| Arthritis in dogs is a painful, progressive and | | | | digestive system, kidneys, or liver. |
| degenerative disease causing inflammation of a joint | | | | When it comes to treatment of arthritis in dogs, many |
| which can inhibit movement. More properly called | | | | pet owners and veterinarians take an integrative |
| osteoarthritis, although there are other types of arthritis, | | | | approach, combining prescription medications such as |
| this is the most common, the most easily treated and | | | | non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with supplements |
| is the focus of this article. | | | | and alternative treatments such as acupuncture. Some |
| The cause of canine arthritis in most cases is the | | | | of the more popular and sometimes effective |
| simple wear and tear to bones and joints over time. | | | | supplements are glucosamine, chondroitin, msm, |
| Arthritis often occurs at a point of pervious injury or | | | | ester-c, and hyaluronic acid. Many dog owners have |
| when there is a history of infection such as lyme | | | | reported positive outcomes using these natural |
| disease. | | | | supplements. |
| Osteoarthritis mainly occurs in older dogs over the age | | | | Weight loss can help relieve stress on joints. Older |
| of 7 years and is more widely seen in larger breeds, | | | | large-breed dogs tend to be overweight. This |
| such a German Shepherds, Labradors and Golden | | | | discourages them from getting the exercise they need |
| Retrievers. Overweight dogs are also more likely to | | | | and may aggravate their arthritis. The more weight on |
| suffer from arthritis. In young dogs it may be caused | | | | those poor old joints, the harder it is to move around. |
| by failure of proper bone development. | | | | Prevention is one of the kindest and most effective |
| Arthritis in dogs is frequently accompanied by hip | | | | measures you can take. Keeping your dog in shape |
| dysplasia. Together these two ailments can seriously | | | | through regular exercise and proper nutrition for optimal |
| impair your dog's mobility and quality of life. | | | | health is your best line of defense against this painful |
| Symptoms are subtle to start with such as decreased | | | | disease, as well as your best approach after your dog |
| interest in activity or lagging behind on walks and | | | | has been diagnosed. Another key is to maintain proper |
| progress to more obvious ones: | | | | weight and limit snacks and foods that can aggravate |
| - difficulty getting up and down | | | | inflammation. |
| - reluctance to run, jump, or climb stairs | | | | Much can be done to make arthritic dogs more |
| - stiff, sore or swollen joints | | | | comfortable and improve their lives. |
| - limping | | | | - prevent stressing weak painful joints or falling down - |
| - sensitivity to cold | | | | place gates across stairs |
| - behavioral changes such as aggression, withdrawal | | | | - elevate food and water dishes |
| or irritability | | | | - portable ramps or steps - for home and vehicle |
| Treatment - while there is no way to reverse the | | | | - rubber place mat to stabilize food and water dishes |
| problem at present, arthritis can be treated with | | | | that slip on bare floors while your dog is eating |
| medications or less often, hip-replacement and other | | | | - cushion joints - orthopedic dog beds at least four |
| types of joint surgery. Most dogs will improve with | | | | inches thick |
| anti-inflammatory medications which can reduce the | | | | The bottom line is arthritis in dogs needs veterinary |
| pain and swelling of damaged joints caused by | | | | care. If you suspect your best buddy has arthritis, |
| osteoarthritis and increase mobility. Be aware; | | | | follow the advice of your veterinarian. |
| however, of possible side effects involving the | | | | |