Arthritis in Older Dog
Answered by: Kerry Hackett
Question from: Donna Johnson
Posted on: February 17, 2006

I have a Basenji that just turned 11 years old & seems to have arthritis. He eats and drinks normally, with bowel movements also normal. I have him on a Weight Control commercial food. He has bladder crystals and anytime I’ve changed his food, he gets blood in his urine almost immediately. He has lost some weight in the last few months, but we have recently moved to a cold climate from the Pacific coast in Canada – could this be why?

Please start by reading the entry on this website (www.richters.com) entitled, "Aging Dog with Arthritis". In my experience, the change of food from commercial to homemade is vital to help with conditions such as arthritis. And, whilst I’ve seen a flare-up of a pre-existing condition when changing from one commercial food to another, I have never seen it when changing from commercial food to homemade, especially if the food is changed gradually over a two week period.

It may also be that your dog is still dealing with the change and stress involved in your recent move as stress will often exacerbate sub-clinical conditions. You might want to try giving him the Bach Flower Essence, "Walnut" by adding 2 drops to a bottle containing 50 ml spring water. Of this diluted essence, give your dog one dropperful twice a day.

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