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.
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:
* Hesitates to go up or down stairs
* Resists jumping up into a car or on furniture
* Lagging behind or tiring easily during walks
* Moving stiffly and slowly after rising
* Wants to lie down rather than sit or stand
* Limping
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
* Hesitates to go up or down stairs
* Resists jumping up into a car or on furniture
* Lagging behind or tiring easily during walks
* Moving stiffly and slowly after rising
* Wants to lie down rather than sit or stand
* Limping
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.
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.
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.
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.
About the Author:
As a boy, Nicky, his parents and 2 brothers raised and trained Brittany spaniels as bird dogs. Injuries on and off the field need to be dealt with effectively, and over the course of time, Nicky became adept at treating joint injuries to the dogs. Nicky advises 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.
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