercise.
In the meantime, there are obvious things that you can do on your own that might help, too.
A nice soft bed up off the floor a little might be a big help, for example. Or one of those movable carpeted stairs so he can more easily get into your bed!
And if your vet thinks a one mile walk at a leisurely pace would still be OK, how about signing up for Every Dog Has Its Day, on September 27 at Fallbrook Recreation Center, 103 Thompson Road, Oswego.
It’s the 10th Annual 5K-9 Race and 1-Mile Family Walk and Pets and People Celebration, with registration starting at 11 a.m.
You can find out more and sign up online at www.oswegohumane.org
The Oswego County Humane Society provides spay/neuter services and assistance, fostering and adoption of animals in urgent need, humane education programs, and information and referrals to animal lovers throughout Oswego County.
Located at 110 W. Second St., Oswego, NY.
Phone: (315) 207-1070.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.oswegohumane.org
Because People and Pets Are Good for Each Other.
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