Canine Arthritis Does NOT Mean the End to a Happy Dog Life
October 9, 2009
Dog arthritis is a very serious concern for owners of gaining canines, and you need to be aware that it is very likely your dog will suffer with arthritis to some extent at some point in their life. Dogs 10 years or older are especially susceptible to this degenerative disease, but dogs of all ages can experience canine arthritis. If your dog has arthritis, there are various options to manage the pain and prevent further damage in order to give back the normal life your dog deserves.
Causes of Arthritis
Canine arthritis is most commonly caused by the natural wear and tear of the joints over time; however, it can also be the result of major injuries and certain diseases and/or infections. Inactive and overweight dogs have a tendency to experience arthritis as well.
Watch for the Symptoms
A dog suffering from arthritis will demonstrate certain behavior. The most common symptom is pain, especially in the legs. Dogs may become less active because moving around is painful. Laying in the corner all day long should not be shrugged off as dog laziness. It may be a sign they are dealing with movement restriction and pain.
Loss of appetite and a fever are further indications of possible canine arthritis, though they can also be symptoms of other problems as well. A sudden loss in your dog’s body physique and/or muscle tone should also raise red flags.
Prevention and Care
Keeping your dog active is a must because it releases a joint lubricant in your dog’s body, but if your dog already suffers from arthritis, keep exercising to a minimum. Your dog needs to stay active, but you don’t want to overwork their joints and cause further damage.
Maintain a healthy body weight in your dog. Extra weight can put a lot of strain on your dog’s legs. Getting rid of excess body fat will not only make your dog healthier, but it will also give them a greater freedom of movement and take the strain off of their already-aching joints.
Further steps you can take to keep arthritis from flaring up in your dog are as follows: give your dog comfortable sleeping conditions. If you have the money, you can even purchase an orthopedic bed for your dog. Raise their food bowl to a higher level; lowering their head to eat puts unnecessary strain on their bodies. Aid your dog’s mobility by adding ramps around their living environment.
Proper Treatment Options
Your very first step should always be to take your dog to the vet. You need to make sure a proper diagnosis is made in order to give the most effective treatment. Your doctor may prescribe several different treatments for your dog’s pain relief. There are NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), joint-fluid modifiers, surgery, and vaccines. There are also brands of dog food, such as Hill’s or Purina, who produce special food specifically for dogs with arthritis.
Natural Treatments
You also have the option of natural or home treatments. Alfalfa attends to the swelling in the joints. Stinging nettles can cleanse your canine’s blood and contribute to pain relief, as does yucca. Seafood, especially greenlip and perna mussels, are known to restore the loss of connective tissue.
Comfrey and vegetables aid in keeping your dog healthy, and of course, massage oils and massaging your dog’s aching joints are also very helpful. Remember, before giving your dog any natural treatment, read up on the right dosage amount or how to give it properly to your dog.
One more alternative treatment well worth looking into is called Reiki, which is a practice of energy healing from Japan that has had a lot of success for arthritis sufferers.
Realize, when it comes to canine arthritis, you cannot fully heal it. But that doesn’t mean your dog can’t have a normal and happy life. There are plenty of steps to relieving your dog’s pain as well as keeping them active and healthy. Prevention of further damage to your dog’s joints and managing the damage done already is very doable and also crucial for your dog’s sake. By keeping your dog’s symptoms to a minimum, you will be able to work through the hardships of arthritis and give your dog their life back.
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