13 year old mix border collie/austrailian shephard dog

Question
We have a 13 year old dog that is in great health other then he is starting to get arthritis in his hips. Last night every time he would get up to move he would yelp. We applied a warm hot water bottle on him ( not hot at all) and gave him some baby sprain that we was told was alight to do. Is there anything over the counter we can get for him to do like on a daily basis? Once he went out this morning and moved around some he is walking better on it now. But it was really scare last night. I have had him since he was 6 weeks old and cant stand to see him like he was last night. I would really appreciate any help and advice you can give us.

Answer
There are some specially formulated diets made such as Hill's (Rx j/d) and Purina (JM Joint Mobility) which are formulated to include important joint health supplements.  If it is not feasible to switch his diet it can also be helpful to limit his intake and keep him at a trim weight (not knowing your dog's weight, it is possible he already is).

In regards to dietary supplementation glucosamine is considered to be the most important substance, being a building block of cartilage and joint fluid.  You can check your local pharmacy or health food store for the products they have available.  The dose for a 70 lbs. dog would be 2,000 milligrams of glucosamine per day, divided into morning and evening doses.

Omega-3 fatty acids are also being found to be very helpful at reducing the inflammation related to arthritis.  Dosage for a 70 lbs. dog would be 1,500 - 2,000 milligrams of Omega 3 fatty acids per day.

Aspirin is fine to use on occasion but if needed your veterinarian can prescribe pain relievers that are safer to use long term.  They also would likely be able to supply you with many of the products above.

Best of luck to you and your canine companion.