Caring For Your Arthritic Dog

 

You might be able to spot early signs of arthritis in your dog as he/she gets older. You might notice a preference for one limb over another, decreased mobility, or a dog that can't climb stairs or on the couch anymore. It is common for arthritis to develop in younger dogs, particularly those who have hemp dog treats suffered injury trauma. Arthritic conditions may also be passed down from the parents or can be caused by dietary issues, such as being overweight. It doesn't matter what the cause of arthritis is in your pet, it's important to get an early diagnosis and treatment. Your dog's veterinarian should be consulted if you notice any signs or symptoms.

It is also important to determine the cause of arthritis in dogs. This will help you decide which treatment is best. Surgery might be an option for arthritis caused by trauma. Most veterinarians will recommend one or more medications to your pet, particularly if they have arthritis due to age or obesity. Although these medications won't cure canine arthritis, they are intended to reduce inflammation and pain and swelling. This is especially true for the many brands of pain relievers your veterinarian may recommend for your pet.

You can find alternative remedies for your pet by looking on the market. These supplements could provide pain relief and even improve your pet's overall health. These supplements contain the substance, glucosamine. This naturally occurring substance has been shown to be extremely effective in the treatment of canine arthritis, especially osteoarthritis. Because glucosamine is able to synthesize and maintain the cartilage cushioning substance between joints, this is why it's so effective in canine arthritis treatment. The thinning and wear out of cartilage is the main cause of arthritis. Two bones rub against each other, causing pain. Glucosamine prevents further cartilage deterioration, which allows your dog's vitality to return.

You might want to give your pet supplements that contain glucosamine. But, it is also worth considering making some lifestyle changes. You can help your dog lose weight by changing his diet and exercising. This will reduce the pressure on your dog's joints, and help to alleviate any associated pain. Although strenuous activities like running or jumping should be avoided it is a good idea to have a regular exercise program for your dog.

Walking around the neighborhood is enough to increase mobility without placing too much strain on joints. Dogs with arthritis can be affected by prolonged inactivity. Make sure your pet is able to move around the house every day. Last but not least, make sure your pet has a comfortable and soft place to sleep at night. Also, it is important to make sure your pet has a warm and comfortable bed. Cold temperatures won't bring relief for those sore joints.

Finally, side effects of glucosamine medications are less common than pain relievers. Studies have shown that glucosamine and Chondroitin are very effective in reducing the pain of people suffering from moderate to severe arthritis pain. Although the effects of glucosamine in pets have not been studied, many pet owners and veterinarians have observed the same results for their pets suffering from arthritis symptoms.