Old Dogs 101 - How to Help Your Canine Senior Live As Comfortably As Possible

Reaching old age for a dog is often the result of good luck, good life habits by the dog's owner, and in the end, just plain good genetics. If you already have an old dog, skip over the next paragraph and read ahead for tips on caring for your senior citizen. But if you're in the market for a new dog, there is a recipe to help improve your future pet's odds for longevity.

The list of ingredients starts with a puppy bred by a responsible breeder. Prospective parents should be screened with health tests appropriate for their breed before being bred. Add to that a nurturing and stimulating puppy hood. Next, feed a quality premium food for the life of the dog.These days there are specialty diets for puppies and seniors, giant breeds and toys, food for joint health and for dogs with diabetes or kidney disease. Feed the diet that's right for your dog. Blend in regular examinations with a veterinarian. Vaccinations are available to prevent 13 different canine diseases and dental check-ups should be as routine as an inoculations. Mix in a safe environment. That means a fenced yard or leashed walks, fenced or covered ponds and swimming pools, an I.D. tag on their collar, and protection from household chemicals, dangerous wildlife and dogs you don't know. Let this all sit until your dog is old, gray, grizzled and has more love for you than ever before.

When is a dog old? We used to think that every dog year was equivalent to seven human years. Experts now tell us that a dog's size and breed influence this answer and there are charts to be found on the Internet that are the updated versions of this information.

Once you determine that your dog is "old," what next? Let's break down the areas which most immediately impact your old dog:

Nutrition: Energy requirements decrease about 20 - 20% in senior dogs which accounts for the increased percentage of fat content in their bodies Fat dogs die younger than leaner dogs. Keep your oldster trim; It used to be believed that reduced protein spared the kidneys in older dogs. In the book, "Eternal Puppy." written by Janice Willard, DVM, however, the author shares studies that suggest that older dogs need more high quality protein, not less, to prevent muscle wasting. Optimal protein levels are a controversial topic among nutritionists, but unless your dog has kidney disease, it may not be a good idea to reduce your old dog's protein intake. Older dogs have decreased intestinal motility which sometimes make them more prone to constipation. Avoid a high fiber diet, but with your vet's consent, consider increasing soluble and insoluble fibers.Consumption of vegetables, especially leafy greens, correlate with a reduction in certain forms of cancer, so consider adding a few fruit and vegetables to your dog's diet - very slowly, at first. Give it frequently even if it isn't eaten. Old dogs don't always enjoy new things, but if offered routinely or in different form (frozen peas as a crunchy treat vs cooked ones) they may take to it.Add omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) to your dog's diet; Studies have shown that Fish oil supplementation may be helpful for pets with inflammatory diseases including allergies, arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, and cancers.You may not notice changes for at least six to eight weeks, so be patient, and be sure to consult your veterinarian when embarking on anything new.

Flooring: Hard flooring is not only hard on a dog's joints, but offers little traction and puts an old dog at risk for blowing out an ACL or hip. Put down small vinyl-backed rugs for those high traffic spots where the dog is apt to turn a corner or run to go outside.

Bedding: Your senior will spend more time sleeping, so offer the best kind of bedding you can mange. Here are some of your choices:Heated dog beds can be highly therapeutic for dogs with achy joints. They work like heating pads and are especially appreciated by thin and/or tiny dogs Gel filled orthopedic beds offer maximum support, comfort and superior weight distribution. The new Gel foam beds contain heat sensitive memory foam type material that custom forms to pets' bodies, easing pressure on legs and hips. The gel helps keep pets cool in the summer by maintaining a lower ambient temperature, while the foam helps keep pets warm in the winter with dense insulation. Memory foam beds are made from (ta da!) memory foam which was first developed by NASA years ago. Foam beds are another type of body-conforming bed that reduces pressure on joints. Dog Waterbeds can provide therapeutic benefits for pain, Hip Dysphasia, Cushing's Disease, Hygromas, Allergies, Calluses, Post Surgery, Senior Canines, Post Chemotherapy, Skin Conditions, Elbow Dysphasia, and Canine Auto-Immune Hemolytic Anemia. Standard orthopedic beds are generally made with a 3" egg crate. Although these beds are probably the lowest in price, the aforementioned options tend to provide better support and comfort for an old dog.

Incontinence: It happens to the best of us. Don't get mad since given the choice, your dog would rather not have the problem, either. In many cases of canine incontinence, a hormone deficiency is the source of the problem and these are typically treated through the use of drugs such as Diethylstilbestrol. If your vet determines that there is no medical reason for incontinence other than simple aging, however, there are several solutions to combat everything from periodic "dribbling"to all-out flooding;- Just pick the one best for your dog's situation: If the problem occurs during crating or in the night when your dog is sleeping and s/he doesn't move around much, re-usable protective pads will work just fine. There are a mind-numbing array of disposable options which a Google search will display.

If the problem is more "mobile," there are disposable diapers that feature elastic, no-leak gathers and resealable Velcro tape. You can also make your own "belly bands" for boys and again, a Google search will show you how. For a "no sew" version, insert a sanitary napkin inside the length of a man's crew sock (the man should be out of the sock when you do this), and attach sticky-backed Velcro at each end. One economical solution to pricey disposables is to purchase two or three washable diapers in which pads can be inserted and disposed of when soiled.We've been impressed with the fit and durability of Simple Solutions diapers which can be found at Petsmart.

The Handicapped Dog: Older dogs, or dogs with arthritis, degenerative myelopathy (DM) and spinal problems can sometimes lose the use of their back legs. This is NOT catastrophe. A dog can still walk and get the exercise they need with a sling or dog wheelchair. To see a dog wheelchair in action, check out "Denali" on Google. For some dogs, a sling works perfectly well as it allows the dog's owner to maneuver medium and large dogs without lifting the entire weight of the dog. If this looks like a solution for you, be sure to get a sling that's ergonomically designed with adjustable handles that allow you to stand erect and maintain your center of gravity.You can't very well help your disabled dog if your own back is thrown "out.'

Hearing Loss: By the time an owner notices hearing loss in their dog - usually in the 4th quarter of a dog's life, it's probable that the loss has been progressive and has finally passed a threshold where it's now noticeable. Hearing aids are still impractical for a dog and we are left to do what we can to protect the dog. We should be especially careful when walking a hearing impaired dog off-lead. Such a dog won't hear his owner call from a distance and may well get lost and become at risk from approaching cars or other animals.

Blindness: The cloudiness we see in our senior dogs' eyes is usually sclerosis, or hardening of the lens of the eye. The light-transmitting capabilities of the lens is still intact and the dog has lost little of its vision, so think of as looking through a cheap shower curtain. Up close, you can see through the curtain, but at a distance, it's a bit more opaque. Glaucoma and cataracts do occur in dogs and any changes in vision, discharge, squinting, swelling or redness should be seen by a vet right away. If nothing can be done to reverse blindness, take heart in the fact that blind dogs adjust pretty well by using memorized routes around the house and feel the vibrations from radios, TVs and the floor to gauge where they are.

Taste: A geriatric dog may have only 25% of the taste buds he had at a year old, so if your senior is losing weight for no apparent reason that a vet can determine, food may have become tasteless for your dog. Try increasing the tastiness of food with eggs, seasonings, shredded cheeses (especially the "smelly" kind), a sprinkling of fish bits or a "schmear" of Braunschweiger over the top of the food.

Arthritis:Because cartilage cannot repair itself,it is impossible to heal arthritis once it has begun.At best, we can slow degeneration, reduce inflammation and limit pain. Most of us are familiar with Rimadyl, a steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for the relief of arthritic symptoms in geriatric dogs. Aspirin, even low dosage or buffered, is NOT a good option for pain management in dogs. Studies show increased risk of stomach bleeding. Don't do it. Currently, early research looks promising with glucosamine and chondroitin combinations and omega-3 fatty acids. In our own house, each adult dog gets 1,200 mg. of fish oil, and a table that combines 1500 mg of glucosamine with 1200 mg of chondroitin daily. Our veterinarian is fine with this, but always check with your own vet before starting anything new. Substances such as MSM, hyaluronic aci, New Zealand green-lipped mussels and other antioxidents may also benefit cartilage and joint fluid, but the jury is out on how they work and because these substances aren't regulated by the FDA for dogs, dog owners have to be careful.

Dentistry: By four years of age, 85% of dogs will have some form of periodontal disease. Older dogs are at an increased risk for dental disease because they have reduced salivary production. With a drier mouth, food sticks to teeth more which increases bacteria. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to places it doesn't belong. Periodontal disease has been implicated in the development and acceleration of diseases in the kidneys, heart, liver and brain. CLEAN YOUR DOG'S TEETH. If your dog's teeth have been neglected, a professional cleaning may be in order. Ask your vet about putting the dog on a course of antibiotics before the scheduled cleaning to combat bacteria, and make sure they are aware of the dog's age. Anesthesia has come a long way and isn't quite as risky for an old dog as it used to be. But it's still anesthesia and should be seriously considered before using, particularly if your breed has issues with anesthesia.

IVD or Idiopathic Vestibular Disease is the most common disease on old dogs that you may not be familiar with. Characterized by symptoms that almost resemble a stroke, these signs include a head tilt, nausea and rapid eye movement. To learn more about this syndrome, check out the January 2008 issue of KnobNotes in our archives to read more about IVD, also known as the geriatric disease.

Boredom: Most dogs are active by default, hunting, show and performance dogs even more so. But when physical abilities diminish and a dog becomes less capable of their former tasks, other ways must be found to keep their minds active. Toys are only toys if the dog interacts and plays with them, otherwise they become just more "stuff" on the living room floor. Food puzzles are rewarding because they invite interaction. The Molecuball, Buster Cube,Busy Buddies and Canine Genius all offer interesting food puzzles that help stimulate a dog's mind as they reward effort.

We're just scratched the surface of issues that confront senior dogs and their owners. If you are blessed with an "oldster" in your house, you'll want to investigate some great books that offer additional information:

"Eternal Puppy" by Janice Willard, DVM;
"How To Make An Old Dog Happy" by Olivier Lagalisse;
"Speaking for Spot," by Dr. Nancy Kay "The Senior Dog" by Heike Schmidt-Roger/ Susanne Blank;

What You Need to Know About Anterior Hip Replacement

Anterior hip replacement is fast becoming the preferred approach to hip surgery, out favoring the traditional approach and offering faster recovery with less pain. If you have been told you need a hip replacement, or have been suffering from chronic hip pain, you may be the perfect candidate for this procedure.

What is the difference between approaches?
In the traditional approach, a large 7 to 8 inch incision is made in the back (posterior) or the side (lateral) of the hip. With either of these approaches, the gluteus (buttock) muscles must be cut. Much of the pain following hip replacement surgery is due to detachment, repair and healing of these cut muscles. With the anterior approach, a smaller 3" incision in the front of the hip is made. There is no need to disturb the muscles- - instead, surgeons work through the natural opening between the muscles. As a result, recovery is faster and there is far less pain than with the traditional approach.

Who is a good candidate for the anterior approach?
Almost anyone who is a candidate for hip replacement surgery is a good candidate for anterior hip repair. Typical candidates are generally people over the age of 50 who have chronic hip pain resulting from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, where the cartilage between the head of the femur (the ball) and the acetabulum (the concave surface of the pelvis, or socket) has worn away, causing "bone on bone" pain when walking or performing other weight-bearing activities.

With the advancement of prosthetic materials, artificial joint life has been greatly extended, making the surgery more attractive to persons in their 40s.

Patients who are obese, who have had a previous hip replacement on the hip in question or who have severe hip dysplasia or overgrowth of the hip bone (heterotopic bone formation) may not be good candidates for the anterior approach.

What are the advantages of the anterior approach?

There are many advantages of the anterior approach, including:

• smaller incision


• less pain and scarring


• lower risk of hip dislocation following surgery as the muscles supporting the hip are not disrupted


• more exacting placement of the installed components, resulting in a longer lasting prosthesis


• decreased leg length discrepancy


• fewer hip precautions following surgery- patients are able to resume activities, including walking and flexing the hip, almost immediately


• Shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery- patients are often home the next day and recovery is approximately 2 to 8 weeks, as opposed to 2 to 4 months for the traditional approach

What makes the anterior approach possible? The anterior approach is possible due in large part to the use of a specially designed table that allows for specific positioning during surgery. The Hana™ table is designed to allow rotation and hyperextension of the leg and hip, which permits the surgeon to more accurately and precisely, fit the prosthetic device. The table is made of a carbon fiber, which allows the surgeon to view scan images of the operative site during the surgery, permitting greater leg length accuracy. The combination of the specialized table and the imaging system make the anterior approach possible.

How do I find a surgeon who uses the anterior approach? Not all surgeons are trained at the anterior approach to hip replacement. The need for specialized equipment and training means there are fewer surgeons who offer anterior approach to hip replacement surgery.

The Holland Bone and Joint Center in Holland, Michigan offers this less invasive and specialized technology, and treats patients from around the world who wish to undergo this hip replacement option, allowing them to return to their normal activities sooner and with less pain. The Center provides quality care, expertise and personalized service to patients from all walks of life, including Olympic athletes. The Hana™ table and a specialized imaging system are routinely used at the Center for anterior hip repairs.

If you are wondering whether you are a candidate for anterior hip replacement, physicians at the Holland Bone and Joint Center will gladly review any imaging studies you have had done elsewhere and will work with your family physician to coordinate the care you need and deserve.

Glucosamine Chondroitin Therapy for Joint Pain

Damaged cartilage due to everyday wear and tear, traumatic injuries, dehydration, and an unbalanced and deficient diet would often result to arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that involves varying degrees of pain with no known cure. Most people will control the pain with NSAIDS and other pain relievers, which address the pain, but does nothing to go to the root of the problem. A better alternative is helping the body repair the damaged joints with natural supplements to reduce pain, without risking the dangerous side effects of today's powerful drugs.

What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring nutrient inside our bodies. It is an amino sugar that is formed by the combining of glucose, hydrogen and nitrogen amines in the body. Although glucosamine exhibits some properties of carbohydrates, they do not act as energy supplies but rather as building blocks of the cartilage found in the joints. Specifically, glucosamine is essential in the production of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans that are necessary to keep the joints healthy.

As we grow old, the production of glucosamine in our bodies tends to slow down. When this happens, cartilages in our body cannot fully recover from the strain of everyday activities such as walking, running, and the lifting of heavy loads. Hence, there is a day to day imbalance between work and rest that the cartilage in our joints is put through leading to a deficiency of the component. This deficiency then leads to the degeneration of the joints that causes the formation of bone spurs which leads to inflammation of the joints, especially in the knees, back, and hip area. Furthermore, joint pain is a result of the scarcity of the synovial fluid, thinning of the cartilage and synovium which causes friction between the bones.

What are glucosamine supplements?

Fortunately, scientific innovations have produced glucosamine supplements to help aid the glucosamine production process. Man-made glucosamine comes in three variants, namely: glucosamine hydrochloride or glucosamine HCl, glucosamine sulfate, and N-acetyl-glucosamine. The technical difference is that the latter (N-acetyl-glucosamine) is the neutral form of glucosamine while the first two (glucosamine HCl and glucosamine sulfate) are composed of charged anions that have been found to be beneficial when it comes to joint protection, repair, and rehabilitation. Both are more sought after than N-acetyl-glucosamine because they are easily absorbed by the body thereby nutrients are more easily digested and distributed to the cells.

These types of glucosamine can come either in pill or liquid form and are alternatives to the usual pain killers that only relieve pain. By not addressing the condition of the damaged cartilage, NSAIDS are more of a band-aid to the immediate pain, with side effects that have pulled some products off the market due to deaths attributed to them. Todays glucosamine supplements contain not only glucosamine but a combination of other nutrients that aid in cartilage and joint repair. Glucosamine often is joined by chondroitin sulfate that not only aids in protecting the cartilage and protecting the cartilage from damage but also enables the quick absorption of glucosamine in the body's cells. The combined effects of glucosamine and chondroitin and their synthesis are further amplified by the presence of manganese ascorbate in most supplements. In addition, glucosamine supplements also contain anti-inflammatory ingredients such as yucca, white willow bark and bromelain that act as analeptics.

If You Served In Desert Storm, Iraq (OIF-OEF) Or Afghanistan Read This!

I ran upon an article this morning detailing how the Veteran Affairs is streamlining the disability compensation for veterans. I have discovered after reading the article that the VA is finally recognizing certain illnesses and diseases for disabilities. The majority of these diseases relate to military veterans who served in the areas of Saudi Arabia/Iraq and Afghanistan.

I have been experiencing things that I have been summing up as merely part of getting "older". I have been waking up with severe joint pain in my back. I have been accepting the joint pain with the ideology that my boyfriend and I need a new mattress. It does not matter what surface I sleep upon because I wake up with the same joint pain.

The pain comes and goes and is most prevalent in the mornings. I always feel stiff when I wake up. After reading the list from the VA, a lot of people who have served in these arenas suffer from what is called Fibromyalgia. This could explain my joint pain.

I have also discovered that women who served in these arenas suffer from severe menstrual cramps and menstrual disorders. I recently had to have surgery to stop excessive menstrual bleeding and cramps. Women who served in the desert also suffer from severe reproductive disorders. This proves common sense to me because I had ectopic pregnancies and I lost a Fallopian Tube with currently only have one.

Most Desert Storm vets have red blotches on their skin. Some blotches are small, some are huge, and some Dermatologists have asked if I have been exposed to chemicals.

It proves sad that people who serve their country have to deal with the consequences of their service with serious health problems. Veterans with serious health problems face an organization which fights them tooth and nail to grant them disability. I gained a chronic skin disorder called Hydrianitis while serving in the military. This disease is not contagious yet never goes away. It's a severe skin problem to deal with. This is something I will have to live with for the rest of my life, and the VA only pays me 10% for it.

I would urge all veterans to keep an eye on their titles for disability. I discovered not long ago that they changed the name of my skin condition to something else which is illegal. What does it mean when they do this? This means that if your disability or illness gets worse, they do not have to pay you for it. Keep an eye on the way the VA labels your disability illnesses or diseases.

I have included a link for all war veterans who served in these arenas. Please read it. If you recognize any of the signs and symptoms happening to you, I urge you make an appointment with the VA and get it documented. I also want to tell veterans who are disabled to the point where they cannot work, please review your options with social security disability. The Social Security Administration accepts illnesses and diseases caused by military service as grounds for disability.

Seeking Answers to Hip Dysplasia

This article is a bird's eye view into a common problem faced by many breeds of
dog, known as hip dysplasia.

With some information gleaned from an article written by Marcia King in the December issue of Dog Fancy. Words of advice from Dr. Darryl Mills, professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Tennessee, taken from the same article in Dog Fancy and some research by me, I will give you a quick rundown on this common and dreaded problem.

There are many breeds that seem to have a genetic tendency toward hip dysplasia, among them you will find Golden Retrievers, Labradors, German Shepherds, Dachshunds, Spaniels, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Mastiffs and many more.

If you are in the market for a dog it is wise to research the breed you are looking for, to see what the genetic tendencies are toward certain ailments.

What is hip dysplasia?

It is a loose abnormal hip joint caused by a hip socket that is too shallow to hold the ball or head of the thigh bone (femur.) This causes a rubbing together of the joints and that in turn causes inflammation, pain, cartilage damage, muscle loss and arthritis. It is more common in males than in females.

What causes it?

In many cases it is a genetic predisposition, however it can also be caused by too rapid a growth in large dogs, while in the puppy growing stage and high impact exercise while a puppy, such as excessive jumping, running and training.

What are the signs?

Lameness or stiffness in the hind legs, difficulty in walking or standing, problems getting up after lying down, a type of "bunny hop gait" and pain. The dog may show pain by crying out or by nipping at its hind legs as if he/she were trying to get a flea or some other bite.

It is a condition that develops in puppy-hood, but may not be noticed until a few years later. Puppies can show signs as early as 5 months (20 weeks.)

How can you tell if your puppy has hip dysplasia?

Your vet can tell by moving the hip joints and by taking x-rays. If found early enough (before 20 weeks) there is a simple surgical procedure that can be done to repair the problem and it is the least expensive of the surgeries that can be done later on.

Many veterinarians suggest the surgery be done at the same time you spay or neuter your pet, providing you know you have a dog that is a high risk for the problem, especially if one of the parents has a known case. What can be done to prevent it?

Preventing rapid growth is one way. Slowing down the weight gain gives the bones a chance to grow and get stronger without the extra body weight. Some vets advise mixing the puppy food formula with adult food to help slow down the growth, while others suggest just feeding less more often. Talk to your vet before implementing any changes in your puppy's diet.

Avoid high impact exercise, keep the jumping and other strenuous exercise at a minimum. Any type of play that puts stress on the hind quarters on a continual basis is not recommended.

If your puppy is from high-risk parents or if the breed has a tendency to have problems, have your puppy checked early by your vet. Just knowing what to expect can allow you to plan for early surgery if necessary or it will give you something to base the early training of your dog on.

What types of surgery are available?

There are currently 4 types of surgery available:

Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis is the surgery that is done before 20 weeks. It is the quickest and the least expensive. It cauterizes the growing cartilage cells in the hip, altering the growing hip angle, which provides a tighter hip.

Triple pelvic osteotomy is a surgery where the pelvic bone is cut in 3 places and repositioned to better secure the thigh bone. It is best done before any signs of arthritis appear.

Total hip replacement is the most expensive and of course the best alternative. The dog gets an artificial hip and most dogs have amazing results.

Femoral head and neck incision surgery removes and replaces the head of the thigh bone with muscle or joint tissues that form a false joint. This is best done on dogs that weigh less than 50 pounds with generally good results.

Besides surgery there are also other ways to help reduce the pain dogs suffer. Some more advanced veterinary clinics have available transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, which uses an electrical impulse to help reduce pain.

Then there is extracorporeal shockwave therapy that utilizes sound waves to induce pain relief. This treatment has helped some dogs go for months without pain and others for a year or two.

Knowing many of us have budgets that do not allow (as much as we would like to) for giving our pets the most expensive treatments and we have to rely on medication and supplements to supply pain relief.

The market place abounds with many good products that can help your pet and dull the pain of arthritis type symptoms. Look for products that contain glucosamine, chondroitin and/or MSM. As always consult your pet's health practitioner before dispensing any medication.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health: 3 Things You Must Know

Staffordshire bull terrier health is important to any Staffy owner. A little about Staffy's first. They are very intelligent dogs who enjoy running around and entertaining the family. They are strong muscular dogs that are well suited for both an apartment, flat and a home. These dogs need lots of daily activity and exercise and generally have smooth coats with short hair.

Though a little on the stocky side, Staffy bull terriers are tenacious, courageous, and fun to be around because they are so loving. While they have some very admirable personality traits, there are some possible health concerns that you will need to know before adopting your Staffy pups.

You will find that this breed of dog is often prone to cataracts and conditions of the eye. Improper breeding can often cause puppies to have double eyelashes which can rub up against the cornea causing damage to the eye. Another common breeding concern is persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV).

This ailment occurs when the blood supply to the ocular lens doesn't regress causing tissue to form and making the dog's vision cloudy or blurry. Be sure that you take your Staffy pups to the veterinarian for DNA testing will determine if they will need to have treatment for these conditions. Puppies can be screened for these conditions at a few weeks old. It is also important for the breeder to have the puppy's parents screened for these conditions to keep future litters of puppies from experiencing these ailments.

The Staffy can also be prone to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia affects the hip joint on the hind legs. It is associated with an abnormal joint structure in the dog, and involves a weakening of the surrounding connective tissue. This weakness in the connective tissue causes the ball and socket in the joint to lose contact with each other. While dogs of all ages can be subject to hip dysplasia, occasionally puppies will show signs of the condition.

Symptoms are similar to arthritis in the hip and can include pain and discomfort after walking, running, and exercise. A veterinarian can properly diagnose canine hip dysplasia with x-rays and a complete exam of your Staffordshire bull terrier. There are several surgical procedures available that can treat and correct this painful condition.

The third genetic condition that can possibly affect your Staffordshire bull terrier is a mast cell tumor, or mastocytosis. Mast cell tumors are found in both animals and humans. They are often associated with allergic reactions, and are generally skin tumors. Although they are not malignant in all cases, there is a possibility of malignancy. You will want to have your dog screened for any unusual skin lesions with the veterinarian.

A Staffordshire bull terrier's health is very important to the family that loves him. You want to take extra care with any possible genetic abnormalities in your dog and seek proper medical treatment to ensure a long and healthy life. Staffies are part of the family, and they are very loyal dogs. They deserve all of the love and attention you can shower on them.

Arthritis Pain Relief - The Diet That Worked For Me

Arthritis sufferers today are continually seeking relief from their arthritis pain. I got rid of my arthritis symptoms and arthritis pain years ago by making a change in my diet and lifestyle.

Arthritis pain is most usually experienced whenever a stiff or swollen joint is used. Arthritis is usually found in the joints of the fingers, feet, knees, hips, and spine. In osteoarthritis, any one or more of the affected joints can experience a progressive loss of cartilage, which is the slippery material that cushions the ends of bones.

The combination of the collagen meshwork and high water content tightly bound by proteoglycans creates a resilient, slippery pad in the joint, which resists the compression between bones during muscle movement. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that coats the ends of the bones. Cartilage contains a high percentage of water and decreases with age.

An inflammatory response causes cytokines to gather in injured areas and cause inflammation and damage to body tissue and cells. It's known to play a role in a systemic form of arthritis - rheumatoid arthritis, and other muscle and joint problems associated with autoimmune diseases. Aging cells could be a significant factor in the development of arthritis and specifically osteoarthritis. Although osteoarthritis generally does go along with aging, osteoarthritic cartilage is chemically different from normal aged cartilage.

Natural arthritis treatment is usually a better choice - it's non-invasive and usually anti-inflammatory if living plant foods are consumed. I know quite a few people who are treating and relieving their arthritis pain by drinking tart cherry juice made from a concentrate; make sure it's the tart kind. Some of the foods and beverages to avoid that are inflammatory are: caffeine, salt, sugar, meat, dairy products, additives, soft drinks, white flour, white rice, alcoholic beverages, fast food, processed vegetable oils, refined, packaged and processed food.

Many people have told me that going off of dairy products and foods containing gluten, like wheat, barley and rye especially, relieved them of arthritis pain entirely. An acidic diet, that is any foods that are not alive, is considered to be inflammatory to one's joints. Try avoiding seven of the eight most allergic foods - wheat, which is the most allergenic, corn, eggs, milk, peanuts, fish and shellfish.

If you're not already doing so, make a big effort to change your diet. Watch your diet closely - load-bearing joints are affected by excessive weight; hips, knees, feet and spine.

Many people, including one well-known professional golfer, still wear copper bracelets and swear by them. And a recent study in Great Britain touted the beneficial effects of cod liver oil in osteoarthritis for relieving pain and stiffness, and beginning the reversal of the destruction of joint cartilage within 24 hours.

Stretching and warming up the joints should always be the first step in your exercise routine to make your joints more flexible. But be careful in the morning; you may need an hour or more of moving around first; you can start by moving your limbs around in bed a few minutes before you get out of bed. If you have pain and swelling in your fingers, try squeezing Thera-putty which is made for this purpose, or exercising them with two chime balls. Even the lightest exercise can go a long way to maintaining your joint mobility and overall good health. Fight arthritis through lots of movement and exercise!

The important exercises for arthritis include: range-of-motion exercises, isometrics, and some weight-bearing exercises. For arthritic fingers, a good exercise is to put your finger tips together, press hard and release, then repeat several times. Exercise all your affected joints every day, to keep them fluid and flexible.

Once you become completely informed about arthritis you'll be able to plan an arthritis treatment program that's right for you - natural or conventional or a combination of both. And only you know which arthritis treatments are best for you. Be aware that the use of pain relievers like NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors do not halt the progress of osteoarthritis and may even hasten the onset; additionally the side effects may outweigh any benefits.

But changing my diet totally to a raw diet of plant foods - that is fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds, stopped all my arthritis pain and stopped the damage to my joints to this day. The biggest secret to arthritis pain relief is a change in the diet; eat plant foods that are alive not cooked. Your treatment plan should include an anti-arthritis diet, movement, exercise, and a positive mental attitude. The right diet may stop the progression of your arthritis and stop the pain that goes with it.