by Dennis Fisher

The signs of arthritis and rheumatism are very evident.  The dog will yelp when it gets up and will also show discomfort when it climbs stairs.   

In most cases it will be necessary for you to take your dog to a Veterinarian  for treatment, but there are a number of ways you can make your dog’s life  more comfortable.

1. See that your dog does not become overweight . Obesity is becoming a huge problem with dogs, due to the misguided belief by owners that they are doing their best for their dogs. But they are literally killing them with kindness.

2.  It's vital for you dog to have excercise, but not too vigorous or   strenuous    exercise  like chasing a frisbee.    Swimming is an brilliant exercise and if you have an opportunity to allow your dog to swim it is an ideal form of exercise.

3.  See that the dog's mattress if firm and comfortable.

4.  Make it simpler for the dog to eat it's meal without having to stretch down to the ground. Place the food on a small table or a box at a conveneint height.

 5. Use  medication like Glucosamine and Chondroitin, which is a very well loved for  humans suffering from joint problems. It can be very effective also  for dogs.

 6. Visit Your Vet will probably prescribe Rimadyl, an brilliant product especially made for dogs that suffer from joint problems.  It is only available on prescription from a Veterinarian. I can assure you from personal experience I had a few years ago when an ancient Fantastic Dane experienced pain when getting up, that it does help enormously.

The above treatment suggestions will certainly make life simpler and will relieve some of the pain  for your beloved pet, but it is vital to get qualified professional advice from your Veterinarian.

Visist the following website, where you'll find a fantastic deal of helpful information about various dog illnesses:   http://www.freedogadvice.com

6 best ways to treat a dog suffering from arthritis and rheumatism 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

As dog owner’s we make sure our companions receive their monthly heartworm pills, schedule regular veterinarian visits, and eat well. We look forward to the daily greeting when we come home as only a dog can give. You notice every small nuance about your dog, any change in regular behavior and it might be chalked up to a cold or they just eat something that did not agree with them, but it could be canine arthritis.

Arthritis does not distinguish between people and your pooch. Canine arthritis really affects one in every five dogs in the U.S. and is one of the most common causes of pain in older dogs treated by Vets. The ancient adage of every one human year equals seven-dog years is fine for an average dog of say 45 lbs., but Fantastic Danes for example reach their senior years at age 5 to 6 while a member of the Toy group will not reach senior age until in their teens.

Generally speaking, but, when your dog reaches seven years ancient you should consider them a senior citizen. There are some signs of dog health problems to look for to help recognize signs of aging and joint pain due to canine arthritis:

Sleeping More Weight Gain Favoring a Limb Difficulty Standing and Sitting Being less alert Bumping into Things Become Startled when you approach from behind Hesitant to run, jump, or climb stairs Less interest in play or overall decrease in activity Change in attitude or behavior

Keep a watchful eye for these dog health problems, should your dog show any of these symptoms longer than two weeks then make an appointment with your vet for a senior seven examination and canine arthritis evaluation. The senior seven exam is a more in-depth blood panel than just a heartworm test provides and the arthritis evaluation will most likely include a physical exam and x-rays.

The most vital thing you can do in treating canine arthritis is get a diagnosis and choose a course of treatment with your Veterinarian. Treatment for this dog health problem is not all that dissimilar to treating humans. There are some non-medication approaches for less severe cases of canine arthritis.

Take stock in your dog’s bed, buying an orthopedic dog bed or heated dog bed can ease tired and achy joints. There are also holistic medications such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin that can offer your dog arthritis pain relief. It is vital to remember never to give your dog human medication even the holistic variety. There are different additives that can be toxic to dogs. Always talk to your Vet before giving your dog any medications.

Maintain a healthy diet by changing to a dog food with higher levels of Glucosamine and Chondroitin as well as keep up a healthy weight through plenty of low impact exercise. Try to avoid vigorous play and activities on the weekends with small to no exercise during the week; a walk around the block a couple of times a day should do the trick. Swimming and hydrotherapy for canine arthritis are also fantastic ways for your dog to experience low impact exercise and get plenty of exercise.

Try to make life for your dog as simple as you can. Investing in raised dog bowls will ease neck pain when the bend over to eat. Buying a folding dog ramp for your car will make it simpler for him/her to go for a ride. Buy dog stairs to help them climb into bed or on to their favorite spot without having to jump up or jump down.

Lastly, there are medications for canine arthritis treatment prescribed through your vet that offer your older dog arthritis pain relief. Rimadyl is the most well loved medication. Although with some side effects, it will ease joint pain. Other drugs can accompany Rimadyl for the most severe cases of canine arthritis that can ease pain allowing dog owners a small-term option to euthanasia.

Canine arthritis and other chronic pain experienced by your dog can be controlled. For early detection of dog arthritis symptoms a change in diet and an orthopedic dog bed will most likely do the trick. Older dogs with more severe symptoms prescribed medications will ease joint pain but at the end of the day, we as pet owners must recognize our responsibility to provide a quality of life for our dogs.

How To Treat The Pain Of Canine Arthritis is a post from: Arthritis for Dogs

The most common dog arthritis is osteoarthritis which is a degenerative disease in the joints where the cartilage will need remodeling, and then the new bone causes the arthritis. The dog arthritis symptoms are usually a gradual onset of limpness in the limbs. In other words lameness will result to where the dog finds it hard to walk. Most often a dog will also be less likely to be active such as walks, playing, or even going up stairs.

Dog arthritis starts as a gradual limpness in the affected limb or limbs and may progress to lameness. An advanced case will reveal itself as a dog that is less active in play, on walks and generally has difficulty walking. The stiffness and pain are more likely to be pronounced in the morning or after a nap - when the dog has been sleeping in the same position for some time. During the day when the dog is most active, the pain is generally minimal.

A dog afflicted with arthritis will tend to feel pain if their limbs are touched near to where the joint is inflamed. There is usually swelling as well, but this will not normally be visible to the naked eye.

Arthritis medicine is available for dogs who suffer from the condition - this can treat the inflammation. Many dog owners instead opt for more natural methods of treatment for their pet, finding them more helpful in many cases. Glucosamine and MSM are two well loved natural dog arthritis treatments (they are also used in humans with arthritis). A lot of experts in the field reckon that arthritis is best treated by a combination of MSM, Glucosamine and Chondroitin.

Depending on the cause of the arthritis in dogs you may need to have medication for your pet. Some types of arthritis can be taken care of with a healthy diet and exercise. Obesity in dogs is one cause of arthritis. By helping the dog to maintain a natural weight for their size and eating a healthy diet you can eliminate the pain of arthritis. The joints may still experience some lasting effects; but this is minimal hurt that can be treated with more glucosamine in the diet as well as other herbs.

Many times, just a change in diet can be enough to treat the symptoms of arthritis in dogs. Especially in tandem with exercise, diet can relieve arthritis in many dogs. Just as in humans, obesity can lead to arthritis. If the animal is kept at a healthy weight, then much of the pain of arthritis will simply disappear.

For some dogs, arthritis remedies must be used in conjunction with a change in the animal's diet to best treat the symptoms of dog arthritis.

How to Treat Arthritis in Dogs and Hip Dysplasia in Dogs is a post from: Arthritis for Dogs

DOG ARTHRITIS MEDICATION FROM YOUR VETERINARIAN

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also called NSAID’S. These are non-narcotic pain relievers. Common NSAID’s used are Rimadyl, Etogesic, Meloxicam, Phenybultazone, Ketoprofen,and Piroxicam. Be careful with NSAID’S because there can be harsh side effects to your pet from using these medications. Your vet will want to closely monitor your dog if they are on these medications.

I do not like these forms of traditional medicine because of the possible adverse side effects. In some cases there may not be many options but in other cases there are other things  you can do.

DIRECT PAIN MANAGEMENT WITH DOG ARTHRITIS MEDICATION -OVER THE COUNTER MEDICINES

Aspirin – Used for pain relief but be careful as long term use can cause internal bleeding just like in humans. If you choose to use aspirin then use buffered aspirin. Never use ibuprofen or acetaminophen on dogs. Aspirin should never be given to a cat.

Again even with over the counter medications there can be some side effect. I prefer more natural treatments using supplements and home remedies to manage the pain.

NATURAL TREATMENTS FOR CANINE ARTHRITIS

Glucosamine – Safe for both dogs and cats.  Made from shellfish. The pet’s body produces natural glucosamine but when cartilage hurt gets to be too much the pet’s body cannot produce enough. Glucosamine supplements are readily available at pet stores without a prescription.  Some dog foods will contain glucosamine but some studies suggest it will not contain enough. Chondroitin sulfate – Also available as a dietary supplement without a prescription. This product effectively reduces pain but does not lubricate the joints like glucosamine. Omega fatty acids – Used to reduce inflammation. They also work to reduce pain and swelling.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT HOME REMEDIES

Home remedies have some fantastic benefits.

Saves money on vet bills Reduces the chance of harmful side effects Most are readily available in your home already Well tolerated by our four legged friends Can also be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment Are especially useful in mild cases of illnesses and ailments

Can’t afford to pay the vet? Then read on through the last paragraph and click on the links to find inexpensive home remedies to treat a lot of illnesses that your pets will be afflicted with over their lives.

DOG ARTHRITIS MEDICATION | BEST WAYS TO TREAT is a post from: Arthritis for Dogs