Beneficial Treatment For Arthritis In Dogs
Even with the best of care your dog won't stay a puppy forever but hopefully they'll live a long and healthy life. There are some problems though that come along with age, one of them being arthritis.
How Do I Recognize If My Dog Has Arthritis?
Arthritis affects the joints and in dogs it can be a result of an injury to the joint or a hereditary problem. Although it's not as common, arthritis can occur in younger dogs too and is typically more common in larger breeds than it is in smaller dogs. The exception here is rheumatoid arthritis which can sometimes appear in smaller dogs as early as 4 years of age.
Favoring one leg, trouble sitting or standing and a general decrease in activity can all be signs of arthritis. Talk to your vet if your dog shows any of these symptoms for more than two weeks.
How Do You Cure Arthritis In Dogs?
The fact is that, arthritis in dogs can't be completely cured. However, treatment can limit its effects and make life more comfortable for your pet. Weight control and moderate exercise are essential to help control arthritis in dogs. The vet may provide medications along with other treatments, including corticosteroids, that reduce inflammation in the joints. Some vets may even prescribe acupuncture, which some experts claim shows very positive results.
Your vet might also prescribe physical therapy for your dog and will help design an exercise regiment specific to your pet. Much like for people, this might include swimming because swimming is a great exercise and is easier on the joints.
Many people report that over the counter supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate or Omega 3 fatty acids can improve arthritis in dogs. Some studies have shown a potential positive effect of these supplements. However, not enough research has been done to determine how effective they really are. Discuss these supplements with your vet first. Also, never give your animal human medication. These medications might have ingredients that are bad for your pet. Never give your animal any medication that hasn't first been approved by your veterinarian.
Several furniture additions can also improve the quality of life for sufferers of arthritis in dogs. Make sure your animal has a comfortable bed that supports their joints fully while relaxing. If your dog has trouble reaching places where he or she is permitted to go, you will want a ramp or stairs. These may make it easier for your animal to get into your bed (if they're allowed there) or the car. Hardwood or tiled floors can be slippery and hard on your animal's joints; rugs will make movement around the house more comfortable for your pet.
There are things you can do to provide your dog a better quality of life even though we can't totally cure arthritis. Work with your vet and follow the tips we have provided and help keep your dog as comfortable and happy as you can.
How Do I Recognize If My Dog Has Arthritis?
Arthritis affects the joints and in dogs it can be a result of an injury to the joint or a hereditary problem. Although it's not as common, arthritis can occur in younger dogs too and is typically more common in larger breeds than it is in smaller dogs. The exception here is rheumatoid arthritis which can sometimes appear in smaller dogs as early as 4 years of age.
Favoring one leg, trouble sitting or standing and a general decrease in activity can all be signs of arthritis. Talk to your vet if your dog shows any of these symptoms for more than two weeks.
How Do You Cure Arthritis In Dogs?
The fact is that, arthritis in dogs can't be completely cured. However, treatment can limit its effects and make life more comfortable for your pet. Weight control and moderate exercise are essential to help control arthritis in dogs. The vet may provide medications along with other treatments, including corticosteroids, that reduce inflammation in the joints. Some vets may even prescribe acupuncture, which some experts claim shows very positive results.
Your vet might also prescribe physical therapy for your dog and will help design an exercise regiment specific to your pet. Much like for people, this might include swimming because swimming is a great exercise and is easier on the joints.
Many people report that over the counter supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate or Omega 3 fatty acids can improve arthritis in dogs. Some studies have shown a potential positive effect of these supplements. However, not enough research has been done to determine how effective they really are. Discuss these supplements with your vet first. Also, never give your animal human medication. These medications might have ingredients that are bad for your pet. Never give your animal any medication that hasn't first been approved by your veterinarian.
Several furniture additions can also improve the quality of life for sufferers of arthritis in dogs. Make sure your animal has a comfortable bed that supports their joints fully while relaxing. If your dog has trouble reaching places where he or she is permitted to go, you will want a ramp or stairs. These may make it easier for your animal to get into your bed (if they're allowed there) or the car. Hardwood or tiled floors can be slippery and hard on your animal's joints; rugs will make movement around the house more comfortable for your pet.
There are things you can do to provide your dog a better quality of life even though we can't totally cure arthritis. Work with your vet and follow the tips we have provided and help keep your dog as comfortable and happy as you can.
