Age: 8 or 9 (estimation as i found him on the street years ago)

Spay/Neuter status: neutered male

Breed: chihuahua         
       
Weight: 7 lbs       
       
Meds/Supplements: cosequin 

Primary complaint: joint pain and stiffness, especially in cold mornings

Length of primary complaint: since thanksgiving morning. please note: during vet exams, it has *always* been noted that his knees slide in and out. (i found him in 2019 when it was estimated he was 2 or 3 years old) but his joints didn’t really bug him much til now probably because he’s a little older.          
         
summary:            
i understand my little guy is getting older. but his back legs have been bothering him a lot this winter. thanksgiving morning he was in so much pain, he wouldn’t stop stretching, asking to be picked up (i obliged ofc), and eating plants to make himself throw up (i think he was nauseous). since then i started carrying him up and down the stairs in my complex.        
it’s the worst in the morning when it’s cold - i have to walk him before going to work. since thanksgiving, he’s just stiff in the mornings and asks me to carry him after he’s done doing his business. i’m happy to accommodate. i put a coat on him when we go out and when we get back inside, i make him a hot breakfast and put the heating pad on low for him. he perks right back up once we’re back inside where it’s warm.            
         
i also understand he needs to be evaluated in person. his vet appt is Wed 12/17. i’m just wondering if there’s anything else i can or should be doing to help him stay more comfortable during our morning potty walks. i don’t have any pain meds for him and do not feel comfortable trying to dose something otc without a vets explicit instruction. my local dispensaries have cbd supplements for dogs but idk if i trust it. any advice would be greatly appreciated!

advice regarding joint pain and stiffness (puppy tax attached!)