hips and sprains

Question
King is only half husky [other half collie] but here is my question. I bike King every day for several miles. I notice no problems while biking but it seems that lately he is having a little hard time getting the rear up from a down position in the home. This is very subtle but I notice everything with King. I am thinking he may have sprained a muscle as it has been pretty cold on some days. He is about 6, trim, and in excellent condition. I can't help thinking hips but knowing how dogs won't let on what ails them am not sure. I am not quite ready for a trip to the vets yet but would appreciate any input. Can a dog handle Aleve or aspirin? Any way to discern myself if he has a muscle sprain? I am reluctant to push him hard biking until I am comfortable with his condition. Thanks, JackB

Answer
Hi There Jack,
I think I wrote to you before on the subject of Biking your dog, if I remember correctly. So your boy is a bit stiff and sore is he? Well there are a few things you can do. One of the best things is to take him to a Chiropracter, some of these guys do dogs as well as people. The best way to find one is to get in touch with the greyhound racing community in your area, they take their dogs to these all the time. One trip will have tremendous benifits to King. The difference is truly amazing, my dogs run faster and freeer than before, you can just see the joy and relief they have after one such treatment It is an inexpensive drug free way of helping your dog immensely.
He probably has got muscle strain, so a bit of a rest for a few days would not hurt him either. Try massaging him after a run as well dont just let him get cold. Collies are not as robust as the siberian breed when it comes to pulling so keep that in mind as well, as collies are more likely to develop these types of problems as they age. Asprin is safe to use, though I have never done so, avoid any drugs which contain Paracetamol as that is deadly poisonus to both dogs and cats alike. I am not sure about aleve as I am from Australia and I am still unfamiliar with your over the counter medications here. If he was mine I would be doing the Chiro first, an experienced one can also tell you if there is any signs of arthritis present. My guess is though, King is fine, and like you said has just pulled a muscle. A bit of rest and warm should help as well. I hope this helps you both.
Merry Xmas Faye and Kuul.