A cortisone shot gave her immediate relief from pain, but I know we can't make a habit of this.
Arthritis seems to be about as common in older dogs as it is in aging humans .
The recommended dosage for dogs is 1,000 mg of glucosamine and 800 mg of chondroitin per 50 pounds of body weight. If you're unsure of your pet's weight, ask your vet to calculate the correct dosage for her size. Your vet can prescribe this supplement to strengthen cartilage and reduce pain. Brand names include Cosequin, Promotion, Osteocare, and Glycoflex. A second downside is that animals who take Rimadyl long-term need periodic blood tests to monitor liver function.