As an owner of a dog with arthritis, I was happy to find out there are many options for arthritis treatments for dogs. Arthritis affects one in every five adult dogs and is one of the most common sources of chronic pain that veterinarians treat.
If your dog is facing arthritis, there are several signs that your dog may exhibit. You might see that your dog is favoring one limb, they may even sleep more, and even have difficulty sitting or standing. Sometimes you may notice that your pet seems to have stiff or sore joints. Other signs of arthritis in your pet might be their hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs. Even more sad is the fact that your dog may have no interest in playing anymore and may even show signs of weight gain. All of these are typical signs of arthritis.
It is important to take your pet to their veterinarian for an arthritis evaluation. After a complete examination, if a diagnosis of arthritis is made, then your vet will advise you of the available arthritis treatments for dogs. Interestingly enough, these arthritis treatments for dogs are similar to that of humans.
First of all, it is vitally important that your pet maintains a healthy diet and gets the appropriate amount of exercise to help maintain proper weight. NSAIDS or Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs are the most common form of pharmaceutical arthritis treatment for a dog. This widely used class of drugs can help to provide pain relief to your dog. Also, there are many OTC, over-the counter, pet treatments such as pills or even dog food that can aide in treating your dog's arthritis. Some of the over the counter treatment options are glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, omega fatty acids and Boswellin. Talk with your vet about all of these options. Sometimes a combination of therapies will provide the most relief for your dog.
Glucosamine is a charged sugar molecule that is a key component of the extra cellular matrix of cartilage. It absorbs and releases water with each step thereby acting as a shock absorber for the joints. Glucosamine also stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans which are important proteins found in cartilage. This helps to slow the deterioration of joints and ease the pain.
Chondroitin sulfate serves to attract fluids into proteoglycan molecules which assist in two ways. First it draws nutrients into the cartilage and second it increases the flow of fluid into your cartilage to add resiliency. Chondroitin also helps protect existing cartilage from premature degeneration and provides structure and flexibility to your joints.
Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are constituents of fish oils that act as anti-inflammatory agents. This helps to reduce pain where inflammation is present.
Boswellin is another form of an over the counter medication that can aid in the arthritis treatment for dogs. Boswellic acids improve blood supply to the joints and maintain the integrity of blood vessels. Boswellin also helps reduce swelling and improve mobility in stiffened joints.
With appropriate arthritis treatments for your dog, you might see an improvement in arthritis symptoms within just a few weeks. Make the call today to schedule an appointment with your vet to get an accurate and timely diagnosis if you believe that your dog has arthritis. Don't just assume that your pet is getting old and the decreased mobility and signs of pain are just a "given". Not always the case. They deserve to be treated for their arthritis pain just like you. With the many arthritis treatment options available for your dog, your vet is bound to find something that will work for your doggy.
So get off the couch and call your pet's vet today to talk about the signs and symptoms of arthritis that are bothering your pet. If your dog is diagnosed with arthritis, then talk with your vet about the best arthritis treatment available for your pet's particular situation.
Arthritis treatment for dogs is readily available! Call your vet today.
