Sunday, April 12, 2009

Dealing with canine arthritis

By Cheryl L. True

Arthritis doesn't discriminate. It affects not only people of all ages -- including children -- but strikes man's best friend too.

If you're a dog owner, you take great pains in caring for your pet. Naturally, any change in behavior is suspect. If your dog exhibits changes in mood and activity or isn't feeling well, you might think it has a cold or stomach virus. Buy you may be wrong and it could be arthritis.

Arthritis affects one in every five adult dogs in the United States. It is one of the most common sources of chronic pain that veterinarians treat.

How do you know if it's arthritis? Your dog can't tell you what's wrong so it's important to watch his non-verbal cues closely and take subtle changes seriously.

Signs that your dog may have arthritis are favoring a limb when moving, difficulty sitting or standing, sleeping more, stiff or sore joints, hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs, weight gain, decreased activity or less interest in play, attitude or behavior changes and being less alert.

If your dog has any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, see a veterinarian for arthritis evaluation which will involve a physical exam and possibly X-rays. Get a diagnosis and start a treatment plan as soon as possible. Treating canine arthritis is similar to that of human arthritis.

Depending on your dog's condition, therapies may include the following:

A healthy diet and exercise to help maintain proper weight.

Drug treatment to relieve pain usually in the form of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Over-the-counter pet treatments such as pills or food containing either glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate or omega fatty acids. These may help relieve the symptoms of arthritis.

Never give your dog human medication without checking with your veterinarian first. Certain medications that are safe to us can be toxic to dogs - particularly acetaminophen and ibuprofen. A safe dose will differ between a greyhound and a dachshund.

No matter how you treat your dog's arthritis, work closely with a reliable veterinarian to ensure that your pet recovers quickly.

If your dog or cat suffers from arthritis pain, don't make it suffer any longer. Relieve joint pain, lubricate the joints, increase flexibility and improve mobility with the right Dog Osteoarthritis Medicine .

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