Dogs
Arthritis is a type of dog illness which leads to unbearable pain and/or inflammation in the joints. Dogs are man's best friends and when we accept a dog as a pet, it becomes a part of our family. We cannot bear to see the pain that our pet dog has to suffer from. Arthritis is one of the common dog health problems. It is commonly observed in giant breeds, older dogs and in inactive dogs. Younger dogs may acquire this disease due to injuries or accidents. Thanks to modern-day research, a variety of arthritis medications is available for dogs, today.
Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs
Anti-Inflammatory Medications: NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are prescribed by vets in arthritic cases. These medicines are dog specific and come in recommended doses for variant breeds. They require regular monitoring. These drugs are analgesics and help in preventing fever, reducing inflammation and relieving pain quickly. Aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen are common arthritis drugs. Rimadyl, EtoGesic, Metacam, Previcox and Zubrin are some medicine brands that are most widely prescribed and available in the market. If gastrointestinal and renal side effects are observed, then the treatment should be very carefully designed. Prednisolone, Methylsulphonylmethane, Dexamethasone, Methylprednisolone, and Phenylbutazone having low levels of steroids are some good medicines for dogs with arthritis. But, they may have hazardous side effects in some arthritic dogs. So all these medicines should be used strictly under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Glucosamine Treatment: Glucosamine, the component present in dog's cartilage, is also found in shellfish and sea creatures in the form of amino sugar. During the process of aging, the ability to produce the required amount of glucosamine is affected, which leads to hardened and deteriorated cartilage. Glucosamine and chondroitin are used in medications for arthritis for human beings and for dogs. Glucosamine combined with chondroitin sulfate is always better since chondroitin blocks the flow of enzymes which destroy the cartilage while glucosamine helps in its repair. No major side effects have yet been noticed when it comes to this drug. It is available in a liquid form and hence, a complete absorption of the ingredients is possible. It can be easily fed and it is a safe nutritional supplement. It reduces the pain and slows the advancement of arthritis. But it takes time, the results are not instant.
Homeopathic and Herbal Medicines: Homeopathy or herbal medicines are popular arthritis medications for dogs and they are very effective. They stimulate the defense mechanism and boost the healing power of the body. As this type of arthritis treatment does not generate any chemical action, no damage is caused to the body.
Dog Arthritis Supplements: These natural food supplements having disease preventive characteristics ease the pain and provide relief to the dog. Natural herb alfalfa has a very soothing effect on the arthritis pain in dogs. Add 3 teaspoons of dried or fresh alfalfa leaves to tea and serve it to your dog. Include vegetables rich in vitamin B, like leafy green vegetables and others like cabbage, broccoli, carrots, parsley and asparagus in your dog food on a regular basis. The minerals present in vegetables inhibit the metabolism of calcium. Products like 'mussel extracts' available in pet stores, help restore the damage caused in connective tissues and thus serve as good arthritis supplements.
Apart from these medications, some other remedial options are also available for arthritic dogs. They are physiotherapy, acupressure, acupuncture, and massage with herbal, sunflower or olive oil. These remedial measures greatly help relieve the joint pain. In extreme cases of arthritis, doctors may suggest surgery. Fatty tissues are removed from the body of arthritic dogs by means of adult stem cell therapy and the processed stem cells from these tissues are injected into the affected joints which then help to improve joint function.
Dog Care Tips
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Dogs
Arthritis Medications for Dogs
Arthritis is a type of dog illness which leads to unbearable pain and/or inflammation in the joints. Dogs are man's best friends and when we accept a dog as a pet, it becomes a part of our family. We cannot bear to see the pain that our pet dog has to suffer from. Arthritis is one of the common dog health problems. It is commonly observed in giant breeds, older dogs and in inactive dogs. Younger dogs may acquire this disease due to injuries or accidents. Thanks to modern-day research, a variety of arthritis medications is available for dogs, today.
Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs
- Finding it difficult to sit or stand up
- Poor health, sleeping all day long and lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Limping
- Walking with a stiff gait
- Constantly swollen or heated joints
- Often licking the joints
- Reluctant to go for walks, jump or climb
- Moaning due to pain
- Trying to resist touch and yelping when touched
- During the process of aging, the degeneration of the cartilage in the joints leads to arthritis in dogs.
- Sometimes, an abnormal development of bones is found in young dogs and this may lead to arthritis.
- Obesity results in extra stress on the joints which increases the chances of becoming arthritic.
- Some other abnormal conditions like hip dysplasis, or a kind of injury wherein the dog faces an unstable condition of joints, may develop further into arthritis.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications: NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are prescribed by vets in arthritic cases. These medicines are dog specific and come in recommended doses for variant breeds. They require regular monitoring. These drugs are analgesics and help in preventing fever, reducing inflammation and relieving pain quickly. Aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen are common arthritis drugs. Rimadyl, EtoGesic, Metacam, Previcox and Zubrin are some medicine brands that are most widely prescribed and available in the market. If gastrointestinal and renal side effects are observed, then the treatment should be very carefully designed. Prednisolone, Methylsulphonylmethane, Dexamethasone, Methylprednisolone, and Phenylbutazone having low levels of steroids are some good medicines for dogs with arthritis. But, they may have hazardous side effects in some arthritic dogs. So all these medicines should be used strictly under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Glucosamine Treatment: Glucosamine, the component present in dog's cartilage, is also found in shellfish and sea creatures in the form of amino sugar. During the process of aging, the ability to produce the required amount of glucosamine is affected, which leads to hardened and deteriorated cartilage. Glucosamine and chondroitin are used in medications for arthritis for human beings and for dogs. Glucosamine combined with chondroitin sulfate is always better since chondroitin blocks the flow of enzymes which destroy the cartilage while glucosamine helps in its repair. No major side effects have yet been noticed when it comes to this drug. It is available in a liquid form and hence, a complete absorption of the ingredients is possible. It can be easily fed and it is a safe nutritional supplement. It reduces the pain and slows the advancement of arthritis. But it takes time, the results are not instant.
Homeopathic and Herbal Medicines: Homeopathy or herbal medicines are popular arthritis medications for dogs and they are very effective. They stimulate the defense mechanism and boost the healing power of the body. As this type of arthritis treatment does not generate any chemical action, no damage is caused to the body.
Dog Arthritis Supplements: These natural food supplements having disease preventive characteristics ease the pain and provide relief to the dog. Natural herb alfalfa has a very soothing effect on the arthritis pain in dogs. Add 3 teaspoons of dried or fresh alfalfa leaves to tea and serve it to your dog. Include vegetables rich in vitamin B, like leafy green vegetables and others like cabbage, broccoli, carrots, parsley and asparagus in your dog food on a regular basis. The minerals present in vegetables inhibit the metabolism of calcium. Products like 'mussel extracts' available in pet stores, help restore the damage caused in connective tissues and thus serve as good arthritis supplements.
Apart from these medications, some other remedial options are also available for arthritic dogs. They are physiotherapy, acupressure, acupuncture, and massage with herbal, sunflower or olive oil. These remedial measures greatly help relieve the joint pain. In extreme cases of arthritis, doctors may suggest surgery. Fatty tissues are removed from the body of arthritic dogs by means of adult stem cell therapy and the processed stem cells from these tissues are injected into the affected joints which then help to improve joint function.
Dog Care Tips
- Always consult a veterinarian and use only the medicines prescribed by him.
- Medications meant for human beings should never be given to dogs without prior consultation.
- Regular visits to the vet's clinic are necessary for the follow-up of the treatment.
- Always give the correct dose of the medicine, as a slight change in the dosage may prove life-threatening for your dog.
- As far as dog health is concerned, a balanced and healthy diet along with regular exercises is a must. Exercises should not be strenuous.
- Arthritis in obese dogs may lead to unbearable pain since their weight creates a lot of stress on the joints. So try to keep your dog's weight in control.
- Let your dog be inside on cold days. Keep the arthritic joints warm by providing warm woolens and a quilt.
- Arrange for a soft and comfortable dog bed for the arthritic dog. He should not sleep in a clumsy or uncomfortable position.
- If he is unable to eat from his bowl due to pain while bending the neck, keep the bowl should at an elevation.
- Support your dog and lift it gently, if it faces difficulty in getting up from a seated position.
- Treating Canine Arthritis In A Multi-modal Fashion
By Ruthie Bently Canine arthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease) generally affects our senior canine companions, though younger dogs can be affected also. Nowadays with the advances of veterinary medicine there are several treatment options: allopathic,...
- Understanding Canine Arthritis
By Ruthie Bently As our canine companions get older they are susceptible to many of the same conditions of aging that affect humans; arthritis is one of these conditions. A dog’s skeletal system is comprised of not only their bones, but also the tendons...
- Hip Dysplasia Treatment
The hip joint is a ball and socket kind of joint, where the end of the thigh bone fits perfectly into the socket of the hip. When suffering from hip dysplasia the head of the thigh bone does not insert into the socket properly. The normal functioning...
- Anti-inflammatory For Dogs
Inflammation occurs as a result of the body's natural response towards irritation or injury. Inflammation is characterized by redness, warmth, swelling and pain. Vets usually prescribe Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) to dogs diagnosed...
- Pet Health Questions
Pets like cats and dogs are treated like family members. If they are sick, everybody in the family is upset and worried about their health. These days, veterinarians are bombarded with pet health questions. People search for pet health information...