Dog Arthritis Remedy: A Mixture of Love and Modern Medicine
December 13, 2009
It is difficult to see anyone suffer arthritis, and your dog is no different. By watching carefully for the signs and taking your pet for regular health checks this can be diagnosed early. X-rays can be used to pinpoint inflammation around the joints, and early application of a dog arthritis remedy will keep the symptoms in check to ensure your dog enjoys a higher quality of life for many years.
A Variety of Treatments Produces Results
Treatment for dog arthritis will take a mixture of modern anti-inflammatories, painkillers, heat treatment, exercise, and good diet. Arthritis can rarely be cured, but a good anti inflammatory such as glucosamine will prevent the arthritis from spreading and worsening while effective painkillers can ease suffering. And easing suffering is really is the goal at this stage in life.
The combination of heat, exercise, and diet will also ensure that the your canine friend stays limber and mobile further into their golden years. Heat treatment is an old proven method of relaxing your dog’s muscles and easing stiff joints. You should consider a range of different ways of applying heat. There are special orthopedic beds available which have built-in heat elements, but you can always use the classic hot water bottle and warm wet towels.
Treatment for Different Dogs May Vary
Like people, individual dogs require different treatment and medication. An effective dog arthritis remedy will depend on the breed, age, size, and weight of your dog. Some drugs which are helpful to humans are actually dangerous to dogs – ibuprofen is a good example.
Your vet will provide advice on exercising and feeding them foods with the right nutrients. Also, scientists are always working towards better answers, and the latest, such as Rimadyl and Adequan, are only available from your vet.
Treatment and recovery from arthritis will be slow, and as dogs age they tend to move around a lot less. Can you blame them? Follow the guidlines your vet gives you. Over-activity will stress the dog and possibly cause more damage to the joints, leading to more pain and longer recovery times.
Make Their Life Easier
Older dogs have a lot in common with aging people. As they slow down, require more sleep, eat less, and are less energetic we begin to realize time catches up with even them. For dogs with arthritis, mornings can be the worst, and jumping up to snuggle with you on the couch may become a painful chore. There many ways you can make life a little easier.
Try applying a heat pack to those aching limbs in the morning and consider buying clothing for those brisk walks in the park. Makeshift ramps can help the dog climb stairs or get up on the couch. Keeping a warm and loving environment will go a long way to keeping your dog happy in the later years, and just as they always have, they will give you their undying devotion for even the smallest gestures.
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