Arthritis isn’t a condition that only affects humans. It can also affect our pets too. It is believed that one in five dogs in the US suffers from arthritis, and arthritic pain is the most common sources of chronic pain.

Since your dog can’t tell you how he’s feeling, you will need to monitor him closely for the tell tale signs he may be suffering from arthritis. These signs include decreased activity levels- he may show less interest in going for a walk or playtime. You may notice him start to hesitate when he climbs or descends the stairs, and he may show reluctance to jump or run. You may notice that he has difficulty when he stands, and there may be more obvious signs of joint pain and stiffness. He may also favor a limb, at some times more than others.

There may be secondary signs, such as behavior changes or weight gain due to being less active. If you notice any of these symptoms or are concerned, ask your veterinarian for an arthritis examination. Once a diagnosis has been given and the spread of the disease has been established, you will be able to start a plan of treatment for your dog.

Treatment of arthritis in dogs is fairly similar to treating arthritis in humans. Being overweight can exacerbate arthritis symptoms, so you will need to ensure that your dog undergoes a suitable diet and exercise regimen to reduce excess weight. Some have found that encouraging your dog to swim and paddle in sea water can reduce symptoms and swelling.

Your veterinarian may prescribe Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to reduce the pain and halt the progression of the disease. You can also purchase treatments from pet stores, such as supplements containing Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate or Omega fatty acids, such as Synflex Glucosamine Arthritis Formula for pets. These have been proven to reduce symptoms of dog arthritis. Always consult your veterinarian regarding any remedies you intend trying, and never be tempted to give human medication to your dog, as these could be harmful to his health.

As with humans, a healthy lifestyle will help to prevent your dog developing arthritis later in life. Don’t let him become overweight- ensure he has a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. This could also benefit you too! Giving him a supplement of Glucosamine may ensure that his joints are kept flexible and slow any rate of deterioration.

Keep a close eye on any changes in his behavior or tell tale signs that his health may be changing. Remember though, if your dog does develop arthritis, with appropriate treatment he can still live a full and happy life.

For a step-by-step guide to recognising arthritis in your dog and helping him to live a happy and pain free life, click here.

Images courtesy of Free Digital Photos and Free Images.

Tags: Arthritis Treament, Dog Arthritis, Glucosamine, Treat arthritis, Types Of Arthritis

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 9th, 2009 at 10:32 am and is filed under Dog Arthritis, Types Of Arthritis. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.