Monday, March 28, 2011

Background Info About Dog Arthritis

By Seamus Smith


Many of the issues regarding health conditions in humans may also be sustained by dogs. One of the very known health issues in dogs is arthritis. Arthritis and many of its indications are also experienced by one fifth of the dog population. They also experience the similar soreness in the joints that we human beings undergo.

There are ways to find out if your dog may be having arthritis and joint pains. Examples are difficulty in standing or sitting, when he/she sleeps more than the usual hours, dogs usually play around but he/she doesn't, gaining body weight and preferring to use one leg only while walking, jumping or playing. Visit your family veterinarian to properly check on your dog's health condition and the appropriate treatment. If medication has been administered during its initial stages, there's a bigger possibility that your dog can last long. Luckily, the vet in our neighborhood offers alternative medications that is acceptable to us. He suggested that the dog be given a dose of glucosomine, chrondroitin sulfate and vitamin C for the arthritis to enhance collagen formation that provides support for the bones. Fatty acids such as Omega 3 and Omega is an added supplement to give the dog as well. It aids in the reduction of the joint being inflamed and the corresponding pain that goes with it. You can easily buy these items in the drugstore and they do help. I for one am a user of these supplements for my own arthritic condition.

How we treat arthritis in human beings is also the same with canines. In every bottle of these supplements, there is a corresponding ratio of dosage as to weight, so check your dog's weight and see how much he/she needs to take.

Glucosomine and chrondroitin are the essential building blocks in joint cartilage. The purpose of the two supplements is that cartilage formation is hastened.

Glucosomine is classified as an amino sugar. An amino sugar is unlike other forms of sugar in the body, and are components of carbohydrates that are incorporated into the structure of body tissues instead of being used as an energy source. It is involved in the formation of the nails, tendons, skin, eyes, bones, ligaments and heart valves. It is reported to be successful in the formation and repair of cartilage.

Cartilages maintain their flexibility and strength and lessens friction on joints through the help of chondroitin.

Vitamin C is very important to humans as well as to animals. They are responsible in the formation of collagen. These fibers are very plenty in the connective tissue of tendons, ligaments and fascia.

Joints maintain their flexibility as well as the body is kept in shape when dogs are in their good health condition and proper weight. Don't try to fit in a week's worth of exercise into one weekend. It will do more harm rather than good. It is better to take one day at a time. It is imperative that your dog stays on his/her right weight and in shape so that added strain on the bones and joints will be avoided. Nourish your dog with food that have lots of vitamins, proteins and fibers. If your dog is already having signs of arthritis, you can also give him/her supplements for that.




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