Old Dog Arthritis: How To Deal With It

Most pet owners will have to deal with old dog arthritis at some point if they own canines. Just as in humans, joint arthritis is extremely common in older dogs as they age. Most dogs get to some degree, while larger breed dogs and overweight dogs exhibit more significant symptoms then do smaller dogs. When osteoarthritis is suspected, the owner should seek a veterinarians advice on how to deal with the disease.

You should understand that there is no cure for old dog arthritis. Once the condition develops it will continue to progress for the remainder of the dog's life. However, there are steps you can take to alleviate the symptoms and make the dog more comfortable with the disease as he or she ages in the disease progresses further.

The veterinarian may suggest several treatment options. One thing here she may suggest is using prescribed medications for dealing with the joint problems. Although these drugs act almost immediately the ease the dogs pain from arthritis may also have significant side effects in many canines. Unfortunately, some of these problems even develop into life-threatening issues and may cause of death in some pets.

If the vet suggests some of these prescribes medicines always consult with her about what side effects to watch for and what to do if they occur. We can't emphasize enough how important it is for the canine owner to be aware of the dangerous side effects that may occur when using prescribed medications to treat old dog arthritis.

Hopefully, the veterinarian may be more progressive in his thinking and suggest an all natural treatment, such as glucosamine, to initially treat the arthritic symptoms. Liquid glucosamine is an all-natural product that has virtually no side effects. This supplement does not act to rid the dog of pain initially. Instead, it aids in the rebuilding process of the tissues that have been damaged within the joints that causes the discomfort from the joint disease. Although these effects are not noticed immediately they can be long-lasting in the results if the glucosamine is continuously provided to the dog suffering from arthritis.

All that's required is a simple daily dose of the supplement for over the dogs food during his meal. Dogs are not very picky about their food and generally will except the addition of the glucosamine product quite well. Again, it's important for dog owners to understand that immediate effects will not be seen. It begins on how severe the arthritis is that it can take up to several months of daily treatments with the glucosamine in order to see significant benefits.

Not all old dogs with arthritis respond favorably to the supplements. However, there is a large enough number of successful results that it makes trying the supplementation for arthritic canines worthwhile.

Old dog arthritis is a significant problem in many canines but can be dealt with successfully making the older dogs lives happier and healthier. In addition to providing supplements or even prescription medications there are other steps had owners can take to alleviate some of the symptoms and problems associated with dog arthritis.

First and foremost extremely important that older dogs are not allowed to become overweight. The extra load on their joints which are suffering from arthritis already will have added stress in this extra weight simply aggravates the joint condition further. We realize it can be difficult to put your loved canine on a diet, but leaning toward the skinnier side is for healthier for your dog suffering from arthritis in being on the heavy side.

Besides watching your pets wait it's important also to ensure he has comfortable sleeping conditions. In cold weather arthritis can be very painful to old dog joints. Always provide a very warm place for your pet who is suffering from osteoarthritis. Additionally that warm place should also include a soft and comfortable bed.

Just as with human bones sleeping on a hard surface can be quite uncomfortable. As with any disease it's important for canines with old dog arthritis to get adequate sleep and allow the supplement products such as glucosamine ample ability to help regenerate and make healthier joints.

Check out Cactus Canyon's web site for more info about old dog arthritis