What To Do For Dogs With Arthritis

Supplements Help Dogs With Arthritic Pain

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Video – Arthritis In Dogs

This is an excellent short video all about arthritis in dogs.

Introduction

If your dog should be diagnosed with arthritis, there are some treatments that can ease their pain. An orthopedic dog bed and medications for arthritis helps. So, your dog isn’t moving around like he did years ago. It may be a sign that he is suffering from joint pain or has arthritis. Your vet can confirm specifically what your dog is suffering from.

Dogs also suffer from aching muscles and joints just like humans. The best thing you can do for this pain is to get him an orthopedic dog bed. These beds are made to help ease the pressure he might be having on his muscles and joints.

In this article, you will become familiar with what arthritis is in dogs, symptoms and what you can do to make his life easier.

Symptoms of Arthritis In dogs

As your dog ages, you may see some of the following symptoms in your dog. Any of these could be the result of arthritis and joint pain. Arthritis symptoms may include:

  • Stiffness
  • Lameness
  • Limping after rest
  • Loss of appetite or unusual weight gain
  • Inactivity and sleeping more
  • Tiredness and a reluctance to walk, run or climb stairs
  • Difficulty standing or sitting
  • Usual urinating in the house
  • Irritability and other behavioral changes
  • Decreased Interest In Interacting With You, Toys, and Other Animals
  • Yelping when touched

If should observe any of these symptoms, contact your vet so they can diagnose your dog if arthritis exists based on your dog’s age, and medical history. Based on that information they will perform a physical exam. He may take X-rays of the joints to determine the severity of the disease.

If it’s not too severe, he may prescribe some home treatments you can do for your dog. If it is severe, he may prescribe some pain meds.

What Can I Do If My Dog Has Arthritis?

There are some things you can do for your dog if they have arthritis or joint pain.

  • Always consult your vet for the proper treatment
  • Control your dog’s weight and diet
  • Purchase an orthopedic dog bed
  • Install ramps and provide slip-free flooring
  • Try messages and exercise
  • Make time for grooming

What are the Causes of Arthritis?

The best description I found for the causes of this disease and is provided by the Canine Health Foundation. They say:

“Factors contributing to a dog developing arthritis include aging, congenital joint disorders like hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis, elbow dysplasia, old injuries, repeated trauma to joints, activity levels in working and athletic dogs placing increased stress on joints, obesity, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage protecting the bones of the joint is destroyed. The joint loses its cushion, causing friction between bones, leading to pain and decreased mobility in affected joints. Inflammation of the cartilage can also stimulate bony growths (spurs) to form around the joints. Since cartilage has no nerve supply, damage can progress with no outward symptoms until the joint is severely damaged and the lubricating fluid has lost its ability to protect the bone surfaces. Although any joint in a dog’s body can be affected by arthritis, the most commonly affected joints are the hips, elbows, lower back, knees and wrists.”

We mentioned earlier there are some signs you can observe in your dog to determine if they may have some form of arthritis. When you see any changes in your dog, report them to your vet to secure the proper treatment. You want to do this as soon as possible. The earlier treatment can start the better it will be for your dog’s health.

Signs of Dog Pain Video

Below is a short video on 14 signs you dog may display if they are experiencing any types of pain. If you are observant, you can take the appropriate action. Take a look!

A Successful Dog Arthritis Treatment Plan

Once your dog has arthritis there are some remedies you can do. We mention a couple of them below. Most of these you can do without any major purchases or medications.

  • A weight control management program. If your dog is overweight, your top priority is to get that excess weight off his joints. Do this by reducing is daily food intake and increase his exercise to help remove this weight. Check with your vet to know what your breed’s dog ideal weight is. Remember, obesity is a huge issue for dogs that are subject to arthritis and joint pain. No matter what your dog’s joint health looks like, it is important to maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle. In dogs with osteoarthritis, carrying excess weight on damaged joints is not only painful but can also speed up the process of cartilage breakdown. In healthy dogs, obesity can predispose them to earlier development of osteoarthritis, as well as many other diseases. If your dog is overweight or obese, your veterinarian is your best resource to help you begin a diet and exercise plan to improve your dog’s health.
  • Each dog breed has different levels of exercise. Your vet can assist you here with this information. If your dog does have arthritis, your vet can recommend which exercises your dog can do without doing him much harm.
  • Keeping your dog fit and active. Taking your dog for his regular walks is a great way in keeping him fit and active. This is vital in keeping your pet’s weight under control.
  • Early diagnosis of arthritis. If you should see any of the signs we mentioned above, informing your vet is a great way to detect early if your pet suffers from this disease. The earlier it’s detected, the earlier treatment can begin.
  • Environmental modification. You may have to change some things in the house so your pet will have an easier time in moving around. Add some rugs to prevent him from slipping on the floor when he gets up or walks around. Keep him out of the way of drafty areas. Most importantly, give him an orthopedic dog bed to sleep in.
  • Only feed your dog the best nutritious food for his type of dog breed and age. Never feed your dog table scrapes. They are not the most nutritious for him. Give him treats that he likes. Remember, to include the calories from treats into his daily caloric intake and treats should not exceed more than 10% of his daily calories.
  • Some supplements can be healthful for your dog. Always confirm with your vet if the supplement you are considering will be helpful for your dog. Your vet can provide you a list of supplements that are helpful for your type of dog breed. Your vet may subscribe Cosequin, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, and Methylsulfonylmethane, just to name a few. If your dog has a severe case of arthritis, your vet may subscribe some pain killers.

Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Unfortunately, osteoarthritis is a progressive disease and there is no known cure. Preventing the development of osteoarthritis through diet, exercise, and the use of protective joint supplements is the best way to keep your dog’s joints healthy. When osteoarthritis develops, treatment is typically focused on controlling pain, decreasing inflammation, improving quality of life, and slowing the development of the disease. Treatment of osteoarthritis is usually multimodal, meaning that several different therapies are used simultaneously in order to achieve the best outcome.

Conclusion

If your dog should experience arthritis you now know how it develops in dogs. You also know what you can do for your dog to help ease any pain. We mentions some specific things you can do as your dog ages.

You know what symptoms that can cause arthritis and observe your pet if they should show any of them.

The bottom line here is to keep you, the pet parent, with the best information possible on this disease. There are some actions you can take to minimize your dog’s chances in getting the disease. However, some dog breeds through heredity will develop arthritis and have joint and muscle pain.

The best thing you can do for your dog is to provide him with an orthopedic dog bed. These beds are helpful in controlling and easing the pain on his joints and muscles.

There you have it. All you wanted to know about arthritis in dogs and what you can do as a dog parent.

Shop High Rated Dog Joint Supplements

Below are some high rated joint supplements that can be helpful in easing any pain your dog might be suffering. You will be taken to Amazon where you can place the order.

PetHonesty Hip Joint
PupGrade Joint Support

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