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.
Arthritis affects the joints. The most common joints where pets get arthritis is in the hips, knees and ankles. Cartilage is a protective cushion between the bones in the joints that allows ease of movement. In arthritic conditions, when the cartilage begins to deteriorate, the bones start rubbing together, causing growing discomfort, stiffness, pain and, if left untreated, can result in lameness. There are a number of treatments that will impede the deterioration of the cartilage, allowing more freedom of movement for your pet, and reduce her stiffness.
In the absence of a dialog with your pet, your observance of your pet's behavior is critical to determining whether or not he/she may be suffering from stiffness, lack of mobility or joint pain. Before taking your dog to the veterinarian, see if your dog has any of the following, common symptoms of a possible arthritic condition:
* Exhibits obvious slowness or stiffness on stairs
* Resists jumping up into a car or on furniture
* Lagging behind or tiring easily during walks
* Increased stiffness, particularly after resting
* Prefers lying to sitting or standing
* Favors one limb over others
In addition to these, your pet may be gaining extra weight, sleeping more than usual, being less alert and less enthusiastic about play and exercise. These could all be pointing to a decrease in joint mobility. If your pet is displaying a few of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks, make an appointment with the vet to have your dog evaluated for arthritis. Tell your veterinarian which symptoms and behavior changes you have observed. A timely diagnosis means timely treatment for your pet, and your veterinarian will most likely prescribe a management plan of arthritis treatment for dogs that will be customized for your pet's condition.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are commonly prescribed as a pain medication for dogs. Pain medication will only mask the problem, however, so treatment may expand to include special foods and over the counter products that contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which works to support the cartilage in the joints. Omega fatty acids are also known to increase cartilage health. Your dog may have to go on a diet to decrease the extra pounds that are causing unnecessary stress on already sore joints. Adding fiber to you dog's diet should help your pet lose those extra pounds. There are even topical treatments available to relieve joint and muscle soreness.
Besides prescriptions, supplements and diet, exercise is an essential part of your dog's life. Just because those joints are not as mobile as they once were, does not mean your pet can do without exercise. Low impact activities, like leash walking or swimming, allow for good range of motion on joints and building muscle, without stressing out the joints. Daily exercise is better than 3 times a week of strenuous activity. Depending on how advanced the condition is, your pet may benefit from a slow warm up to get the muscles warmed and the joints moving more freely before taking a brisk walk or slower paced run. Cold, damp weather may intensify the joint stiffness. On those days, you may want to give your dog a muscle warm up indoors before proceeding outside for exercise. You might also consider a pet sweater that covers the affected joints and keeps the muscles warmer.
Your veterinarian may prescribe massage or physical therapy, which have proven to be very beneficial therapies in pain relief for dogs, as part of your dog's treatment. The veterinary staff will show you how to massage and perform physical therapy to relax your dog's stiff muscles and promote a better range of motion in the joints. When beginning this type of therapy, remember to take it slowly; you need to build trust with your pet. You can start by petting him around and on the area where you intend to work. You will gently work up to kneading the muscles around the joint, using your fingertips in a small, circular motion. Gradually work your way out to the surrounding muscles. At all times, massage and physical therapy should be done in a warm, relaxed and safe environment. Make this experience as comfortable as possible for both you and your dog.
Making good, healthy choices for your dog's arthritic condition will enable him/her to lead an active and healthy life. Arthritis can be debilitating and crippling without managed arthritis treatment for dogs. You and your veterinarian will decide on appropriate treatments, supplements and any prescriptions that may be necessary to keep you and your dog happy friends for life. - 29895
Arthritis affects the joints. The most common joints where pets get arthritis is in the hips, knees and ankles. Cartilage is a protective cushion between the bones in the joints that allows ease of movement. In arthritic conditions, when the cartilage begins to deteriorate, the bones start rubbing together, causing growing discomfort, stiffness, pain and, if left untreated, can result in lameness. There are a number of treatments that will impede the deterioration of the cartilage, allowing more freedom of movement for your pet, and reduce her stiffness.
In the absence of a dialog with your pet, your observance of your pet's behavior is critical to determining whether or not he/she may be suffering from stiffness, lack of mobility or joint pain. Before taking your dog to the veterinarian, see if your dog has any of the following, common symptoms of a possible arthritic condition:
* Exhibits obvious slowness or stiffness on stairs
* Resists jumping up into a car or on furniture
* Lagging behind or tiring easily during walks
* Increased stiffness, particularly after resting
* Prefers lying to sitting or standing
* Favors one limb over others
In addition to these, your pet may be gaining extra weight, sleeping more than usual, being less alert and less enthusiastic about play and exercise. These could all be pointing to a decrease in joint mobility. If your pet is displaying a few of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks, make an appointment with the vet to have your dog evaluated for arthritis. Tell your veterinarian which symptoms and behavior changes you have observed. A timely diagnosis means timely treatment for your pet, and your veterinarian will most likely prescribe a management plan of arthritis treatment for dogs that will be customized for your pet's condition.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are commonly prescribed as a pain medication for dogs. Pain medication will only mask the problem, however, so treatment may expand to include special foods and over the counter products that contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which works to support the cartilage in the joints. Omega fatty acids are also known to increase cartilage health. Your dog may have to go on a diet to decrease the extra pounds that are causing unnecessary stress on already sore joints. Adding fiber to you dog's diet should help your pet lose those extra pounds. There are even topical treatments available to relieve joint and muscle soreness.
Besides prescriptions, supplements and diet, exercise is an essential part of your dog's life. Just because those joints are not as mobile as they once were, does not mean your pet can do without exercise. Low impact activities, like leash walking or swimming, allow for good range of motion on joints and building muscle, without stressing out the joints. Daily exercise is better than 3 times a week of strenuous activity. Depending on how advanced the condition is, your pet may benefit from a slow warm up to get the muscles warmed and the joints moving more freely before taking a brisk walk or slower paced run. Cold, damp weather may intensify the joint stiffness. On those days, you may want to give your dog a muscle warm up indoors before proceeding outside for exercise. You might also consider a pet sweater that covers the affected joints and keeps the muscles warmer.
Your veterinarian may prescribe massage or physical therapy, which have proven to be very beneficial therapies in pain relief for dogs, as part of your dog's treatment. The veterinary staff will show you how to massage and perform physical therapy to relax your dog's stiff muscles and promote a better range of motion in the joints. When beginning this type of therapy, remember to take it slowly; you need to build trust with your pet. You can start by petting him around and on the area where you intend to work. You will gently work up to kneading the muscles around the joint, using your fingertips in a small, circular motion. Gradually work your way out to the surrounding muscles. At all times, massage and physical therapy should be done in a warm, relaxed and safe environment. Make this experience as comfortable as possible for both you and your dog.
Making good, healthy choices for your dog's arthritic condition will enable him/her to lead an active and healthy life. Arthritis can be debilitating and crippling without managed arthritis treatment for dogs. You and your veterinarian will decide on appropriate treatments, supplements and any prescriptions that may be necessary to keep you and your dog happy friends for life. - 29895
About the Author:
As a boy, Nicky, his parents and 2 brothers raised and trained spaniels as bird dogs. Injuries on and off the field need to be dealt with effectively, and over the years, Nicky became adept at managing 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.
