Wednesday, November 2, 2011

How to Recognize and Treat Arthritis In Dogs

By Dirk Gruenberg


All dog owners should be aware of how important it is to educate themselves about dog health issues: arthritis is one of them. Fortunately, puppies and younger dogs are very rarely affected by arthritis.

This condition can affect elderly dogs, making it difficult for them to move freely and be a major cause of discomfort and pain. Knowing how to recognize the signs of arthritis in dogs is essential for pet owners, because if left untreated, it can become debilitating.

What are the signs? Some dogs that are normally quite active lose interest in playing, running, and jumping over time. Also climbing stairs can become difficult and painful for an arthritic pet.

The aforementioned signs may also be a symptom of other canine diseases, such as hip dysplasia, so therefore it is essential for the dog to be examined by a veterinarian.

Once the vet rules out any other possible cause for concern, he may order x-rays to determine if there are fractures or if it is a matter of arthritis.

There are many ways to treat arthritis in dogs. A vet may recommend anti-inflammatory medications. These drugs may cause side effects however, such as gastrointestinal distress. It's important to use with caution, and report any unusual symptoms to the vet at once.

It should be noted, there are other ways to relieve the discomfort of arthritis in dogs. For one thing, keeping a dog indoors during cold weather is a must. Fido should be kept away from drafty areas as well, as this can worsen his condition.

Some vets recommend orthopedic dog beds for arthritic dogs. The idea behind this is that the memory foam provides relieve for the dog's pressure points and makes lying down more comfortable.

There are supplements available as well, designed to improve mobility in dogs with arthritis. Before giving your dog a supplement, consult with a veterinarian.




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