What to Do To Help You Aging Dog

The main thing that you can do for your aging dog is to study how they are acting. Do you notice that things are becoming more and more hard for them? If you know that your dog is struggling, it will not surprise you too much if they seem a small cranky one day. One example could be if you are helping the dog to get up the stairs. They may hurt themselves on the way up and they could take it out on you.

Many times the dog will bite you because they feel that you are going to force them to do something which will be painful to them. Pain induced aggression can be a huge problem but as long as you are sensitive to why your dog is in pain and if you do not force them to do anything then you should be ok.

Children and older dogs can be a perilous mix as children are full of energy and they do not realize that the dog has gotten older. This means that they could try and play rough and excitedly with the dog and that is when they can get attacked. So always watch your older dog around children and do not let the children man handle the dog as that simply is not honest and you will be literally asking for distress. If you can, try and keep the children away from the dog altogether. Inform them that the dog is not feeling very well and it needs to be by itself for a while.

Other dogs in your household may also be causing problems for your older dog and in that case you will need to stop them from playing with them. Younger dogs can cause an older dog a lot of pain unintentionally and that can lead to serious aggression from the older dog. So as soon as you notice the dog becoming tired during play, separate the dogs and allow the older one to relax and cool down.

Overall if you look after your older dog you will end up with a pleased, content dog. Make sure that you make life as simple as possible for them and never allow anyone or anything to be too rough with them.

Preventing Pain And Dread Aggression In Older Dogs is a post from: Arthritis for Dogs

If you see things such as increased sensitivity or tenderness to touch, limping, stiffening of movement, lameness, hiding, unexplained whining, slowed movement, loss of energy, difficulty or inability to jump or climb and others of this nature, you can be pretty sure Fido’s joints are not very pleased anymore. For many years, Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate and MSM have been touted for their ability to increase freedom of movement and/or range of motion in people suffering from arthritic joint pain. These are some of the main ingredients in the Flexicose Liquid supplement. The ingredients are completely natural and you can feel absolutely safe administering Flexicose for dogs that show signs of arthritis or joint pain.

By all means, do not simply rely on your observation of behavioral changes when it comes to the health, safety and comfort of your beloved pets. Regular visits to your vet’s office can be of fantastic help in detecting arthritis (as well as a multitude of other serious health problems animals are susceptible to) early on and enabling them to be successfully treated. Dogs who are stricken with many diseases often have small or no treatment options and must undergo expensive surgeries and/or be heavily medicated in order to regain their quality of life. If arthritis (although quite serious) is the only problem, consider yourselves lucky; you will be able to investigate and make use of alternative healing practices and natural remedies. Unlike prescription medications, many natural alternatives can take a longer time to produce results. Fortunately, when using Flexicose for dogs, results can sometimes be seen in as small as seven days; typically considerable changes will be noticed in two to three weeks.

One of the best things that can be said for a product such as Flexicose is that by using it, not only can the effects be lessened and the overall trauma slowed, but in many cases the hurt can be reversed. Since joint pain is caused by hurt and worn cartilage, one can expect that as the 14 natural ingredients work together synergistically to repair the affected cartilage in the joints by really rebuilding the “cushion”, pain will decrease and mobility will increase. Because Flexicose for dogs is in liquid form rather than in a pill, it is more bio-available. Simply place, this means it will be absorbed and utilized by the body at a much more significant rate, thereby producing better results quicker.

If your best friend is suffering from joint pain, you should consider the possibilities Flexicose for dogs can offer, especially where quality of life is concerned.

Flexicose For Dogs is a post from: Arthritis for Dogs

Arthritis is a common problem in dogs. It is recognised by symptoms such as the pet going stiff-legged after exercise, showing reluctance in going up or down the stairs or playing, and finding it uncomfortable to wake up in the morning. Before the problem gets out of hand and has a crippling effect on the life of the dog and that of the dog owner, it is vital to take proper care of the dog and consult the vet for a thorough diagnosis, if required.

Let's start by knowing what arthritis is. Arthritis is a condition involving the joints. There are two types of arthritis: Degenerative arthritis and inflammatory arthritis. In the former, the cartilage that protects the bones making the joint wither away due to various factors like overuse from strenuous activities, aging, accidents and other bodily deficiencies. This type of arthritis is also known as osteoarthritis.

Inflammatory arthritis involves inflammation of joints arising mostly from infections due to systemic deficiencies in the dog. Both the forms of arthritis in dogs are accompanied by pain and discomfort in moving the limbs.

There are two approaches to treating arthritis in dogs. But, before beginning any treatment with medicines, it is essential to have a thorough diagnostic assessment done to find out the nature and extent of joint hurt and cause of pain.

The first approach involves regulating the diet. If the dog is overweight, the extra weight may be putting more stress on the joints than it can handle. So, weight reduction is an vital component of any treatment plot. The dog should be place on a balanced and nutritious diet rich in proteins, minerals and fiber. It should drink plenty of fluids to flush out toxins from the body. Try to avoid dry dog food which contains grains that perpetuates inflammation and may aggravate arthritis pain. Instead, the dog can be given homemade food containing celery, other fresh vegetables such as cucumber, carrot, lettuce and sometimes garlic which has anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties.

The second approach involves giving the dog supplements that reduce arthritis swelling and pain, such as Glucosamine, dietary sulphur sources like Methylsulphonylmethane (MSM), and Omerga-3 fatty acids found abundantly in fish. Side by side, the dog should be given massage of the sore muscles and joints and kept off from damp environs.

If these natural therapies do not work, the dog may require an examination by the vet who can recommend pain killers and other therapeutic procedures to provide relief from arthritis pain and other symptoms.

Arthritis in Dogs is a post from: Arthritis for Dogs

Unfortunately, veterinarians and the dog owners rarely see the signs of arthritis until the problem reaches the later stage, the reason being that dogs tend to ignore their discomfort, such as soreness in the joints, until the pain becomes unbearable to ignore.  It is then that the dog will start limping or voicing their pain to their owners.

We will launch into the supplements to treat arthritis a small further on, but it is imperative for you to learn more about arthritis and its symptoms.  When a pet has scar tissue, calcium deposits, cartilage tears or hurt, or any other change to the bones surrounding their joints, it can lead to arthritis.  The malformation in the joints can start to rub away any cartilage that is left, resulting in further pain. This issue will continue, even when the appropriate nutrients are in their dog food.   

There are multiple causes of arthritis in dogs.  The most common involve a genetic malformation that is found in the bones, infection to the joints, torn tendons, obesity, and immunity-related problems.  The joint starts to not work properly, which becomes irritated and sends pain or discomfort signals to the dog’s brain.
 
Common signs that a dog is suffering from arthritis include limping, reluctant to be as active as they were previously, or resting often.  The changes in the joints or signs of arthritis can occur very rapidly.  Your dog could be running and playing one day, and then limping the next.  More than likely, they have been suffering with the arthritis but have only just begun to show the pain.
 
Keep in mind that through the use of supplements, the dog will not be cured from the hurt in the joint, but it will decrease the amount of inflammation present.  The main benefit is that the canine will not be experiencing as much pain, and they will have a better resistance to any future joint tissue hurt.     
 
The most common supplements released are “Glucosamine” and “Chondroitin Sulfate“.  They have both been proven to provide the most relief for dogs suffering from arthritis.  Both variations are also a much safer method than traditional drugs because they can be introduced in the dog’s diet.  In addition, both supplements help to promote a natural healing of the tissue or joints. Omega Fatty Acids and Vitamin E are also fantastic at helping to improve the body’s repairing ability.
 
There are a variety of steroid drugs (Prednisone) and non-steroidal drugs (aspirin) that can be prescribed from the veterinarian.  But, they do not help promote the same healing in the joint tissues as supplements or nutraceuticals do.  You should consult your dog’s veterinarian before starting any type of supplement or arthritis treatment. They might also be able to suggest any additional forms of relief for your canine’s pain. 

Vitamin Supplements for Dogs? is a post from: Arthritis for Dogs

Acupuncture

Acupuncture as a discipline is, as we all now, thousands of years ancient and originates from China. Needles, finger pressure and heat sources are used to restore the body’s natural energy balance. It is said to help dogs with arthritis, allergies, organ conditions and for other pain relief. Many claim significant pain relief from acupuncture, although quite how they get the dog to sit still through that kind of thing is beyond me. You know how a dog seems to know when it’s going to the vet’s? Imagine a repeat visit to the acupuncture clinic!

Chiropractic

This involves the manipulation of the spine to restore normal condition and function to the spinal column and surrounding tissues. Can be effective for arthritis and other pain disorders.

Herbology

The use of herbal treatments is a well loved and effective treatment for many conditions, including skin conditions, parasites, arthritis and pain relief.

Homeopathy

A branch of alternative medicine which believes a conditions symptoms are part of the body’s defence mechanism, and that therefore tiny quantities of substances that produce similar symptoms can relieve them . In simple terms, that like cures like. My father always told me to fight fire with fire- that’s probably why he got kicked out of the fire brigade. A well loved remedy for car sickness, arthritis, ear and bowel problems.

Magnotherapy

Similar to the well loved magnetic bracelets used by people, magnetic collars for dogs can relieve suffering and pain. A correctly aligned series of strong magnetic fields replicates the pulsing of electromagnetic machines used for pain relief in hospitals, and is well loved for its low maintenance as well as its low evasiveness. This is believed to work through a restoration of the body’s natural ph through affecting the electromagnetic processes between cells. An effective remedy for arthritis, circulation problems and general pain relief. Massage Can be practiced at home without the danger of side effects, it is also a excellent way of bonding with your dog. Can help with recovery from injury, mobility and circulation. As with alternative remedies for people, it is worth trying a few to see what works for you and your dog. Never attempt to diagnose and treat conditions yourself, but consult a qualified practitioner. Hopefully you can soon have a healthier, more pleased dog in a natural way, and a more pleased dog means a more pleased you!

What you need to know about alternative therapies for dogs is a post from: Arthritis for Dogs

Sometimes owners, in the stress of the moment, forget to tell their veterinarian relevant information about their pets. Here is a handy checklist to bring with you to your next veterinary appointment. Check the box beside the question if your dog experiences any of these symptoms.

Check which symptoms your dog exhibits:

___  Limps after exercise

___  Is reluctant to jump into the vehicle

___  Is reluctant to jump into the vehicle

___  Doesn't want to go for a walk, or tires easily on walks when did not previously

___  Stiff, particularly after getting up from resting for a while

___  Rests more often

___  Seems to be in pain during cold weather

___  Is reluctant to climb stairs

___  Won't jump on sofa or bed anymore

___  Has lost interest in food

___  Does not want to sit or stand - would rather lie down

___  Bites at certain joints on leg

___  Seems "depressed”

___  Is uncomfortable when touched, especially on hips or tail area

___  Does not seem comfortable when squatting to eliminate waste

Once you have completed the checklist, print and take to your veterinarian so you can discuss the results together. Be sure to let your veterinarian know about any medications or supplements your dog is currently taking, including aspirin or any other NSAIDs. Some medications or supplements may interact in potentially harmful ways; your veterinarian can make the best recommendation for your dog.

Arthritis Symptoms Checklist for Dogs is a post from: Arthritis for Dogs

One day last week, I opened this e-mail from a client:-

"....... my retired racing greyhound who unfortunately is suffering from ancient racing injuries that we reckon are causing arthritis. After only one week of use, we have noticed a very positive difference in him. I am a member of the Retired Greyhound Trust and when we next meet I will be promoting this for you, I will forward you any results of the meeting." GH 8th Jan 2008.

So, is it some new wonder drug? No. what GH is talking about is using magnetic energy to treat the symptoms of arthritis in his dog.

Whoa! Now, you may well be thinking this is ancient fashioned "snake oil", yes? Well, you need not worry. Many modern veterinary surgeons recognise the benefits that alternative therapies can bring to our pets. I am particularly keen you know that we have animals too and have practiced the application of alternative remedies on all of them.

Now, this is NOT another anti-vet tirade. Our local practice, here in the New Forest is really brilliant. But, there are times when the use of drugs alone is not the best choice. We may want a better quality of life for our animals. We feel we owe them more. They have given us friendship and companionship over the years and now they are having problems we want to do as much as we can to ensure their wellbeing.

If you give are considering using this magnetic energy therapy your for your pet, let me see if I can help you make that choice. Let us see what a vet has to say about using magnets for treating animals..

"In canine medicine, magnets are often used to aid in break healing and in the treatment of many other ailments including arthritis, hip dysplasia, osteochondritis, epilepsy, pain relief, chronic organ disorders and vertebral disorders. Sprains and strains and other traumatic disorders may also benefit from magnetic therapy."

"Magnets appear to heal the body removing inflammation and restoring circulation. By increasing blood flow to a diseased site on the body, increased nutrients become available to speed the healing process."

These quotations come directly from *Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM. Dr. Messonnier, is a 1987 graduate of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. He opened Paws & Claws Animal Hospital in 1991.

Many thousands of pet owners have now tried magnetic energy therapy and have found their pets have responded positively in less than a week.

The cost is very reasonable (when compared to the scale of professional vets fees today). Various methods are available to provide magnetic energy therapy starting typically form around £20 - £25 ($35 - $50).

This can be very cost effective as from experience it seems to be the larger dogs; Larger dogs seem moer prone to this type of disease.

Many small dogs (and cats) get arthritis too. Many owners of small dogs and cats are using magnetic energy therapy too.

From the letters I have read from many pet owners, like the one at the start of this article, animals respond very well to this type of therapy. Animals do not suffer from cynicism! I am certain you will notice an improvement in the state of health of your pet.

How to Deliver Effective Treatment for Arthritis in Dogs & Cats. Small Known Technique! is a post from: Arthritis for Dogs

Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip sockets that allow excessive movement in the joint. This condition causes chronic inflammation and calcium deposits. Dislocation of the kneecap is a malformation of the leg bones which causes the kneecap to continually pull out of its place and slip back and forth, making a low-grade inflammation. Arthritis of the elbow is a hereditary condition caused by improper bone formation. Swelling and pain in the leg bones is caused by insufficient production of vitamin C, which results in poor nutrition and heredity. Degeneration of the shoulder joint is the breakdown of cartilage in the shoulder causing inflammation and pain when moving.

These conditions are mostly hereditary and could be prevented if the female dog were fed properly throughout her pregnancy. The period of growth inside the uterus is most vital in terms of the formation of structure and essential tissues. Proper nutrition is a must during this stage. Try not to give your dog commercial foods and only feed natural and wholesome meals and snacks.

Giving your dog vitamin C on a regular basis also decreases or prevents some of these conditions from developing. Supply your dog with 250 to 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C per day, depending on the age and size of your dog. For example, a small Chihuahua puppy should get a dose of 250 milligrams per day and a large Doberman would get a dose of 500 milligrams per day.

Prevention is vital in order to prevent the development of these conditions. But, if any of the condition already exists, there are several things that you can do to decrease your dog's pain and discomfort. The first step to proper treatment is to feed your dog with natural diet as much as possible. Include vitamin C per day, using between 500 to 2,000 milligrams depending on the size of the dog. Divide the daily amount and give it to your dog twice per day. Other vitamins and supplements that are vital are combinations of vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E. Also include raw grated vegetables in your dog's diet, particularly celery, carrots, and beets.

In addition to providing your dog with excellent nutrition, you can also use natural treatments such as homeopathic and herbal remedies. Consult with a vet specializing in natural health care to determine which one best fits your dog's situation.

Natural Ways to Prevent and Treat Arthritis in Dogs is a post from: Arthritis for Dogs

Some of the signs your dog may have arthritis are lameness in limbs, limping, swollen joints, pain on palpation of joints and stiffness. Stiffness in joints is normally worse in the morning and progressively gets better as the day goes on. Your dog may not want to go for walks as often and might not climb stairs anymore. Or he will lag behind on walks. He may also go through a personality change where the dog doesn't want to be touched anymore and yelping in pain when he touched.

Obesity in dogs can cause arthritis. It can also be caused by a traumatic injury that may have occurred and made joint stability. Tearing a ligament can cause it too. Genetics can cause joints to weaken and become unstable, this happens in hip dysplasia. Sometimes young dogs develop joint problems and it is made from improper bone development.

Canine hip dysplasia is a type of degenerative joint disease. It can cause abnormal development of the hip joints in younger dogs and most are born with normal hips. Hip dysplasia is made by laxity of the muscles, connective tissue, and ligaments that support the joints. Abnormal developments make changes in the bone where the bones are not held in place and really go apart. The joint capsule and the ligament between the bones stretch making more instability of the joints. This is called subluxation.

Dogs of all ages can get hip dysplasia. Mostly dogs in the middle years or older but it has been reported in young puppies as young as 5 months ancient. The disease is more common in large breeds and giant breeds, but, mixed breeds are more prone to getting hip dysplasia. It can occur in smaller breeds as well. German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Fantastic Danes, Golden Retrievers, and Saint Bernards are the breeds that most commonly get hip dysplasia.

There are treatments available for arthritis and hip dysplasia. One thing that will help with your dog's arthritis if he is overweight is to place him on a diet and exercise him everyday. Surgery may be required to repair ligaments and stabilize joints. For hip dysplasia a total hip replacement may be needed. Acupuncture can help in pain management and decrease the amount of medication that may be needed.

Anti-inflammatory medications can provide relief from pain and reduce inflammation. There are also herbal medicines that are all natural that have a lot of fantastic benefits for your dog. Hip and Joint Support for Dogs by Eniva has pure and high potency nutrients to support healthy hips and joint mobility for dogs. It will help with cartilage health and bone and tendon strength as well. This product is a liquid and contains no fillers, binders, and coatings that tablets have. Tablets and capsules can also cause allergies and sensitivity which slow down absorption of nutrients. You can find this at Alternative Health Supplements.

Hip and Joint Support For Dogs is a post from: Arthritis for Dogs

Harmful Effects to Man Luckily, these parasites only adhere to our canine friends. Treatment Fenbendazole (Panacur) is usually prescribed after diagnosis. To regulate these parasites, give doses of milbemycin oxime every month, a heartworm preventive medication.  Usually, large breeds of dogs are more prone to hip dysphasia. Labradors, Fantastic Pyrenees, Fantastic Danes, Retrievers, German Shepherds, Saint Bernards, Rottweilers and Sporting Dog Breeds are examples. But, small dogs can also buy this. If your dogs belong to any of the mentioned breeds, the following information might help you.

What is Hip Displasia? Hip Displasia, a degenerative condition, is an abnormality in the expansion of the hip joint, where the ball joint of the dogs hips are misshapen, caused by too much laxity in the joint. This in turn results to wear and tear of the abnormal arthritic bones causing extreme pain. Not only can this cause pain, the joint can also come right out of the socket.

How did my dog buy this? Hip displasia is a genetic disease, meaning the pup can inherit it from its parents. Note that not all dogs inclined to get this disease will buy it. Other factors also contribute, like environmental factors, rapid weight changes and other genetic factors as well. Tracing your pet's family lineage will help you determine if your dog is prone to this disease. If there is no incidence of hip displasia in your pet's family, then your dog will not get it.

What are its symptoms? It is hard to diagnose because it may or may not show clinical signs. Common signs exhibited are lameness on one or both rear limbs, difficulty in standing or walking, hopping like a bunny, and decrease in mobility. After the joint's growth period, many pups show pain sporadically even before arthritis starts to exhibit. It can lead to severe arthritis, in which your pet can be in extreme pain. Rarely, puppies as young as 5 or 6 months can show these symptoms.

What is the treatment? If you suspect your dog has hip displasia, bring to the clinic and have your pet X-rayed. There are two methods to see if your dog has hip displasia - the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) testing uses a standard view and another developed by the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip), which shows to be more effective in detecting Hip Disphasia in puppies.

There are two treatment plans based on the time the disease has occurred - before and after the growth of the hip joint. Triple Pelvic Osteotomy, the surgical reconstruction of the hip joint, is recommended for puppies less than a year of age. Be careful though - clinical symptoms related to hip dyspasia can be caused by other illnesses such as osteochondrosis, strain or sprain in one of the joints, or back and pelvis injury.

But, dogs that show symptoms after the growth, it is best to first find out of it can be treated through medication or surgery. Medical treatment includes aspirin, phenylbutazone or glycosaminoglycosans. Narcotics can be used to eliminate pain. There is a strong connection between the administration of glycosaminoglycans and a considerable decrease in the dog's arthritis.

Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications can be used, different dogs have varying reactions to medicines. That's why it is best to consult your veterinarian on which medicine works well for your dog. If this proves to be unsatisfactory, you may resort to surgery.

Total Hip Replacement is most brilliant, especially for severe hip displasia. This is very effective because the hip joint is replaced with artificial parts to eradicate pain. Femoral Head Ostectomy or Femoral head and neck excision is also an option wherein just the femoral head is removed, which can be performed at any age. It eliminates most of the pain associated with hip arthritis because there is a reduced contact between the bones, but not all dogs are cut out for this method. Surgery is more costly primarily, but in the long run, it will save the dog owner on pain relievers. Once the surgery has completed, a recuperation period of about 3-6 months will be commended by the doctor.

Whip Worms in Dogs is a post from: Arthritis for Dogs