Overcoming
Arthritis In Dogs
Arthritis is a
health problem that not only humans deal with, but so do their
animals. In fact, one-fifth of dogs in the US, over the age of
seven, suffer with painful DJD (degenerative joint disease) as
veterinarians like to say. It is also one of the top recurring pains
in dogs that they treat. Arthritis in dogs can affect their back,
elbows, shoulders, hip and neck.
If you're not
sure if your dog has arthritis, here are a few obvious signs:
-- Does he
tend to favor once side over another (His joints could be too
painful on one side, so he will tend to put more pressure on the
other to avoid pain. He may even show discomfort while standing or
even sitting on a particular side)
-- Unusual
weight gain (Because of the painful joints, he may tend to be more
lethargic or even sleep more not getting the exercise a healthy dog
would generally get)
-- Not as
active (If you've noticed he isn't as playful or unusually hesitant
in his movements. This is due to stiff joints)
If you've
noticed your dog with any one of the above symptoms for more than a
week, don't hesitate to take him to a veterinarian. This way he can
be properly diagnosed and treated.
There are home
remedies that you might even want to try to ease his pain.
Diet
Your dog's
diet is one area that you might want to look into. Dry dog food is
made up mostly of grains which cause inflammation of the joints. A
better choice would be to try preparing his meals with raw or cooked
meat as well as cooked vegetables. They are not only healthier for
him but should help alleviate some of the swelling in his joints.
(Stay away from anything spicy such as peppers). Omega 3 fatty acids
can be used as a supplement in order to decrease the amount of
inflammation in the joints. Try giving him fish capsules. Flax seed
is also a great anti-inflammatory.
Exercise
Even thought
your dog may be in pain, it's still important that he gets a short
amount of exercise. If he's not skittish to water, try having him
swim. For smaller dogs, a kiddy pool would work great. This way,
there is no pressure on the joints, yet he is still being mobile.
Also take him for short 15 minute walks. Don't expect too much from
him such as running after a ball or jumping.
Warm
and Comfortable Rest Area
Provide a
soft, comfortable area for your dog to rest. In the winter time,
when the cool air can stiffen joints, try placing an old sleeping
bag or pillow on the floor to help keep his joints warm. If your dog
is an outside dog, you may want to bring him into the garage at
night, to avoid the temperature drops.
These are just a few ways that we can help make our pets lives more
comfortable. Although, visiting a veterinarian should also be
considered. Your veterinarian will probably take an x-ray to see the
damage to the joints. With the rising amount of animals that are
developing arthritis, there are medications that have been developed
to alleviate and even help repair the joints.
A popular
medication for dogs in alleviating pain is glucosamine. It is a
sugar that is generated from shell fish that motivates joint repair
and lessens joint pain. Glucosamine is a natural ingredient that is
found in animals, but with age, the body has a decrease in
production of this essential element. Glucosamine works by
stimulating your body to produce Synovial fluid. Synovial fluid is
needed for healthy joints. It lubricates the cartilage to aid in
mobility.
Never take
matters into your own hands by giving your dog human medications.
They can be toxic to his body, especially if given in the wrong
dosage form.
Animal care has come a long way in meeting the needs of our canines.
Taking your dog to regular check ups at a veterinarian is one way to
keep up with your dog's health needs. If we want our animals to have
happy and healthy lives, taking care of their body's is important.
They can't do it without else.
Recommended Resource Veterinary Secrets Revealed
Dog Article
courtesy of I-Love-Dogs.com