Dog Health -- Arthritis In Dogs

Our pets experience many of the same maladies as we do. One of the more prevalent physical ailments in dogs is arthritis. Dogs will experience joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue; these symptoms are also found in humans who have arthritis. Here is some information on arthritis in dogs.

Symptoms

Dogs will develop the symptoms of arthritis as they age. The most prominent symptoms are joint pain and stiffness. The dog will have difficulty getting up from a lying position or walking for long distances. The dog may limp or hesitate to climb stairs. The joints may be deteriorating with age, or they may be inflamed. The symptoms of arthritis can be alleviated with medication, exercise, and diet.

Medication

Prescription medication can alleviate arthritis in dogs faster than exercise and diet. Veterinarians can prescribe medications that alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Some of the drugs currently being prescribed are Deramaxx, Metacam, Rimadyl, and Zubrin. These medications are available only through a veterinarian’s prescription, and they have been proven to be safe for long-term use. Medication will not provide a complete cure for a dog’s arthritis; however, it will improve the quality of the dog’s life, replace pain with comfort, and result in a happier, more content animal.

Exercise

When dogs experience arthritis, exercise is recommended to keep the animals’ joints limber and flexible. In addition, exercise provides weight control for older dogs, as they tend to acquire weight with age. Veterinarians recommend that owners who have dogs with arthritis give them light, limited exercise. The animal can withstand brief walks lasting about 15 to 20 minutes on flat surfaces. Walks can occur every two or three days. Energetic, strenuous activity should be avoided, and, if possible, dogs with arthritis should be walked on soft surfaces, such as grass or wet sand.

Diet

Diet is important for animals, regardless of their health. Dogs that experience arthritis should not be overweight because excess pounds can aggravate arthritic symptoms. In addition, a healthy diet can help sustain dental health. Two of the most popular and effective products are Iam’s Weight Control and Science Diet Oral Care. Iam’s products are sold in grocery stores, pet stores, and veterinarian’s offices. Science Diet products are sole in pet stores. In addition, Purina makes a dog food called JM Joint Mobility; this product is produced for dogs with arthritis, and it contains supplements that promote joint health.

An owner of a dog with arthritis can take a proactive approach to helping his or her pet. The owner can provide a comfortable, easily accessible place to sleep. Information on pet beds can be obtained from pet stores and on the internet. If the dog is living in an area with a cold winter climate, a heating source such as a space heater can help alleviate arthritic symptoms. Some dogs like to sleep under blankets, and they will make use of an old bedspread or comforter. Wearing a coat in inclement weather (cold, rain, or snow) will help alleviate the dog’s joint pain.

When an owner suspects that a dog is developing arthritis, it is recommended that they make an appointment with a veterinarian for a diagnostic checkup, medication, and home-care recommendations. A prompt appointment will prevent unnecessary pain and discomfort. Also, it will maintain and prolong the dog’s quality of life.
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