A slow and debilitating disease of the joints is what Arthritis is all about. A dog can suffer from pain in the joints as it ages. This is due in large part from the inflammation and degradation of the cartilage which in turn causes disabilities along the way. The joint capsule needs to heal and nourish itself continually. It cannot do this if the cartilage has been injured and is releasing inflammation-causing enzymes, disrupting the elasticity of the joint.
Most dogs do not vocalize when they are in pain from arthritic joints. The common signs will be a dog that's reluctant to go on long walks. They may circle endlessly before lying down or really struggle when getting up. They may avoid stairs, refuse to jump up or down from couches or beds, and may limp.
Dogs can get arthritis in the hips, knees and elbows. Once a puppy is a year or two old, dysplasia which is a developmental disease, can be diagnosed. Arthritic symptoms can be lessened but they will however, never go away. Once the damage is done, it needs to be managed. By following three steps, a dog's quality of life can be enhanced and the progression of arthritis can be slowed down. The three actions to take are weight control, exercise and pain management if necessary.
The elements of a normal joint are made up of a joint capsule, synovial fluid, articular cartilage and subchondral bone. The soundness of the joint capsule is very important for a smooth gliding function, for the production of hyaluronic acid and defense mechanisms. To provide proper metabolic waste removal from the cartilage in addition to supplying nutrients and lubrication, adequate synovial fluid production is needed.
A familiar term for Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear disease. Further pain and damage in the joint is caused by the subchondral bone becoming thicker and placing a heavier load upon the cartilage. This joint capsular thickening from the low-grade inflammatory process, ends up creating a decreased range of motion and reduction in functioning.
Popular for treating dogs with arthritis are the Chondroprotectants and Nutraceuticals. To utilize a comprehensive treatment plan it would combine the use of the following: exercise modification, weight loss, physical rehabilitation, nutritional therapy, pain management and possibly surgery.
Weight loss reduces the forces placed upon the abnormal joint surfaces. For dogs with hip dysplasia, reducing their body weight has enormous benefits. The most perfect exercise for dogs with arthritis is swimming. This moves all of their joints through a good range of motion without placing the stress and impact of the weight upon them.
One substance that is very beneficial for dog arthritis pain is Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids prevent abnormal cell growth and normalize the immune system. They also prevent inflammation and degeneration of the joint. When looking for sources of Omega-3, look at green leafy vegetables, flax seeds/oil, green-lipped mussels and cold water fish oils. Be sure to purchase organic cold pressed oils packaged in light resistant containers. The quality of oils will vary.
Nutraceuticals such as chondroitin and glucosamine also have anti-inflammatory properties. They are effective in slowing the progression of arthritis and can be used with other products. It has been shown that they reduce the swelling and help with the pain. Glucosamine HCL is one of the best since it is easily absorbed into the joint.
Boswellia, Tumeric, Ginger and Devils Claw, have been used for centuries by people in India. They all naturally fight joint inflammation and reduce pain associated with arthritis.
Acupuncture is another treatment modality for arthritis. Not only can it change the course of the disease, but it is powerful in alleviating the pain associated with it.
Homeopathy offers a few treatments to look into. Rhus Tox, is good for joints that are worse in cold, damp weather and stiff upon arising. Bryonia is for when the arthritis is worse with exercise and warm weather. Causticum is useful for the older dog that has less pain with heat. Check with your Holistic Veterinarian as to the correct dosages for your dog.
Very effective results can be gained from simple modifications of your home. If you have lots of stairs, ramps are very helpful in going up or down. To minimize neck and back strain use elevated food and water bowels. Beds that are heated help with painful and stiff achy joints. There is a multitude of things you can provide your dog that may be suffering from arthritis pain. As a last resort use surgery and drugs. For the best care for your dog, utilize all other avenues first.
www.treatment-for-dogs.com
Most dogs do not vocalize when they are in pain from arthritic joints. The common signs will be a dog that's reluctant to go on long walks. They may circle endlessly before lying down or really struggle when getting up. They may avoid stairs, refuse to jump up or down from couches or beds, and may limp.
Dogs can get arthritis in the hips, knees and elbows. Once a puppy is a year or two old, dysplasia which is a developmental disease, can be diagnosed. Arthritic symptoms can be lessened but they will however, never go away. Once the damage is done, it needs to be managed. By following three steps, a dog's quality of life can be enhanced and the progression of arthritis can be slowed down. The three actions to take are weight control, exercise and pain management if necessary.
The elements of a normal joint are made up of a joint capsule, synovial fluid, articular cartilage and subchondral bone. The soundness of the joint capsule is very important for a smooth gliding function, for the production of hyaluronic acid and defense mechanisms. To provide proper metabolic waste removal from the cartilage in addition to supplying nutrients and lubrication, adequate synovial fluid production is needed.
A familiar term for Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear disease. Further pain and damage in the joint is caused by the subchondral bone becoming thicker and placing a heavier load upon the cartilage. This joint capsular thickening from the low-grade inflammatory process, ends up creating a decreased range of motion and reduction in functioning.
Popular for treating dogs with arthritis are the Chondroprotectants and Nutraceuticals. To utilize a comprehensive treatment plan it would combine the use of the following: exercise modification, weight loss, physical rehabilitation, nutritional therapy, pain management and possibly surgery.
Weight loss reduces the forces placed upon the abnormal joint surfaces. For dogs with hip dysplasia, reducing their body weight has enormous benefits. The most perfect exercise for dogs with arthritis is swimming. This moves all of their joints through a good range of motion without placing the stress and impact of the weight upon them.
One substance that is very beneficial for dog arthritis pain is Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids prevent abnormal cell growth and normalize the immune system. They also prevent inflammation and degeneration of the joint. When looking for sources of Omega-3, look at green leafy vegetables, flax seeds/oil, green-lipped mussels and cold water fish oils. Be sure to purchase organic cold pressed oils packaged in light resistant containers. The quality of oils will vary.
Nutraceuticals such as chondroitin and glucosamine also have anti-inflammatory properties. They are effective in slowing the progression of arthritis and can be used with other products. It has been shown that they reduce the swelling and help with the pain. Glucosamine HCL is one of the best since it is easily absorbed into the joint.
Boswellia, Tumeric, Ginger and Devils Claw, have been used for centuries by people in India. They all naturally fight joint inflammation and reduce pain associated with arthritis.
Acupuncture is another treatment modality for arthritis. Not only can it change the course of the disease, but it is powerful in alleviating the pain associated with it.
Homeopathy offers a few treatments to look into. Rhus Tox, is good for joints that are worse in cold, damp weather and stiff upon arising. Bryonia is for when the arthritis is worse with exercise and warm weather. Causticum is useful for the older dog that has less pain with heat. Check with your Holistic Veterinarian as to the correct dosages for your dog.
Very effective results can be gained from simple modifications of your home. If you have lots of stairs, ramps are very helpful in going up or down. To minimize neck and back strain use elevated food and water bowels. Beds that are heated help with painful and stiff achy joints. There is a multitude of things you can provide your dog that may be suffering from arthritis pain. As a last resort use surgery and drugs. For the best care for your dog, utilize all other avenues first.
www.treatment-for-dogs.com
About the Author:
Helga Schmitt has been keenly exploring and researching dog health, physiotherapy and rehabilitation actively for the past 20 years. She is a Chartered Herbalist, Holistic Nutritionist and she holds a Certificate in Homeopathy. She strives to educate dog owners about healthy choices. For your Free dog Health Book and to read more on dog arthritis, go to www.treatment-for-dogs.com.
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