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.
Like people, pets can get arthritis in their joints. Knees, hips and ankles seem to be the most vulnerable and common areas for pets who get arthritis. Between the bones in the joint area is a spongy material called cartilage. This cartilage acts as a buffer agent so the bones do not grate against each other, and motion is easy, smooth and painless. In arthritis, that cartilage begins to wear away, reducing mobility, causing stiffness and eventually pain. Without that soft buffer, the bones begin to wear against each other, which is the source of the problem.
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:
* Exhibits obvious slowness or stiffness on stairs
* Avoids jumping up on furniture or into the car
* Slower pace while walking and tiring easily
* Increased stiffness, particularly after resting
* Wants to lie down rather than sit or stand
* Favoring a limb
These are only a few symptoms you may notice in your pet, but there are other, subtle indications in behavior that could also be pointing towards joint pain. Your pet could be sleeping more than usual, gaining weight, being less alert and showing less interest or enthusiasm for play and going for walks. If your dog seems to have symptoms for more than 2 weeks, it is time to take him for an arthritis evaluation by your veterinarian. The best thing you can do for your pet is to get a diagnosis and begin a prescribed arthritis treatment for dogs plan of management.
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.
In addition to managing diet, prescriptions and over the counter aids for your pet, there are some lifestyle changes that will also help to manage your dog's arthritis. Low impact exercises, like leash walking, swimming and going up and down stairs, provide for good range of motion and muscle building while limiting wear and tear on the joints. Daily exercise is best, and warming your dog's muscles prior to exercise and including a cool down period is beneficial. Cold, damp weather and conditions tend to aggravate arthritis, so provide your pet with a warm, dry place to sleep and spend his times. A pet sweater will help keep those joints warmer during colder days.
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.
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. - 29953
Like people, pets can get arthritis in their joints. Knees, hips and ankles seem to be the most vulnerable and common areas for pets who get arthritis. Between the bones in the joint area is a spongy material called cartilage. This cartilage acts as a buffer agent so the bones do not grate against each other, and motion is easy, smooth and painless. In arthritis, that cartilage begins to wear away, reducing mobility, causing stiffness and eventually pain. Without that soft buffer, the bones begin to wear against each other, which is the source of the problem.
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:
* Exhibits obvious slowness or stiffness on stairs
* Avoids jumping up on furniture or into the car
* Slower pace while walking and tiring easily
* Increased stiffness, particularly after resting
* Wants to lie down rather than sit or stand
* Favoring a limb
These are only a few symptoms you may notice in your pet, but there are other, subtle indications in behavior that could also be pointing towards joint pain. Your pet could be sleeping more than usual, gaining weight, being less alert and showing less interest or enthusiasm for play and going for walks. If your dog seems to have symptoms for more than 2 weeks, it is time to take him for an arthritis evaluation by your veterinarian. The best thing you can do for your pet is to get a diagnosis and begin a prescribed arthritis treatment for dogs plan of management.
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.
In addition to managing diet, prescriptions and over the counter aids for your pet, there are some lifestyle changes that will also help to manage your dog's arthritis. Low impact exercises, like leash walking, swimming and going up and down stairs, provide for good range of motion and muscle building while limiting wear and tear on the joints. Daily exercise is best, and warming your dog's muscles prior to exercise and including a cool down period is beneficial. Cold, damp weather and conditions tend to aggravate arthritis, so provide your pet with a warm, dry place to sleep and spend his times. A pet sweater will help keep those joints warmer during colder days.
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.
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. - 29953
About the Author:
In his youth, Nicky, his father 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 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.
