Arthritis in Dogs Treatment – What To Choose?

 

Like humans, dogs develop joint pain as they get older. When they experience this pain, you need to find an appropriate arthritis in dogs treatment to help improve the quality of their life and to reduce their pain.

Medical Options

The first stop for most people searching for arthritis in dogs treatment is the vet’s office. They can use X-rays to determine if the problem stems from malformations of the joints which can be treated surgically or not.

Generally, your vet will prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug to reduce the cause of the pain (the inflammation) and to reduce the existing pain. One of the most common is Rimadyl. While some reports claim the medication, also known by the generic carprofen, the story after the medication was launched in the early 1990s was different. Rimadyl side effects include the potential for causing serious liver damage in the dogs, as well as other types of negative reactions. In the first three years the drug was on the market, 1,000 dogs died or were euthanized after using Rimadyl and another 7,000 had bad reactions to the drug.

Alternative Options

If you don’t want to take the risk of using medications, you can find arthritis in dogs home remedies, too. Liquid glucosamine for dogs is a supplement you can mix into their food at home. The glucosamine is absorbed into the body and reduces the inflammation causing the discomfort.

Dog arthritis pain relief can also be achieved through massage, exercise, and weight management. Other supplements, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, can also help improve joint function and improve mobility.

When it comes to finding the right arthritis in dogs treatment, you need to think about the long-term safety of that treatment. Whatever option you choose will need to be used for the rest of your dog’s life so make sure to choose wisely.