Effective Arthritis Treatments For Dogs

Arthritis in dogs is usually a disease that's age related and is recognized to be one of the most common diseases in dogs. No matter what the age of your dog it can be affected, especially if they are over weight. Arthritis is more common in larger breeds that grow to more than 60 pounds, like Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Rottweilers and German Shepherds.

Your dog experiences discomfort from arthritis when they move their joints. This is painful because the cartilage around the joints have degenerated and allows the joint to rub bone on bone.

Many pet owners have taken a preventative approach to try and fend off these age related issues of mobility and pain. If you want to start your pet on such a treatment program it should be done before the get to be five. The primary supplements that you would give your dog would include Chondroitin and Glucosamine. They have been proven to help promote healthy joints in not only dogs, but humans too.

Once your pet starts exhibiting symptoms of canine arthritis you must now turn your attention to relieving your pet's pain.

The first thing you need to do is identify any symptoms of pain in your dog. These signs can range from sleeping more, walking instead of running, not wanting to play, or showing stiffness when getting up. Anything that is abnormal can be a sign of pain and stiffness and should be evaluated quickly by your Vet. Dogs don't usually show pain unless it's severe. If they are experiencing moderate pain they can mask it by moving slower, looking stiff and not moving as much. Be on the lookout.

If your pet is diagnosed as having arthritis your Vet will most likely prescribe an NSAID or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The most popular of these drugs are Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Metacam and Previcox. These medications are available only with a prescription. As with any prescription pain medications they can have certain side effects in your dog.

If you are concerned about prescription medications and their long term usage and potential side effects you might want to consider using available natural supplements that can be a less expensive and just as effective. It may take some trial and error in discovering the most appropriate one for your dog.

My Labrador Brandy was showing arthritic signs at eleven years. She was prescribed Metacam for over a year and did pretty well, however the cost was difficult to endure since the medication dosage is based on the dog's weight (mine weighed 75 pounds). I searched around and found an exceptional natural treatment that eliminated her pain at less than half the price of Metacam.

Don't think that high priced prescription medicines are the only answer. You also can find an affordable and effective natural arthritis dog treatment. I did and I was extremely happy with the results!