SUPPLIES
- Complete and balanced dog food
- Swimming pool
Overview
Arthritis is one of the most common diseases to afflict dogs as they age. It's estimated that one-fifth of grown dogs suffer from it. Sometimes caused by injury or obesity, arthritis can affect a dog's back, hips, knees, elbows, shoulders, neck, and ankles. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, is progressive and affects the bones and cartilage. As cartilage in the joints deteriorates with age, bones come in contact with one another, causing pain and inflammation. Dogs with arthritis are less active and display stiffness on rising. These suggestions will help ease the pain of arthritis in your dog.
Treating Arthritis in Dogs
Step 1
Get rid of extra pounds your dog is carrying by changing feeding habits. Give him fewer snacks, and be sure he has a balanced diet that includes vitamins and minerals in his regular food. Fillers such as wheat add weight. If he eats dry food only, mix in cooked meats and vegetables (but no onions). Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, fish oil and flaxseed oil help ease stiffness.
Step 2
Walk your dog for 10 or 15 minutes at a time. Short walks will keep him mobile without overdoing or aggravating his condition.
Step 3
Give your dog a warm, comfortable place to sleep. A hard floor puts pressure on tender joints. A stuffed bed will help his arthritis. Make sure the bed is away from drafts that can stiffen joints overnight.
Step 4
Take your dog swimming. Swimming is an ideal exercise for older dogs because it puts no pressure on the joints, but keeps him active. You can use an inflatable backyard pool for small dogs. Many owners have had success with hydrotherapy as the dog receives physical therapy in the water.
Step 5
Ask your vet about adding supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin to the diet. Glucosamine helps repair aching joints and lessen pain. Chondroitin draws fluid to weakened cartilage.
Step 6
Take your dog to an acupuncturist. Acupuncture has been used to treat dogs with arthritis for more than two decades with good results. It increases circulation to the muscles and relieves muscle spasms. Studies show that each treatment builds on the previous one, making them more effective over time.
Step 7
Ask your vet about possible prescription medications to reduce inflammation and lessen pain. Often NSAIDS, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are used to treat arthritis. Side effects can include diarrhea, lethargy, and vomiting, with ulcers and liver and kidney problems occurring in more serious cases.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Talk to your vet about the risks associated with specific medications. Rimadyl has a history of fatal reactions in some dogs. Always ask your vet about dietary supplements before you add them to your dog's diet. Natural treatments without the use of medications are often effective and safer.
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