Dogs and Arthritis - The Different Treatments Available

I'm pretty sure you either know some people who have arthritis or you're at least familiar with what arthritis is. But you might not realize that dogs can get arthritis too.

Arthritis in dogs is actually pretty similar to arthritis in people. Several things can cause it, but arthritis is always a painful degenerative disease that leads to stiff, aching joints and muscles. It can vary in severity. Some dogs are lucky and have barely noticeable symptoms. Others, however, are less fortunate and experience a great deal of pain and severely restricted mobility. There isn't any real cure for arthritis, so if your dog is arthritic, you'll want some information on dog arthritis treatments that can help improve his quality of life.

An assortment of treatment options and therapies are available, all of which hope to alleviate the painful symptoms of arthritis and/or increase freedom of movement. These dog arthritis treatments can be loosely categorized into two types - natural and chemical.

Natural Dog Arthritis Treatments

Herbal remedies are one way to treat an arthritic dog naturally. A number of herbs can help ease your dog's pain and can be purchased at natural health care and herbal stores. For example, a daily dose of tea made from fresh or dried alfalfa can help reduce swelling in the joints. Yucca, another herb, can help ease the pain of arthritis because it contains natural steroids. Comfrey leaves are a third example, but other herbs can be also used as natural herbal therapies.

Massage can also ease the pain experienced by dogs with arthritis. You can use just your hands to rub your pet's aching limbs, or you can incorporate an herbal oil, olive oil or sunflower oil into the massage.

Excess weight is a common cause of arthritis in dogs because it causes additional wear and tear on the joints. Weight control is an easy but effective way to help alleviate your dog's suffering, although it probably won't eliminate it totally. Put your dog on a diet of healthy, nutritious food, and once he achieves the proper weight for his size and breed, keep it there.

Gentle, low-impact exercise is very important for dogs suffering from arthritis. The exercise forces the dog to move, which ultimately might further damage the cartilage, but it also stimulates the production of joint-lubricating synovial fluid which can increase mobility.

Acupuncture is yet another natural technique that can be effective for canine arthritis pain. It can increase circulation - and therefore the blood supply - in the vicinity of an arthritic joint. This provides additional oxygen and slows the degeneration of joint tissues. Acupuncture is also helpful for alleviating muscle spasms. It stimulates the nerves and muscles to increase leg strength and causes the secretion of the endorphin hormones which help a dog feel better.

These and other natural dog arthritis treatments can be given alone or combined with prescription and non-prescription medications, depending on your vet's recommendation.

Chemical-Based Dog Arthritis Treatments

A wide assortment of prescription and non-prescription medications can also be used to treat a dog with arthritis. For example, Rimadyl® is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which can alleviate pain and inflammation in joints, but dog owners need to be aware that it carries the risk of liver damage. Although this particular side effect only affects a small percentage of dogs, Rimadyl® (as well as other NSAIDs) also has some pretty nasty other potential side effects, so if you give your dog Rimadyl® and notice any adverse effects, stop the drug immediately and speak with your vet.

Deramaxx® is another prescription NSAID which can be given to dogs for the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. Like Rimadyl®, Deramaxx® has a number of potential side effects, including abdominal pain, fatigue, bloody stools, itching, jaundice, skin rashes, weight gain and more. Bring any side effects to your vet's attention promptly.

NSAIDs can be effective, but their potential side effects require them to be used cautiously. The same could be said for prescription steroids, which can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and/or kidney disease, muscle atrophy (wasting) and Cushing's disease.

Those chemical-based dog arthritis treatments can have some undesirable and potentially life-threatening side effects if allowed to progress without veterinary intervention. So, what other chemical-based dog arthritis treatments are available?

Well, there's always aspirin, the old standby. It, too, is an NSAID and can be effective against the pain and swelling caused by arthritis. But aspirin also has some potential side effects, including gastrointestinal irritation that can cause liver and kidney damage and the possibility of further damaging a dog's already-degraded joint cartilage. As a result, aspirin should only be given for short-term pain relief, not as a long-term method of controlling pain. Using buffered or enteric (coated) aspirin can help prevent side effects, but only slightly. The standard veterinary dosage of aspirin for a 12-hour period is 5-10 mg per pound of the dog's body weight, given at feeding time.

Glucosamine for Dogs (Vegetarian)

Finally, supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin are products which can help reduce pain and increase mobility by protecting and lubricating arthritic joints. Often taken by people with arthritis, these ingredients have been proven to soothe, rehabilitate and sometimes even regenerate tissue damaged by arthritis. Fortunately, they have virtually no side effects, although once a dog starts taking them they must continue or joint degeneration will resume. In short, glucosamine and chondroitin are providing to be among the safest and most effective dog arthritis treatments available. Often grouped as a chemical-based treatment because they're available in liquid or pill form, glucosamine and chondroitin are actually natural dietary supplements. In the right form and amount, they can provide pain relief and promote joint health within 10 to 30 days after treatment begins.

Glucosamine for Small Dogs

It is such a pain for a dog owner to see his four-legged best friend suffering from Arthritis

It really is heartbreaking however we all know that there is a good chance that one day or another our dog will experience this kind of disorder.

Many dog owners are not aware of all the different ailments that a dog can encounter in his life-span, and most important, the different causes and symptoms that could be very helpful to diagnose these conditions before they become major ones.

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Tips To Keep Your Senior Dog Healthy And Happy

The first thing to think about is, when does my dog become a senior? Generally, giant breed dogs age more quickly than smaller breed dogs. A Great Dane will be senior by about 5 or 6 years of age. A Chihuahua would not become a senior until around 10 or 11 years. Large breed dogs fall in the middle. A Lab may be considered senior by 8 or 10 years of age. Many thing factor into this, such as health, fitness, and nutrition and affect how fast your dog will age.

As your dog grows older he or she may develop arthritis that could slow him down. You will notice that your dog may not be able to walk as far as he used to or play as long. You may see that he may have trouble getting up or seem uncomfortable when trying to sleep. He may seem to not want to go up and down stairs, and may be hesitant to get into and out of the car.

You may also notice weight gain or weight loss. If your dog becomes less active then weight gain will be the result. Dental disease can be painful to your dog, causing your dog to have a hard time eating. Senior dogs also can suffer from kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease and other conditions that may result in weight loss.

Here's what you can do the make your senior dog's life great:

Schedule regular visits with your veterinarian. Your dog will need a full exam at least once a year. Even if you feel he is healthy, many diseases are not obvious, and only a Vet can assess his health. It is much easier and certainly better for you and your dog to prevent disease rather than to treat it!

Ask your vet for body condition evaluation. Body condition will determine if your senior dog is overweight, underweight, or at an ideal body weight. You should also ask your vet to show you how to determine your dog's body condition so you can monitor it yourself in between vet visits.

Quality Food. Make sure you're feeding your older dog high quality dog food diet. Learn to read the dog food label and understand what ingredients are important or which are unnecessary. Also pick a diet that is right for your dog's age and activity.

Ideal Weight. Keep your senior dog at the ideal weight using the right diet. Overweight dogs have a higher chance of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Your vet can assist you to pick the right diet for your dog to ensure that all nutritional needs are met while maintain the correct weight.

Dog Vitamins

Think about fortifying your dog's diet. Studies have shown that fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA are effective for dogs with movement issues from arthritis or other joint diseases. Supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, are also helpful for senior dogs.

K9 Glucosamine

Special Diets. If your older dog has heart or kidney disease consider a special diet. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best food for your dog based on your dog's individual situation.

Take care of your dog's teeth. It's important to brush your dog's teeth. It can help keep your dog's mouth healthy. If you don't want to brush, then use dental treats or dental toys that help keep teeth clean.

Your senior dog needs exercise. Just like for you, exercise can help keep your older dog maintain healthy joints and muscles. Keep in mind that you need to customize your dog's exercise needs to his own requirements. If your senior is not used to exercise, consult a veterinarian, who will give you ideas and guideline.

Keep your senior dog's mind alert. Food puzzles, for example, are useful for entertainment and for weight loss.

Outward Hound Fun Feeder

Give your older dog comfort. An extra thick soft bed will comfort dogs with arthritis. Pet ramps and stairs can be used to make getting in and out of your vehicle easier and getting up and down from furniture. Put carpeting or rugs over hard floors to help your arthritic dog gain his footing and make it easier for him to get around.

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Dog Vitamins - The Importance of Key Nutrients For Aging Dogs

Owning and caring for a dog can greatly improve our own health and mental well-being. According to recent studies, dogs may be man's best friend in even more ways than we previously thought. Dogs provide companionship, a reason to exercise daily and they are thought to buffer us from stress. How can we possibly repay our pet for such wonderful benefits? Our responsibility to our four-legged companion is to make sure they are well looked after and receive the nutrients and dog vitamins they need, particularly as they get older.

Older dogs need a balanced food formulation for their changing metabolism. A healthy dog's diet should include the following:

• Protein to help maintain muscle mass
• Healthy grains providing carbohydrates which are the source of sustained energy and vitality
• Antioxidants including Vitamin E and beta-carotene which will boost our dog's metabolism
• Glucosamine which is essential for healthy joints and hips
• Fish oils, for a healthy skin and a shining coat which indicate good overall health
• Fiber such as beet-pulp to maintain intestinal health. Fiber is also essential to enable dogs to absorb essential nutrients
  

  

Whatever type of food you choose for your dog, how can you be sure that they are receiving these essentials in sufficient quantities, particularly smaller dogs which eat small meals? Dog vitamins are available in easy-to-take tablet form in varying doses according to the size and weight of your dog. They help ensure that your dog receives the essential vitamins his body needs for a healthy lifestyle well into old age. Choose tablets with a tasty chicken taste and they can easily be given as a healthy treat.

Good health for our faithful companion begins when he is young and energetic and will pay off as he gets older. Using dog vitamins for every age of a dog's life is important, but for a senior dog, vitamins are crucial. Providing the best diet with a balance of key nutrients and a vitamin supplement means you are doing everything you can to repay your dog for the enhanced quality of life they give you.

Easy to administer Liquid Dog Vitamins
The Easy Alternative to Tablets 

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