As your dog ages it is not unusual for him to slow down a little; but only a little. The gradual decline of activity, and interest in activity, are signals that your pet may be experiencing joint pain as a result of arthritis. Joint issues are a very common problem affecting over 12 million dogs, especially older and large dogs. Dismissing your dog's symptoms as normal aging could be allowing your dog to suffer needlessly. Pain relief for dogs experiencing joint pain and mobility problems can be effectively managed. Arthritis is a chronic disease that requires life long treatment.
What does arthritis for dogs mean? The hip, knee and ankle joints in pets are the joints most commonly affected by the deterioration of cartilage. Cartilage is the spongy, protective cushion between the bones where joints meet. When the cartilage begins to break down, that is, to disintegrate, the condition is known as arthritis. As the cartilage wears away, the bones begin to rub together, which causes inflammation, pain and stiffness, and in advanced cases, lameness.
Your beloved pet can't explain what's wrong with him or if he's in pain. So, how do you know if your pet is experiencing arthritic problems and pain? You need to watch for the non-verbal clues and take behavior changes seriously. Here are a few of the classic symptoms of arthritis for dogs:
* Reluctance to go up or down stairs
* Resists jumping up into a car or on furniture
* Tiring easily during walks or walking more slowly than usual
* Taking longer to get moving after resting or sleep
* Lies down rather than sits or stands
* Favoring a limb
There are other, more subtle symptoms that may also be indicators that your pet is experiencing joint immobility or pain issues. Weight gain and extensive sleeping, less enthusiasm for play and disinterest in general are also signs to watch for. Keep notes, and if your pet continues to exhibit these symptoms for longer than 2 weeks, take her to the veterinarian for an arthritis evaluation. Arthritis treatment for dogs will vary depending on the age and condition of your pet, so you need to get a proper diagnosis from the vet first, and then you will want to follow the management plan that is prescribed for your pet.
Commonly prescribed pain medications for dogs with arthritis are NSAIDS; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These alleviate pain, as the name implies, but another more important part of your pet's treatment may include supplements that support good joint health and good health in general. Glucosamine and chondroitin are over the counter supplements that are known to promote healthy joints, but buy the supplements that are intended for your pet! Do not feed them human supplements. Your pet's needs are different. A good diet is essential, including Omega fatty acids and fiber. Your pet may need to lose some weight to relieve extra stress on painful joints. Your veterinarian may suggest additional courses of treatment to get your pet back to his/her old self.
Exercise is also a prescribed treatment in arthritis for dogs. Low impact exercises will keep the joints mobile and build muscle without causing undue strain on the joints themselves. The key is 'motion'. Your dog has to be kept mobile to stay healthy. Daily, low impact exercises, like leash walking and swimming, will provide range of movement activities to help prevent the joints from becoming stiff from lack of use. Like people, your pet should have a muscle warm up before more strenuous exercise. If the weather is cold and damp, which can cause muscles to be stiff, give him/her a warm up inside before out of doors exercises. And always provide your pet with a warm, dry and comfortable place to sleep and rest.
Depending on your dog's condition, physical therapy or massage may be part of your pet's arthritic treatment. Massage can be relaxing for both you and your pet. It is time you can spend together in a relaxed and warm environment, when healing can take place. Begin by petting the joint area that is affected with arthritis and gradually use your fingertips in a small, circular motion. From there, continue the massage out to the general area. This may relax your pet for a good night's sleep or could warm up the muscles sufficiently for daily outdoor exercise. Take any new treatment slowly at first. You want to build trust with your pet, so he/she accepts this new type of treatment to derive benefit from it. Massage has proven to reduce stiffness in muscles and promotes better range of motion.
Overall, you want to work closely with your veterinarian to manage your dog's arthritic condition. Your goal is to provide the best treatment and supportive lifestyle that will decrease the degeneration of the cartilage between joints, alleviate joint pain, and keep your pet as healthy as possible. Remember, arthritis doesn't go away, but effective, managed arthritis treatment for dogs can ensure that you will both enjoy the coming years together. - 29895
What does arthritis for dogs mean? The hip, knee and ankle joints in pets are the joints most commonly affected by the deterioration of cartilage. Cartilage is the spongy, protective cushion between the bones where joints meet. When the cartilage begins to break down, that is, to disintegrate, the condition is known as arthritis. As the cartilage wears away, the bones begin to rub together, which causes inflammation, pain and stiffness, and in advanced cases, lameness.
Your beloved pet can't explain what's wrong with him or if he's in pain. So, how do you know if your pet is experiencing arthritic problems and pain? You need to watch for the non-verbal clues and take behavior changes seriously. Here are a few of the classic symptoms of arthritis for dogs:
* Reluctance to go up or down stairs
* Resists jumping up into a car or on furniture
* Tiring easily during walks or walking more slowly than usual
* Taking longer to get moving after resting or sleep
* Lies down rather than sits or stands
* Favoring a limb
There are other, more subtle symptoms that may also be indicators that your pet is experiencing joint immobility or pain issues. Weight gain and extensive sleeping, less enthusiasm for play and disinterest in general are also signs to watch for. Keep notes, and if your pet continues to exhibit these symptoms for longer than 2 weeks, take her to the veterinarian for an arthritis evaluation. Arthritis treatment for dogs will vary depending on the age and condition of your pet, so you need to get a proper diagnosis from the vet first, and then you will want to follow the management plan that is prescribed for your pet.
Commonly prescribed pain medications for dogs with arthritis are NSAIDS; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These alleviate pain, as the name implies, but another more important part of your pet's treatment may include supplements that support good joint health and good health in general. Glucosamine and chondroitin are over the counter supplements that are known to promote healthy joints, but buy the supplements that are intended for your pet! Do not feed them human supplements. Your pet's needs are different. A good diet is essential, including Omega fatty acids and fiber. Your pet may need to lose some weight to relieve extra stress on painful joints. Your veterinarian may suggest additional courses of treatment to get your pet back to his/her old self.
Exercise is also a prescribed treatment in arthritis for dogs. Low impact exercises will keep the joints mobile and build muscle without causing undue strain on the joints themselves. The key is 'motion'. Your dog has to be kept mobile to stay healthy. Daily, low impact exercises, like leash walking and swimming, will provide range of movement activities to help prevent the joints from becoming stiff from lack of use. Like people, your pet should have a muscle warm up before more strenuous exercise. If the weather is cold and damp, which can cause muscles to be stiff, give him/her a warm up inside before out of doors exercises. And always provide your pet with a warm, dry and comfortable place to sleep and rest.
Depending on your dog's condition, physical therapy or massage may be part of your pet's arthritic treatment. Massage can be relaxing for both you and your pet. It is time you can spend together in a relaxed and warm environment, when healing can take place. Begin by petting the joint area that is affected with arthritis and gradually use your fingertips in a small, circular motion. From there, continue the massage out to the general area. This may relax your pet for a good night's sleep or could warm up the muscles sufficiently for daily outdoor exercise. Take any new treatment slowly at first. You want to build trust with your pet, so he/she accepts this new type of treatment to derive benefit from it. Massage has proven to reduce stiffness in muscles and promotes better range of motion.
Overall, you want to work closely with your veterinarian to manage your dog's arthritic condition. Your goal is to provide the best treatment and supportive lifestyle that will decrease the degeneration of the cartilage between joints, alleviate joint pain, and keep your pet as healthy as possible. Remember, arthritis doesn't go away, but effective, managed arthritis treatment for dogs can ensure that you will both enjoy the coming years together. - 29895
About the Author:
In his youth, Nicky, his parents and 2 brothers raised and trained spaniels as bird dogs. Injuries on and off the field need to be dealt with immediately, and over the years, Nicky became adept at treating joint injuries to the dogs. Nicky recommends using natural arthritis & joint relief treatments in addition to massage and medications. Visit his site Arthritis For Dogs for selections of holistic and homeopathic treatments for your pets.
