Posts Tagged ‘dog arthritis’

Treating Arthritis For Dogs

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Dog arthritis is a degenerative disease in which the joints have became inflammed, causing chronic soreness, swelling in the joints and as well , reduced mobility. At last count, from a study by Pfizer Animal Health, approximately 8 million adult dogs in the United States may be suffering with this painful degenerative joint disease.

Fortunately, unlike in the past where anti-inflammatory drugs such as dog arthritis aspirin may be the only accessible treatment, now there are many other alternative remedies and treatment options to help relieve your pet’s arthritic pain and discomfort.

Diagnosing the Symptoms

When caring for a dog with arthritis, you need to be certain that the condition is properly diagnosed. Observe and watch for tell-tale physical symptoms such as:

  • Slow to get up from a resting position
  • Joints appear stiff or lame when he or she walks
  • Sudden lack of interest in activities they once enjoy
  • Reluctance to run, jump or climb stairs
  • Unusual hostility when you make physical contact with your pet

Treatment

Once the symptoms of dog arthritis is properly diagnosed, you will then need to look for the most effective treatments to help relieve your dog’s joint pain and counter the effects of inflammation.

Treatment will depend upon the cause and severity of the arthritis and could likely include the following:

Anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin and steroids may be prescribed to relieve pain, decrease inflammation as well as encourage movement in the short term.

Surgical treatment may be an option for some animals with arthritis where the joints are extremely painful, unstable and immobile however, this method can be extremely taxing as the recuperation can be painful.

Supplements such as Flexpet that contains glucosamine can also be very helpful in reducing the pain of arthritis and increasing an arthritic dog’s mobility.

Other complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy and magnetic therapy may also be introduced to relieve the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.

Together with these treatments, good dietary management to help control your dog’s weight is also an important feature for any arthritic dogs. Arthritis is even more complicated to manage with if your dog is overweight, so a good diet program is helpful in many different ways and it will also help to provide your dog with a healthier life.

In addition to altering your dog’s diets, some light physical therapy exercises is also beneficial to your pet’s cardiovascular system. Exercise can also help prevent muscle wasting, a common problem with arthritic dogs and will also keep the tendons and ligaments flexible, encouraging the well-being of your dog.

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Do You Suspect Dog Arthritis And Joint Pain In Your Pet

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

Most people know that arthritis is a common problem that we may have to deal with as we get older, but few realize that there is also dog arthritis, which our pets may be at risk of as they age. The causes and symptoms of arthritis in dogs are highly similar as that in us. Most cases are due to excessive weight combined with a highly lethargic lifestyle. Symptoms of this illness might include a dramatic decrease in energy, increased sleeping and pain in the joints.

The similarities in arthritis that people have and that which dogs suffer from are amazing. In both of these cases, the bones will break down over time and the muscles and joints become hard. This can reduce the way your dog moves and how flexible he is, which means that it’s hard to walk or even run. Dog arthritis pain, can cause terrible pain when it’s not treated properly.

Early Injuries, Hip Dysplasia and Arthritis

Just as when people age, dog arthritis is common among older animals. However, there are also a lot of premature dog arthritis cases especially in larger breeds and in dogs that are far too overweight. Injuries early in life can also trigger premature arthritis in dogs, both in the large and small breeds. A common dog injury called hip dysplasia, which is often characterized by limping and difficulty in walking, is also one of the most frequent causes of arthritis later on in life.

While arthritis isn’t curable, you can make your dog comfortable and ease pain when you take him to the vet as soon as you notice symptoms. You might also like to use a natural pain relieving supplement like Arthro-IonX. The moment you see your dog limping or becoming less energetic than usual, it is recommended that you take him to the vet for a thorough checkup. If he does have dog arthritis, your vet will be able to recommend the proper kind of exercise routines that will give him much relief from the pain of his illness, as well as suggest a better diet that is suited for his condition.

Dog arthritis is not commonly treated with medications, but when there is extreme pain you can offer some natural treatments to help ease the pain. If you prefer a natural treatment you can also read an Arthro-IonX review. As a precautionary measure, you should also bring your dog to the vet regularly especially starting from his 10th birthday so that the earliest signs of possible illnesses will immediately be diagnosed and treated.

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What Can You Do For Joint Pain And Dog Arthritis

Friday, May 7th, 2010

Dog arthritis is a common dog health problem that occurs as a dog ages and the associated risks are higher with larger breeds, where the problem begins as early as in the 7th year. For smaller breeds, arthritis may begin to set in at age 13 or 14. You will immediately notice when arthritis begin to develop because your dog will show signs of the illness, such as a considerable decrease in his usual energy. In a case like this, you should encourage your dog to keep moving, but don’t force more than he can do.

Experts have found that many dog arthritis cases can be avoided if you make sure your pooch gets enough exercise as he ages. Physical activities such as walking in the park or catching the frisbee can provide your dog with the physical and mental exercise that he needs to stay healthy. You should also make sure to decrease the intensity of the exercise as your dog grows older, but work to make sure that he gets exercise all the time even if he has dog arthritis.

Exercise and Joint Pain

If your dog is obviously in pain, whether due to arthritis or some other kind of injury, you obviously shouldn’t force him to do his usual round of exercises. Why not reduce the amount of exercise time by half instead or choose swimming instead of walking. You should also take your dog to the vet for a thorough checkup just in case he does have dog arthritis and needs some kind of special treatment, such as Arthro-IonX.

By keeping a close eye on your dog as you do your daily exercises, you can easily notice if something is awry. Most dogs have a natural instinct to please their owners at all costs, and sometimes they try hard even if they are already hurting. As the owner of your dog, it is up to you to pay attention for signs of pain so that your dog doesn’t hurt himself. Some of the signs you should be looking for is panting, limping, and sleeping more than usual after exercising. To provide adequate pain relief, you can find the recommendations in an Arthro-IonX review.

In addition to old age, another common cause of dog joint pain and arthritis is when the dog frequently runs on concrete. Hard surfaces can add pressure to the dog’s bones in the feet and legs, which will cause early dog arthritis. To avoid this problem, try to let your dog walk or run on grass or dirt as much as possible.

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Beds For Dogs With Arthritis

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

Orthopedic beds are essential for dogs with arthritis or other joint related problems as it can help them relieve muscle aches and bone pain.

When our dogs grow old, they can develop all sorts of skeletal and muscular conditions and also suffer the same aches and joint pain as us.

To keep our elderly dog comfortable, as well as provide the best we can for their health, well-being and comfort, our dogs need a comfortable bed to rest on. And a good quality orthopedic dog bed can do just that by providing the support our dog needs for a good night sleep as well as the comfort and relief for muscle aches and joint pain. Getting an orthopedic bed will be even more necessary and important especially if our flurry friend is suffering from degenerative joint disease such as dog arthritis.

Why An Orthopedic Dog Bed Is Much Better

When compared to a regular canine bed, an orthopedic dog bed is a specially designed mattress, filled with high density memory foam to provide the necessary support and proper weight distribution your dog needs for a great night sleep. A good quality orthopedic dog bed also helps cushion all the sore spots in your dog’s body as well as help to eliminate muscle aches and bone pain, thereby relieving any joint pain for your pet.

Types of Orthopedic Dog Beds

Orthopedic beds for dogs with arthritis comes in all shapes, sizes and materials but you will find mainly three types:

  • Regular orthopedic bed made out of a combination of crushed egg shells and medical grade orthopedic foam.
  • Gel filled orthopedic dog beds for better support and comfort.
  • High density memory foam beds that molds to your dog’s body shape as it sleeps so as to reduce pressure on aching bones. Highly recommened for dogs suffering from any degenerative joint disease such as dog arthritis or canine hip dysplasia.

Considerations When Choosing An Orthopedic Bed For Your Dog

When purchasing an orthopedic bed for your arthritic dog, consider the following:

  • Dimensions - How size is your dog? Is there enough leg room for your dog to stretch?
  • Thickness - How heavy is your dog? Is the padding thick enough to support your dog’s weight?
  • Waterproofing - Is your dog incontinent? Do you need a waterproof bed?

Keep the above recommendations in mind as you consider buying a bed for your flurry old friend. With the right kind of orthopedic bed for your arthritic dog, it will help your dog reduce joint pain and comfort tired bones.

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Treating Arthritis in Your Beloved Pet

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

Are you concerned that your beloved dog might be struggling with joint disease? In this post, we will cover the basics of what can be a very unfortunate thing to watch your pet undergo. We'll also discuss potential solutions and you should not be concerned as there's certain to be a dog arthritis treatment which will lesson your pet's symptoms and pain.

Arthritis is an irritation of the joints. Just as humans are afflicted by this particular condition, so also do creatures, especially as they age. Elderly dogs tend to be more vulnerable because of the elevated deterioration on their physique, joints and muscles. Canine arthritis usually is commonly more prevalent in bigger canines than smaller as well.  Younger and smaller canines may also acquire arthritis though. Possible problems that can cause this particular ailment are insufficient exercise and obesity in your dog, therefore protecting against arthritis is another great purpose to help keep your dog active and healthful.

Not sure if you're coping with joint disease or something else? There are many common signs and symptoms that you could be searching for. Does your pet appear to be favoring 1 leg or is he showing signs of injury? Does he seem to be less keen to jump up when you call him to climb onto your lap or go out the door for fresh air or a good walk? For many people who have had an energetic dog for a long period, this is often a real sign that something is producing pain in your dog, so be alert as to exactly how their mood changes over time.

Further symptoms of dog arthritis might include things like swollen joints, a rise in the amount of time resting, putting on weight, hesitancy to jump or climb stairs as well as an overall sense that your dog has become less aware.  If your canine is displaying any of these symptoms and you notice that he is having a difficult time standing or getting up, you need to make an appointment with your vet to be able to exclude various other health concerns and obtain an official analysis.

Once you've gotten your pet properly diagnosed and supposing that it is arthritis that you are coping with, there are plenty of remedies and treatment options available for you to try to help your pet with his discomfort.

The first thing that you need to do is to be sure that your canine is actually receiving proper exercise as well as eating habits to keep up a normal weight. The upkeep of a proper weight will actually aid in order to prevent arthritis and once your pet has arthritis, obesity can play a huge part in the amount of discomfort he may be suffering from.

A veterinarian may wish to recommend a medication for your dog. Probably the most common of which would be a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, otherwise referred to as NSAIDS.

An additional possible dog arthritis treatment may be the option of an over-the-counter cure which has chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate or Omega fatty acids. These can be found in either a capsule or particular foods for your canine and these two ingredients happen to be determined to relieve unpleasant arthritis signs and symptoms that your canine may be suffering from.

Do not despair if your puppy seems to be struggling with arthritis. Just take it 1 phase at a time and chances are that with the correct diagnosis and therapy, your pet may continue to survive a satisfied and pain and ache free lifetime.

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Dog Arthritis - Causes and Prevention

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

Dog Arthritis and its causes can be broken down into two main categories and two subcategories:

  1.  Degenerative Joint Disease:

              Degenerative Joint Disease develops from acute or chronic trauma to a joint.

                                Acute Traumatic Arthritis – marked by a sudden injury or accident of some sort.   When the injury causes disruption to the cartilage, bone, membranes or ligaments an inflammatory response will potentially lead to dog arthritis.It is possible that deterioration of the joint will not set in if the degree of the injury was minimal.  

                                 Repeat trauma-induced arthritis – brought on by any repetitive stress on unstable joints.  The joints may be unstable in a dog that has poor conformation or the activity itself my cause instability.If a puppy is made to perform repetitive, strenuous exercise such as jogging there is a good chance that those developing joints will be traumatized.  Obesity can put abnormal, chronic stress on the joints.  It is highly likely that signs of discomfort will not be outwardly visible until the joint is severely damaged.This is true because cartilage does not contain any nerves.  It is not until the cartilage damage is extensive that the joint is painful. 

                Stress or trauma, whether it be acute or chronic, causes the joints to release large amounts of an enzyme that breaks down cartilage.  This is a normal enzyme that would normally maintain a balance of buildup and breakdown of cartilage,  however in the case of arthritis, the break down occurs too rapidly.

                Degenerative Joint Disease cannot be entirely reversed but it can be managed with weight control, exercise, and arthritis medicine for dogs.Natural pain relief in the form of nutritional supplements and homeopathic remedies are included in these medicines.  Glucosamine for dogs is a particularly popular and effective way to help manage the pain of dog arthritis.  The safety of glucosamine for dogs is also an important factor.

 

      2.   Inflammatory Joint Disease:

            Inflammatory Joint Disease is less common than degenerative joint disease and develops from either an infection or an autoimmune disorder causing inflammation in a joint.

                     Infective Arthritis - can occur if a joint becomes infected as a result of a wound, such as a bite or penetrating object.It is also possible that an infection originated in the bloodstream.The treatment includes veterinary care in the form of antibiotics and potentially draining and cleaning directly into the joint.

                     Autoimmune Arthritis – normally affects multiple joints.Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of autoimmune arthritis.  An auto immune disorder means that the body does not recognize a certain tissue as its own and attacks it as if it were a foreign substance.  The underlying cause of auto immune arthritis in dogs is not known. 

             Inflammatory joint disease requires immediate attention from a veterinarian and medications available only from a veterinarian.

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Arthritis Medicine For Dogs - Dog Arthritis and Hip Dysplasia

Monday, December 7th, 2009

Primary arthritis in dogs is most often caused by canine hip dysplasia.  Let’s take a look at the condition of hip dysplasia and the process that leads to arthritis.

The hip joint is the same as the shoulder joint, a ball-and-socket joint.  In a normally developed hip joint the ball on the top of the femur (thigh bone) fits very snuggly and smoothly in the socket of the hip bone.  When a dog has hip dysplasia there are typically two different problems present.First, the ball and socket do not fit together snugly and second the ball or the socket are not shaped properly and smoothly. 

So why does this lead to arthritis?  Hip dysplasia brings on a vicious cycle.Cartilage wears away as the abnormally shaped bones rub together and cause inflammation.  Inflammation further degrades the cartilage.Cartilage regrowth can be slow, possibly too slow to manage the rate of loss of cartilage.The rate of loss is faster than the rate of gain.   The more damaged the joint becomes the less able it is to protect itself so even more damage occurs.

There are two possibilities as to how your dog developed hip dysplasia.  It is  a genetic condition,  meaning a dog may be born with the problem.  There is also evidence that environmental conditions can play a role.An injury or even overuse of the joint at a young age while the joints are still developing.You wouldn’t want to take your three monthh old great dane on your daily jogs with you.  That repetitive motion on a young, forming joint is detrimental.

The symptoms of hip dysplasia all point to the reluctance to use the hip joint properly.Have you noticed that your dog is bunnyhopping instead of running or is reluctant to go up stairs or has even stopped jumping up to greet you.  Over time the muscles in the hip and thigh area may atrophy or shrink causing the bones to appear to be sticking out.

Hip dysplasia cannot be cured.  The condition is controlled with weight control, proper exercise and arthritis medicine for dogs.  Medication can come in the form of nutritional supplements such as glucosamine for dogs or anti-inflammatory drugs obtained from your veterinarian.In severe cases you may be asked to consider hip replacement surgery.

If you suspect arthritis you should talk to your vet right away so you can begin treatment as soon as possible.  With the proper management it is possible to slow down the arthritis and control the pain.It is possible that the arthritis was caused by other factors.Even if the symptoms of arthritis fit your dog hip dysplasia is not necessarily the cause of your dogs arthritis.Arthritis may also be caused by an injury or even old age.  In any event, your arthritic dog may benefit greatly from supplementation to support the joints.

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Your Dog Can Be Stricken With Arthritis, Too

Monday, May 18th, 2009

 

Arthritis affects not only people but also their dear pets as well especially pet dogs. Statistics say that in US about 25% of pets are affected by arthritis. As a dog owner and lover, you should pay very close attention that your chum is always in good mood, cheerful and playful and that it is eating well. But if you do notice changes in your dog’s mood and activity like difficulty sitting down, standing, or even finds it hard to climb stairs or if it gained weight or its behavior changed you should probably pay your vet a visit. You furry friend could be in pain because of arthritis. Some owners who are emotionally attached to their pets have not second thoughts in bringing their beloved to the vet. The veterinarian will do an examination and an X-ray to your dog. And when everything is done, he can prescribed some over-the-counter medications for your dog. However, not all medications or dog arthritis treatment is best for the health of your pet. These drugs can do amazing things but they might have adverse side-effects, too, just like drugs for humans. That’s why, you can hear your vet saying that you have to make sure you give the right dosage or else…

Now, that is a very dreadful part. If you can’t manage to give your dog the right amount of medication it needs, it will be perilous for him. For some people, medications are not good for both humans and dogs alike that’s why, they would resort to other things and those other things can come in the form of a natural dog joint supplement and right now, there are virtual pet stores on the Internet that offer these kinds of herbal medications for dogs.

But the only problem is, because of so many choices, the owner of a dog with arthritis can have a hard time choosing for the best and of course, the safest product. That’s why, it’s always recommended that he should try to read first some product reviews and/or testimonies for other dog owners on what kind of arthritis dog supplement is best for their furry best friend.

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