15-year-old dog’s snapping could signal aching joints

Dear Cathy: I have a 15-year-old dog who’s generally in great shape for his age. People think he’s a puppy at the dog park.

In the morning, he is affectionate and an aggressive cuddler. At bedtime, because of his age, I lift him onto my bed, where he sleeps every night.

My problem is, he snaps when I lift him. The snapping has gotten increasingly aggressive, and now I worry he may bite me. Is this an age thing, a pain thing, or a leave-me-alone thing? He was just at the vet a month ago for an annual checkup, and nothing suggested this behavior. — Evan, Long Island, New York

Dear Evan: Behavior changes are generally a sign of illness or pain, which at his age may be arthritis. I know he runs around at the dog park, but at 15, he may have joints that ache when touched in a certain way. Snapping is sometimes the only way a dog can let you know it hurts to be lifted.

Rather than lift him onto the bed when you might be at a weird angle to grab him, provide an ottoman or doggie stairs appropriate for his height so he can climb onto the bed. Put a nightlight near them so he can see them and leave a few treats on each level to encourage him to climb up on his own. You also could try a ramp, but most dogs are not exposed to ramps and aren’t likely to use them unless trained to do so.

Combine this with overthe-counter canine supplements. For joint care, look for products with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin

E, selenium and MSM, all available at pet stores or online. To relax him, there are over-the-counter calming chews that you can give before bedtime. This should help him if it is a mild behavioral issue.

If these supplements don’t reduce his snapping, please take him to the vet again to determine if your dog needs prescription medications or if there is something else going on.

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