Arthritis Treatment For Dogs
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Over 12 million dogs are adversely affected by joint pain and mobility problems annually. Your wonderful, loving pet may be slowing down a bit, and it’s natural to assume that age is the cause. Anything more than a gradual decline in activity, or your pet’s diminishing interest in physical activity, may be signs that she has a more serious condition affecting the joints, known as arthritis. Yes, dogs get arthritis, too. Pain relief for dogs with arthritis is one way to mitigate this condition, but it is not the only answer. Life long treatment for arthritis is required.
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.
Take some time to actively watch your pet’s behavior. Remember, she can’t tell you when she’s hurting from stiffness or loss of joint mobility. It is up to you to watch for those non-verbal clues that she may be giving you. Arthritis for dogs has some common symptoms that you should watch for:
* Exhibits obvious slowness or stiffness on stairs
* Resists jumping up into a car or on furniture
* Lagging behind or tiring easily during walks
* Taking longer to get moving after resting or sleep
* Lies down rather than sits or stands
* Favors one limb over others
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.
Commonly prescribed pain medications for dogs with arthritis are NSAIDS; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These alleviate pain, as the name implies, but another more important part of your pet’s treatment may include supplements that support good joint health and good health in general. Glucosamine and chondroitin are over the counter supplements that are known to promote healthy joints, but buy the supplements that are intended for your pet! Do not feed them human supplements. Your pet’s needs are different. A good diet is essential, including Omega fatty acids and fiber. Your pet may need to lose some weight to relieve extra stress on painful joints. Your veterinarian may suggest additional courses of treatment to get your pet back to his/her old self.
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.
Nicky advises using natural arthritis and 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.
