If you are too young to experience arthritis – good for you. It would be great if you start stocking up on your vitamins and minerals so you don’t have to experience the discomfort that this condition brings. Now, while you have within your power to control the factors contributing to your health – your pet cannot. Canine arthritis is a very common condition that you need to know about so you could help your dog to avoid this or at the very least – minimize his pain.
As with humans, canine arthritis causes stiffness in the muscles and joints of the body. You will notice that your dog will have a hard time shifting positions. Most likely he is suffering from dog hip pain and will be resistant to being touched. If he is manifesting a change in behavior and physical appearance, you need to get him checked by the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Arthritis always results in dog joint pain largely due because of overuse throughout the years. That is why more often than not, it is the senior or overweight canines that experience this condition. However, it doesn’t mean that younger and smaller dogs will not be subject to this distressing condition. When a pup sustains a leg injury or has genetic skeletal abnormalities – he can also acquire arthritis and also suffer the effects of it.
Fortunately, there are ways to . Veterinarians frequently prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs to treat arthritis. NSAIDs help in impeding the progression of this disease and reduce inflammation that causes extreme pain for the dog.
Most of the NSAIDs used can be shared by both canines and humans alike. However, you must never administer any medication without your vet’s go signal. You need to know the correct dosage and frequency specific to the animal and this usually varies depending on your pet’s weight, breed or particular health issue.
As with most drugs, there might be some cases where the subject does not do well with the particular medication. Sometimes there are adverse side effects like vomiting, nausea, bloody stool, intestinal infection, etc. It is imperative that you bring him to the doctor if he continues to manifest these signs so the prescription dosage can be corrected or even stopped altogether.
Along with a healthy diet, include supplements that improve your dog’s joint health. Chondroitin Sulphate and Glucosamine Sulphate are some elements which hinder the damage done to the cartilage and joints of the skeletal system. Chondroitin and Glucosamine Sulphate are generally safe for use and are known to enhance lubrication in critical areas which help in easing dog hip pain. For more immediate relief, get some olive oil and check with an expert on the correct way to massage your dog’s aching joints and muscles.
Take your dog out for regular light exercise and maintain a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids and other essential minerals. Our dogs might have soreness and pain that come with age or injury – but we can always do something about it by being the caring master they know us to be.