Canine Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis can be a normal occurrence to dogs getting on in their senior years. Sometimes other illnesses or diseases can cause arthritis to occur to animals. Unfortunately, this can occur before they reach those golden years. Causes include cancer, injury, inflammatory disease, degenerative joint disease, and obesity.

Dogs can be such stoic bearers of pain that many pet owners may not notice that their pets are in any pain. Outward symptoms for canine arthritis include stiffness, limited mobility, reluctance to jump or climb (use stairs, for example), weight gain, and a general inclination to move around less. Veterinarians can diagnose canine arthritis through an examination and possibly x-rays.

Arthritis occurs when bone cartilage breaks down and is not replaced with new cartilage. Getting relief for dogs afflicted with arthritis involves a canine arthritis treatment plan that is multi-faceted. This plan includes pain relief, increased movement, managing weight loss, and joint repair.

The plan for pain relief often includes anti-inflammatory medication and pain medication. At home, owners should provide their pet with a warm, comfortable place to rest and sleep. Just as people with arthritis have discovered about their joints, dogs' joints will also feel better when they are kept warm. Extra blankets can help and so can a pet sweater. Dogs benefit from comfortable bedding. Consider getting a foam pad or other bedding that alleviates pressure points on the joints.

A treatment plan for canine arthritis should focus on movement for the pet. This component includes encouraging the pet to move around more and easing their movements in and around the house. Pet owners may install ramps or small steps to help dogs cross height barriers. They may need to think of easier ways for their pets to get outside to designated potty areas or even introduce indoor potty areas. Pet owners should be careful not to encourage strenuous activity that puts too much stress on the joints (i.e. Frisbee jumping for example).

Extra weight can both contribute to and result from canine arthritis. When dogs weigh more than they should, they put excessive stress on their joints. This stress can contribute to or exacerbate arthritis. A weight loss plan often helps dogs with arthritis. Elements of the weight loss plan include reducing how much the dog eats, providing special diet food, or encouraging more exercise. All of these components may be necessary for a dog suffering from arthritis.

A final focus for canine arthritis will be on stopping further joint damage or to help with joint repair. For dog arthritis glucosamine is often suggested. Glucosamine is a necessary building block for cartilage development. Providing more glucosamine to the body helps with the maintenance and development of healthy bone cartilage.

Oral glucosamine falls into the category of dietary supplement. A newer term for this category is nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals are taken with the idea that they provide medical benefits without being considered actual medicine. Omega-3 fish oil is an example of a nutraceuticals.

Because glucosamine is marketed as a dietary supplement and not a medicine, it may not have the same level of scrutiny as products introduced as medicinal. Therefore, pet owners should be careful about marketing claims that may accompany some glucosamine products. Overall, however, studies in Europe seem to indicate that glucosamine can be a helpful part of a canine arthritis treatment plan. Dog arthritis glucosamine does not appear to do any further damage, at the least.

Glucosamine is also available in an FDA approved Injectable medication. Adequan is the brand name for this new drug. Adequan will need to be administered on a routine basis to help minimize further arthritic development.

While most dogs handle glucosamine without any trouble, possible side effects include nausea and vomiting. As part of their canine arthritis treatment plan, pet owners should discuss any side effects with their veterinarian. The veterinarian might be able to prescribe other medications that can ameliorate unpleasant side effects associated with glucosamine consumption.

Even the best glucosamine for dogs cannot be completely discontinued or the resulting benefits may cease to exist. However after an initial heavy dosage, the amount of glucosamine given as part of the canine arthritis treatment for joint repair will often be reduced.

Always consult with a veterinarian before deciding on a canine arthritis treatment. Dogs can suffer from arthritis the same as humans and treatments may be similar. Proper dosage, however, as well as consideration of contradictions should be fully investigated.