Treat Pet Arthritis, Dog Arthritis and Cat Arthritis

Canine arthritis affects about 20% of the population of dogs. Although it is common among older dogs, the infectious type of the disease can also affect pets atany age. Arthritis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of a joint. In dogs, this usually involves the joints on the legs. Unhealthy joints can often cause swelling and pain, making it difficult for dogs to move, much less walk or run. Proper dog arthritis treatment is necessary to relieve pain and improve the quality of life of the pet.

What happens in arthritis?

In normal joints, there is a layer of cartilage that covers each end of the bone. The cartilage is smooth, allowing the bones to move without problems. The joint itself is also covered by a membrane made up of a thick liquid that provides lubrication during movement. In arthritic joints, the amount of fluid is significantly diminished and the cartilage is damaged, so each end of the bone rubs against each other.

How is Dog Arthritis Treatment undertaken?

The best treatment is prevention, although this is very difficult to do especially if the disease is immune mediated. This is when the arthritic condition occurs as a result of another disease. If this is the case, the best thing to do is to treat the cause of the problem as early as possible to avoid any complications that may lead to joint problems. Infective arthritis is treated in the same manner.

Dogs are also at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis if they are overweight. In many households, dogs are fed more food than they need and this is exacerbated by not getting enough physical exercise, causing them to carry around excess pounds. By ensuring that an overweight pet maintains a healthy body weight, the owner can help prevent osteoarthritis and a number of diseases including diabetes and heart disease.

A dog who shows the symptoms of arthritis:

•  joint swelling,
• having difficulty in moving,
• feeling and exhibiting pain when walking or running,
• favoring one leg over the other

should undergo a physical exam at the veterinarian’s. Once the disease is diagnosed, the appropriate course of treatment will be prescribed.

In infectious arthritis, the pet is often treated with antibiotics to kill harmful microorganisms and prevent infection that could later affect the joints. If a joint is filled with fluid, the vet may aspirate it to drain and flush out any debris.
Some owners often use supplements to support the joints. The most popular ones are glucosamine and/or chondroitin sulfate. Joint cartilage is made up of these two materials and it is believed that by providing the dog’s body with supplemental amounts, the cartilage becomes healthier. These supplements have been known to help ease inflammation and improve movement.If the condition is immune mediated, the pet may have to use medication such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and corticosteroids. These drugs suppress the dog’s immune system, thus preventing inflammation. NSAIDs also help relieve pain, allowing the dog to walk and move. Certain injections may also be given to keep the cartilage healthy. During treatment, pets may also undergo physical therapy and massages to facilitate proper movement.

For pets with severe joint damage, surgery may be necessary as a last resort for dog arthritis treatment. Cartilage on the joints is removed and a bone graft is added. The joint can no longer move but the source of pain is no longer present.

Just like humans, dogs are affected by arthritis too. What makes it even more agonizing for our poor pets is that they cannot complain about their degenerating and painful joints. However, dogs do give out some signals that indicate they are impacted by arthritis. So how can we owners figure out if our treasured friend has pet arthritis, and not cold or a stomach upset? Here are the tell-tale signs of arthritis in dogs to look for:

Signs that indicate your pet has arthritis:

1. The first signs are changes in mood and activity levels. He will not be as alert as you know him to be, he may even become ill-tempered. Many folks think that these could be cold or an upset stomach, but they should dig deeper and observe their pet for any of the following signs.
2. He may turn irritable when you pet or touch him because your touch will cause him pain. In fact, he may turn averse to any type of contact.
3. The pet may choose just one limb for his activity. This indicates there are problems with the non-favored limbs.
4. The pet might find it difficult to sit or stand or walk. You will observe general lethargy and even some difficulty while walking up the stairs.
5. He may experience irregular sleep.
6. He will show reluctance to go out for his daily dose of physical activity. He will refuse to run up the stairs or run like a hare to fetch the ball. Or, if he accompanies you, he will fall behind you (which is so unusual).
7. He may limp as well.
8. As his level of activity starts decreasing, he will put on weight, thereby worsening his condition as he now has to carry a heavier load. He will find it difficult to get up or lie down.

If your pet has these dog arthritis symptoms for more than 12-14 days, then it’s treatment time. This is where joint supplements are known to help. Joint supplements act as wonderful, natural alternatives to toxic drugs and needless bone surgery. These supplements contain natural ingredients and have no side effects. Here is an overview of these joint supplements:

Joint Supplements for dogs

You must start your dog on joint supplements as soon as possible, without waiting for him to develop arthritis. Joint supplements help by lubricating the dog’s joints and thereby making joints strong and healthy. There are many supplements that are known to work wonders. Here are some of these:

• Glucosamine helps stabilize dog cartilage and creates synovial fluid, which in turn generates the special tissue that connects the bones and joints. Glucosamine is also anti-inflammatory.
• Chondroitin helps the dog’s cartilage receive nutrients effectively. Chondroitin also stops destructive enzymes from destroying the tissue that surrounds the joints.
• MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) provides sulphur, which in turn helps develop the cartilage tissue. MSM helps the cellular uptake of nutrients and ensures that the nutrients remain in the dog’s body for as much time as it takes to absorb them.
• Boron fortifies the dog’s bones with calcium.
• Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant, can be added to the dog’s meals. It helps strengthen the dog’s immune system, which in turn makes the dog fight off conditions like arthritis.
• Magnesium is an essential mineral for dogs. It helps develop their muscles, bones, and nerve cells. It also helps in the proper absorption of vitamins in the dog’s body.
• Creatine monohydrate is naturally produced in dogs, and its shortage can impact the bones and cause arthritis. Creatine monohydrate supplements rectify the impalance.

The typical ingredients that are used for making these joint supplements are: brewer’s yeast, chondroitin sulphate, creatine monohydrate (a nitrogenous organic acid that occurs naturally in dogs), DMG (an amino acid derivative), essential fatty acids, fiber, flax seeds, mussel, glucosamine, animal proteins (collagen), manganese, and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). The supplements can help the dog getting rid of the disease and also prevent the condition from occurring in the future.

A dog is a relative of the wolf, which is a wild animal. Dogs too need their exercise and freedom of movement in open spaces. Domesticated dogs, while being man’s best friend, somehow do not get this “open spaces” ambience and hence it is very important for owners to ensure that their bones do not get weak due to this. This makes the case stronger to starting your dog on joint supplements for dogs as early as possible. Moreover, if your dog is already impacted by arthritis, you must not waste any time and get the poor dear his supplements as early as you can.

The process of ageing can affect your pet dog in much the same way as it does humans. As your dog starts getting old, its joints, ligaments and tendons become weak due to the natural process of wear and tear. The joint fluids, which act as lubricants for smooth movement of limbs, also get depleted. All these factors can add up to set off osteoarthritic joint pains as well as hip dysplasia among dogs. As in humans, if dogs are made to remain active with plenty of exercise and are on a healthy diet, they can live disease-free and pain-free even in their last days. But if you don’t take proper care of your pet dog’s exercise and diet needs, it can become very stiff and immobile within a few years. Glucosamine for dogs is a supplement that can help, but it needs care in selecting and administering it, something considered in more detail below

Another factor that contributes to arthritis in dogs is their diet, which is based mainly on red meat because dogs simply love it. Red meat, as you might know from your own diet consultant, is very high in uric acid. Over a period of time, uric acid starts accumulating in the joints, causing arthritic-type pains. So, if you want your pet dog not to suffer from mobility problems as he ages, don’t pamper him by feeding him all the time what he loves; instead put him on a healthy diet in consultation with a vet nutritionist.

Recognizing Symptoms of Joint Pain in Dogs

Since your dog cannot convey its initial low-level pain, nor can it do anything about it on its own, it simply learns to deal with the pain till it becomes so overwhelming that it can no longer move without showing visible outer signs of discomfort. Remember, at this stage the dog is probably already experiencing extreme level of pain and requires immediate medical attention. To avoid your pet dog reaching this miserable situation, it is imperative that you start looking for some telltale signs of impending osteoarthritis and/or hip dysplasia in your dog. Here are some telltale signs that your dog might be needing glucosamine.

The first thing you may notice about your dog when suffering from osteoarthritic joint pains is a general slowing down of its activity and low energy levels, as reflected in the following symptoms:

• General lethargy
• Lack of interest in playful activities that he enjoyed earlier
• Difficulty in walking or climbing stairs
• Difficulty getting up from sitting or lying down position
• Aversive to being touched or petted, as it might be causing pain
• Limping
• Occasionally falling during walks

Glucosamine treatment for joint pains in dogs

Glucosamine is a naturally existing substance in the cartilage tissue and the synovial fluid. It is the main constituent of glycosaminoglycans, the basic building material of the dog’s connective tissue spread throughout the body. Glucosamine supplement for dogs has been proven to be highly effective against osteoarthritic joint pains as well as other similar conditions like hip dysplasia, rheumatoid arthritis, inflamed discs, sciatica nerve pain, etc. Given orally, it can get absorbed easily and be distributed to the affected joint tissues. With its proven anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, glucosamine for dogs can rapidly improve their joint health and give visible relief from pains within two to three weeks. Glucosamine helps not only soothe the joints but also repair them, promoting good joints health. And it does so without any harmful side-effects, commonly associated with prescription drugs.

Which Glucosamine Product to choose

A wide range of glucosamine products are available in the market, most common being the glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hcl, glucosamine 2kcl, and glucosamine nacl. Some important factors that you must keep in mind while purchasing a glucosamine supplement for your dog are:

1. the quality stamp on the product
2. the daily dose required
3. the price for daily dose
4. the form of dose delivery, whether pills or liquid
5. the presence of additional ingredients

Of the various products available in the market, glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hcl are the most potent forms. The normal recommended dosage is 750 mg per 50 pounds of body weight, but it may vary depending upon the condition of your dog. The liquid form is easier to administer as it can be mixed with the feed. Most glucosamine supplements come in pleasant flavors for your dog to accept without any fuss.

To conclude, if your dog is beginning to age or is otherwise suffering from mobility and joint pain problems, introducing a glucosamine supplement can make a great difference to its health in a short period of time. You can once again see your dog jumping around in a playful mood.

Arthritis is a debilitating disease that affects animals (human and otherwise) at all stages of life, but most often occurs in people and animals in their middle and elderly age. Fortunately, people have the capacity to identify early on that something is wrong with their bodies, as well as being able to recognize the symptoms. Because of this they are able to get help quickly and relatively easily in order to alleviate any on-going pain and suffering. Unfortunately when it comes to your pets, specifically your dog, what should you do to recognize they have a problem, that that problem may be arthritis and consequently what would be the best course of action to provide the necessary canine arthritis treatment?

What is Canine Arthritis?

Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that progressively causes the loss of cartilage between the joints and further prevents the body’s ability to reproduce the cells in which to build new cartilage. Such is the debilitating effect if can have on the sufferers quality of life it is important that a diagnosis be sought in the early stages so as to prevent your pet from suffering the pain that it will surely suffer if the illness is left untreated.

What are the symptoms of Canine Arthritis?

Simply put, does your dog:

• Show signs of slower movements?
• Demonstrate a lack of activity, especially where before it was energetic?

In older dogs, such symptoms may of course seem normal but it is a sure way to determine if your younger dog has a problem.

Other symptoms include:

• Your dog having problems rising from a lying position.
• Hesitation before climbing stairs.
• Appear to be constantly licking joints which upon inspection appear to have become inflamed in an effort to soothe any pain they may be feeling.

If your (otherwise healthy) dog appears to have largely abandoned all effort to jump, run or play, the possibility of arthritis is a distinct one.

Your dog may also appear to have a high fever or show other signs of physical sickness. These could be caused by many things but in conjunction with any of the above are also a confirming indicator. It should be noted however that sickness tends to be exhibited when the disease has progressed to a very painful stage and you should hope that you have identified signs of canine arthritis and taken steps to treat it before arriving at this point.

What should I do if I suspect Canine Arthritis?

In short, if you suspect that your dog has this painful disease, then you simply have to consult your veterinarian as soon as is practicably possible. There is nothing that you can do that would be more beneficial. In this instance, getting the advice of this professional before you begin any sort of treatment for your dog is absolutely essential.

What are the options for Canine Arthritis Treatment?

Probably the most common canine arthritis treatment is aspirin (NSAID) as well as two other drugs, Carprofen and Etodolac, which are often prescribed. Your vet may suggest that you use a chondroprotective agent like Cosequin, Glyco-Flex or Adaquan, which not only helps your pet to rebuild cartilage but will help to prevent further loss.

Surgery is also an potential option that may be appropriate in the event that drug therapy fail. This typically an action of last resort though, one that only recommended generally in the case of painful arthritic hip dysplasia. Your veterinarian will advise you appropriately on this matter.

Some of the symptoms of canine arthritis may be allieviated by palliative care. These would include:

• Homeopathic, or natural remedies to help reduce joint swelling and relieve pain.
• Avoiding high-impact exercise while assuring that the pet is exercised often with a low-impact ritual, like swimming or walking.
• Being overweight, just adds another burden of pain to the animal’s joints, so make sure that the diet provided will take off the weight (or maintain a healthy weight) while providing the proper nutrition.
• Acupuncture to help with the pain.

As with any progressive illness, arthritis does not have to mean the death of your pet but it will require you to make some fairly substantial lifestyle changes for your pet. In summary, you will be presented with a number of options for canine arthritis treatment, some of which will target the arthritis directly and some which will assist in treating the symptoms, but in all cases following the directions of your veterinarian will assure that you are adding an enriched quality of life to your beloved pet that might otherwise be relegated to a progressively slow and possibly painful death.

Arthritis can affect your dog just as it affects humans, and can be a worrying time for pet owners; however, there are treatments which can help.  Arthritis in dogs is more common than pet owners think, and many different dog breeds will suffer from it as they get older. Although it is extremely common it is far harder for your dog to express the pain they feel, therefore, dog arthritis symptoms tend to go un-noticed for several years.

It is estimated that over 30% of dogs do suffer from some form of arthritis, and it is the responsibility of the dog owner to notice the changes. There are many clear signs and symptoms that your dog will display when arthritis is affecting them. It is the pet owner’s responsibility to notice the changes and find some form of treatment to help their dog. Once the arthritis has been correctly diagnosed it can be treated effectively.

There is no cure for arthritis, and all you can do as a responsible pet owner is to make the dog’s life as comfortable and pain free as possible. Reducing the pain and swelling that the arthritis is causing is the best way that this condition can be treated. If you do not notice the differences in your dog, and symptoms that they are displaying the arthritis can be incredibly painful. You may also notice that it can lead to other health problems, and may result in death.

As your dog gets older they will sleep far more than usual, and may have problems walking, standing and sitting. These are extremely common signs of arthritis and you need to keep an eye on your dog. Healthy dogs will be able to climb stairs and go for walks with no problems; however, a dog with arthritis will display a reluctance to perform these tasks. Any unusual behavior by your dog should be investigated, and if in doubt a professional opinion should be sought.

Your dog may also appear to be stiff and sore, and will favor one limb more than the others. Just as people begin to slow down as they get older, so do dogs. You may notice that your dog is healthy in every other way, however, they are beginning to put on weight due to being less active. If you have any concerns regarding your dogs health or you feel they may be suffering from arthritis you need to seek professional advice.

The sooner that you recognize that your dog is suffering from arthritis and that they are uncomfortable, you will need to get some form of treatment. The only thing that you can do for a dog who is suffering from arthritis is to treat their pain and help their joints to remain subtle. A healthy diet is essential to ensure that your dog does not put on to much weight.

Any excess weight can be a huge problem for any dog, and one suffering from arthritis will suffer more. There are several over the counter medicines and treatments that can help to reduce the effects of the arthritis and reduce the swelling and discomfort. These treatments can slow the progression of the disease and ensure that your dog remains healthy and happier for longer.

Did you know that dogs are just as susceptible to arthritis and joint pain as humans? In fact, an estimated 10 million adult dogs in the United States are afflicted with arthritis or dog joint pain. For anyone with a child or pet, you understand the agony of seeing him/her in pain. Maybe you have heard of glucosamine, because it is used for humans suffering from arthritis. Perhaps unsurprisingly therefore, glucosamine is also effective for treating these crippling joint pains in dogs.

The Nutraceutical Market is not Regulated

Before you run off to purchase glucosamine, there are some things you should know, so that you are not ripped off. For one, there are a large number of glucosamine for dogs supplements available. Without any proper knowledge, odds are you will buy the wrong one. This is because the nutraceutical market is not regulated. In addition, the dose rates and effectiveness of the numerous products available vary widely. You wouldn’t want to overdose your dog or not give him enough glucosamine to assuage his anguish. Therefore, for your canine’s sake and your own sake, do your research thoroughly before you spend any money on glucosamine.

Tips for Choosing Efficient and Safe Glucosamine Supplements

Tip #1: Make sure that your dog actually needs the supplement.

Some of the symptoms of having arthritis are decreased physical activity, loss of appetite, stiff or swollen joints, pain and fever, changes in behavior, and sensitivity to the cold. However, some of these symptoms could indicate another problem.

It is always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before even considering purchasing these supplements and for a proper diagnosis. Maybe your dog does not have arthritis, and if he does, he might be able to recover with gentle, regular exercise and weight loss. And even if the dog requires glucosamine supplements, you should ensure that he maintains a healthy weight and gets gentle, regular exercise.

Tip #2: Make sure that the product is safe.

Fortunately, almost all of the glucosamine products for dogs are safe. However, a few contain a harmful ingredient that you must look out for: Menadione, also listed as Vitamin K or Vitamin K3. Menadione can cause stomach problems in dogs, especially when it builds up.

Tip #3: Make sure that the supplement contains ingredients that are effective.

The issue of effectiveness is actually one of the biggest problems with many of the glucosamine supplements and other herbal products on the market. Because of the lack of regulation, some companies will put out a poor product that does virtually nothing or even does harm to your dog. Therefore, it is critical to know which ingredients to look for, just as the ones to avoid. Some of the effective ingredients are glucosamine hydrochloride, methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM), avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), omega 3 fatty acids, and green lipped mussel extract (perna canaliculus).

Glucosamine hydrochloride is generally combined with chondroitin sulfate and is very effective. Methyl sufonyl methane has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables reduce inflammation and pain. Omega 3 fatty acids from fish are anti-inflammatory and increase health of the skin. Green lipped mussel extract has a decent amount of chondroitin in it, but very few to no glucosamine. This should be combined with something else to see results.

Tip #4: Combine ingredients and at the proper dosages.

The proper high quality ingredients combined can provide outstanding results for your dog. However, it is critical that you use the proper dosage of each. This is where a veterinarian or sufficient research can come in handy.

Tip #5: Do not be persuaded by lower prices.

Never sacrifice safety and quality for a lower priced product. Keep in mind that this industry is currently unregulated, and the risks of wasting money on a useless and sometimes harmful product are high. Stick to products you know are safe and efficient.

Tip #6: Do not depend on one treatment method to control your dog’s arthritis.

It has been found that only implementing one method of treatment for arthritis in dogs is not as effective as utilizing various techniques. Some ideas that you can consider using are exercise, physical therapy, prescription pain killers as needed, glucosamine supplements, weight control, acupuncture, trigger point therapy, and sometimes surgery. Surgery should only be done if it is needed.

In conclusion, when it comes to your dog’s health and well-being, you surely want to provide the best for him. If he is suffering from pet arthritis, you can do this by researching the different ways to treat his condition and decrease the pain he feels. Joint supplements for dogs can be a wonderful inflammation and pain reducer, but only when genuine products are used. A little research can go a long way. Your dog is worth it.

Owning and caring for a dog can be one of the most rewarding relationship and friendships you have in your life. Dogs provide constant companionship, loyalty and unconditional love. Be sure you take care of this special bond and do everything you can to keep your dog happy, healthy and active.

Be Alert – See The Signs Of Arthritis In Your Dog

Like people, as dogs age arthritis can cause stiffness, pain and difficulty walking, running, standing or sitting. As dogs age, their joints break down the same way human joints do, so keeping an eye open for any difficulties your dog experiences can go a long way in recognizing and treating arthritis in dogs. Arthritis in dogs presents much the same way it does in humans. Pronounced stiffness, limited mobility and range of motion, yelping and barking when joints are touched or manipulated, and taking a prolonged amount of time to sit or stand can be indicators of arthritis. Highly active dogs may slow down and decrease their activity severely alerting you to a potential arthritis issue.

Use Supplements to Help the Symptoms of Arthritis

Arthritis in dogs is commonly treated with glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. Easy to administer in tablets, liquid or pill form, these dietary supplements work to ease pain caused by arthritis by increasing fluids and collagen in the joints. Helping to rebuild collagen and the fibers that support the joints and muscles, these dietary supplements can help ease your dog’s arthritis pain and prevent further deterioration of the joints.

In addition to dietary supplements, some veterinarians prescribe physical therapy as way to treat arthritis in dogs. Dogs are often treated in swimming pools when receiving physical therapy for arthritis. The water allows the dog to become weightless, relieving all the stress from the joint, so the therapist can massage, manipulate and stretch the aching muscles and joints to provide increased flexibility, range of motion and decrease pain.

Arthritis In Dogs Can Be Treated Homeopathically

Some severe cases of arthritis in dogs can be treated with acupuncture. Inserting small, hollow needles into the proper meridians and energy channels can help relieve built up tension and stress, allow the joint to relax and provide arthritis pain relief for your dog. If your dog is not receiving relief from supplements and physical therapy, ask your veterinarian to refer you to a dog acupuncturist in your area.

Giving your dog the healthiest, happiest life you can will ensure you get years of friendship and loyalty from your pet. If you notice your once active dog is slowing down or see that your pet has trouble getting up and down stairs, getting in and out of bed, standing or sitting, or seems to be in pain or discomfort, note these symptoms and how often they occur. Keep track of these occurrences and talk with your veterinarian about possible causes, treatments and management techniques. Learning to spot and treat arthritis in dogs is just one more way you can help ensure the happiness and best quality of life for your beloved dog. Do not let arthritis be the end to your happy, active life with your dog. Treat the symptoms of arthritis in dogs with supplements, physical therapy or acupuncture and enjoy an active life with your best friend.

Dog joint pain can prove to be quite inhibiting for your pet. If you do not want your four-legged friend to suffer from it, you should educate yourself about this problem, its causes and symptoms so that you can select the best treatment option for your furry companion. While dog joint pain is common among canines, especially as they grow old, its diagnosis can often be confusing as some pet owners believe it to be caused by arthritis, while others assume that it may be caused due to dysplasia.

The best thing to do under the circumstances is getting a professional opinion and scheduling an appointment with a good veterinarian in town. Some dog breeds are more susceptible to this problem and an experienced veterinarian can offer correct diagnosis of the problem as well as suggest the best course of treatment for the same. However, before you can ascertain that your dog suffers from this problem, you will have to pick up some of the common symptoms associated with it.

Common symptoms of joint pain in dogs

The problem of pain in the joint of dogs can go undetected for a long time unless the pet owner is careful enough to observe some common signs associated with the condition. These include the reluctance of the pet to climb stairs, change in the moving or walking style of the dog and unnatural stiffness or constant whimpering by it. In aggravated cases, you can even notice slight swelling around the leg and joints of your pet.

That apart, you should watch out for symptoms such as increased irritation in your pet or unwillingness to play or to be petted. In many cases, dogs suffering from pain in the joints develop the habit of licking the ailing joint and take longer time than usual in getting up or lying down. If you notice any of the above-mentioned signs, it is best to take your dog to the vet for proper diagnosis.

Common causes of joint pain in dogs

This problem can be caused due to a number of factors that can be either acute of chronic in nature. Some of the leading causes of this condition are injury, genetics, lack of physical activity, excess weight and unhealthy diet. It can also be a symptom of a more serious health condition such as arthritis, hip dysplasia or slipping kneecap. In order to prevent the condition of your pet from worsening, you should seek immediate medical attention for it.

Suggested treatments for dog joint pain

You can try a combination of medical and natural treatments to offer relief to your pet. Apart from the medication prescribed by the vet, you can alleviate the pain of your pet by giving it regular massages that stimulate the flow of blood to ailing joints. Moreover, massages also trigger off the release of endorphins that are natural painkillers. You can even seek advice from the vet about the meal plan that you should follow for your pet and if including Omega 3 fatty acids would help. Remember to consult your vet before following any treatment so that you can be certain of helping your pet deal with dog joint pain.