Dogs Arthritis
Don't let them Suffer in Silence

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Dogs arthritis is one of the most common chronic pain conditions treatable on several fronts.

• Exercise

• Diet and Food

• Pain Relief

• Food supplements 

• Comfort

• Surgery

What is pet osteoarthritis and more specifically arthritis in dogs.  Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), arthritis or osteoarthritis are all common terms which are interchangeable.  Primarily elbow and hip dysplasia being the most common or shoulder dysplasia being less frequent, from either injury or simply a normal ageing process, resulting in arthritic condition which is the inflammation and swelling of the joints.

Osteoarthritis is progressive and incurable usually presenting in older dogs and is predisposed to the types of dog breeds prone to joint disorders.   Fortunately few small dog breeds are prone to canine arthritis, however the Miniature Dachshund and Pekingese breed history, particularly, needs to be investigated when purchasing a puppy.  Other larger dogs prone to DJD are, amongst others, the Labrador Retriever and German Shepherds.

The most common evidence of osteoarthritis in dogs are

Sleeping more than usual. Your dog is  stiff when waking but more nimble when warmed up. Your dog seems reluctant to climb onto his favorite sleeping spot (your sofa)! Your dog's muscle mass in a specific area seem wasted and other muscles getting larger. Your dog is not eating as enthusiastically as he used to. Your dog is not able to jump into and out of the car. Your dog moves away from the family and find his own quiet space. Your dog is not his happy usual self and is possibly even snappy. Your dog walks favoring one side of his body or lifting one leg when walking, or skipping on his back legs. His affected joints may feel hot when touched. Your dog may whimper when walking or when being stroked. Struggles to groom himself particularly in the tail region.

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Your vet will need to do some tests to confirm that your beloved pooch has pet arthritis or DJD.  This is done by means of x-rays and a physical examination of the affected joints.  Should your dog be exhibiting many of the symptoms mentioned in the above table, then you can anticipate that the diagnoses will, most likely, be confirmed as osteoarthritis.  Naturally his age will be a major contributing factor, an older dog showing these signs are more like to be suffering from Dogs Arthritis.  Caring for an older dog, is a special time we have with our beloved pets after years and years of quality companionship.  It's time to give back to them.

It is a good idea to get confirmation from your vet  though as there could be other problems that you have not identified.

Diet and food

Treatment for dogs arthritis would start with diet.  Essentially getting your dog to loose weight is normally the first port of call.  Most of our little angels are overweight which puts additional strain on their ligaments and joints.  Just 2 pounds (1 kg) overweight could be more than 10 percent of his body weight that needs to be shed.  The single most important factor in controlling pain associated with dogs arthritis , is for the precious pooch to be at his optimum weight.  In addition to loosing weight feed your special baby dog food specific for the dogs arthritis condition.   All premium dog food manufacturers,  produce a range of high quality dog food specifically for DJD, your special animal deserves the best you can afford.

Exercise

In order to maintain a good range of motion, it is essential that regular exercise continues.  However, a hard run is no longer appropriate.  Regular, short to medium length walks and swimming will increase muscle strength and stabilize the joints.  As the joint support strengthens it may be possible to slowly increase the length of your walks.  Hydro therapy is safe and highly beneficial for strengthening the muscular support system ask your local vet for hydro therapy centres in your area.

Pain relief

Your veterinarian will have a number of options of prescribed medication highly palatable to your beloved pooch, and highly effective in controlling swelling and pain for dogs arthritis.  Anti-inflammatory medicines can have a detrimental affect, long term, on the stomach.  Naturally if your medication is prescribed by a responsible vet, you would be providing the correct dosage for your dog's size and weight.  Never give your pooch human medication, as many seemingly innocent pills suitable for humans are potentially deadly for your little dog.

Food and supplements

Omega-3 Fatty acids are not only good for general health, they have been found to substantially improve the dog's physical performance, particularly in conjunction with the correct weight and exercise, thereby delaying chronic medication for some time, but not at the expense of a dog in pain.  Glucosamine is a cartilage building food supplement, believed to enhance your dogs' comfort, but believed by many doting owners to have super powers. Most dog owners report dramatically improved mobility and pain after just one month on Joint Support food.

Comfort

Raise your pooches food and water bowl, helping to relieve strain on the spine.  Make his bed as comfortable as possible.  Your older pooch needs a soft (foam) mattress and warm blankets. Raise (or lower) your pet's bed to make it easy for your devoted animal to get in and out.  Put ramps on the entrance stairs or wherever there are a few stairs.  Should you have a double storey property, lift your small dog breeds from floor level to floor level, a bit more difficult with the German Shepherd but essential with the Dachshund. Put runners down where you have large tiled areas, giving your dog grip and making it easier to move around.  Keep your dog warm and out of cold drafts, naturally he must sleep inside.

 

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