Dear Walking: When animals – or humans, for that matter – are stiff it usually means that something isn’t working the way it should. They take shorter steps, don’t reach as far or don’t jump as high. The limiting factor is usually pain. We don’t go as far as we used to because it hurts. Dixie’s stiffness is most likely a result of some sort of discomfort or pain.

You should demand your vet take a hip x-ray. Hip dysplasia, a degenerative joint condition, is one of the most common diseases in larger dogs. Breeders routinely x-ray their breeding stock after they turn two years old because that is when the hips are fully formed and early signs of the disease will appear. Dixie is five now and if she is developing hip dysplasia or has arthritis, an x-ray would be an easy diagnostic tool.

Trim Down, Get Fit

Being overweight creates more stress on Dixie’s joints and you’ll definitely want her to trim down. What ever is causing her hip stiffness having that added weight is just compounding the problem. Start slowly by decreasing her caloric intake, maybe cutting out any treats, and reducing her food by one-third. You can also supplement her diet with some canned green beans to give her some volume in her food.

I’m baffled as to why the vet doesn’t want you to exercise her. If she is already overweight, not keeping her on a walking routine to trim down will only do her more harm, in my opinion. I come from a long background in horses and routinely older horses come out of their stall and are very stiff. We ride them slowly and easy until they loosen up, and warm up their joints and muscles before we begin the more strenuous exercise. If we never rode the stiff horses, there would have been a bunch of fat horses kicking around the barn.

Ease The Pain

After x-rays, which will help diagnose or rule out hip dysplasia or even some arthritis, you may want to ask your vet about some supplements, drugs or even surgery to make Dixie comfortable so you can continue walking her. One “nutraceutical” I used to feed my older horses and dogs was Cosequin®. It contains Glucosamine that may help restore fluid in the joints. I’ve had great results with my animals on this stuff. It’s not a drug but rather a supplement that works like one. If your dog is indeed suffering from irreversible arthritis or hip dysplasia then ask you vet about some stronger pharmaceuticals, like many of the non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs on the market to help reduce swelling and take away some of the pain so you and Dixie can enjoy your walks together again.

Lisa’s Pick of the Litter

Since Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf region, some 5,000 animals have been displaced from their homes and owners. Since shortly after Katrina hit, the American Kennel Club and AKC Companion Animal Recovery have been in the region meeting with relief workers determining needs and shipping supplies for the dogs affected by the storm.

When you send a donation to the AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund, rest assured that 100 percent of your contribution goes to buying much-needed supplies to care for the dogs in shelters and for the veterinarian community treating those sick and injured. No donation money is used for any administrative purposes. With Hurricane Rita looming on the horizon and long-term needs for the Katrina dogs, please take the time to learn more about the fund, relief updates or to contribute. Visit the AKC at www.akc.org for more information. The animals thank you.

Lisa Peterson, a long-time breeder of Norwegian Elkhounds, is the Director of Club Communications at the American Kennel Club. Contact her at ask@lisa-peterson.com or Dogma Publishing, P.O. Box 307, Newtown, CT 06470.