HI, THANK YOU FOR TAKING MY...

Question
HI, THANK YOU FOR TAKING MY QUESTION, AS I AM REALLY WORRIED & CAN'T
AFFORD TO TAKE MY BICHON FRISE-POODL MIX, 11 YR OLD DOG TO THE VET.

 THIS DOG ALTHOUGH OLD, IS STILL PLAYFUL, EATS EVERYTHING, BUT LATELY, (I
WAS THINKING "AGE RELATE), HE HAS BEEN REAL CRANKY (LIKE PERSONALITY
CHANGE) & SOMETIMES EVEN BITES PEOPLE. I HAVE NOTICED HIM HESITATING TO
JUMP DOWN FROM THE VAN THE THE CEMENT & FOR A LONG TIME NOW, HE HAS A
CHRONIC COUGH ESPECIALLY AFTER DRINKING WATER.

 ANYWAY, SOMEONE TOLD ME THAT IT IS COMMON FOR DOGS THIS AGE TO DEVELOP
ARTHRITIS, & I AM THINKING MAYBE IT IS HURTING HIM & THAT'S WHY HE'S
ALWAYS READY TO BITE & CRANKY.

 I WOULD LOVE YOUR OPINION ABOUT THE BEST ARTHRITIS/BONE VITAMINS THAT
MAY EASE HIS PAIN & ANY TYPE OF FOOD OR IDEAS THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE.
 FORGIVE ME THIS EMAIL IS SO LONG, BUT I AM SO WORRIED AND WANT SNOWBALL
TO NOT  BE IN ANY PAIN.
THANK YOU & GOD BLESS.  

Answer
I would be more worried about the cough as small dogs are very prone to heart disease (mitral valvue insufficiency) and neglecting a heart condition is going to be more detrimental than arthritis.  However, you can purchase OTC joint supplements with Glucosamine and MSM for dogs and I would start him no that to see if that helps his pain.    But please remember this site does not replace a visit to the vet and I would HIGHLY recommend that you take your dog to the vet for a complete check-up.  And your veterinarian can also prescribe appropriate pain medication for him.