Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Canine Osteoarthritis Joint Disease In Older Dogs

Osteoarthritis in canines is exactly the same
kind of disease as found in humans. Oftentimes
the canine arthritis symptoms become noticeable
in the later years of a dog's life. In rare
cases, the arthritis can set in sooner. However,
in most cases, when young dogs develop arthritis,
it is usually rheumatoid dog arthritis.

The symptoms seen most often in an older dog with
arthritic symptoms is seen when the dog comes up
limping for no apparent reason. At first the pet
owner may think the limping is simply a strain or
sprain the animal suffered. But it will often
happen over and over again after strenuous
exercise. When these symptoms occur, a vet should
be consulted and a complete examination should be
done in order to determine if the symptoms are in
fact dog osteoarthritis.

If that joint disease is confirmed, there are
several options the pet owner can choose from.
Besides drug therapy, there are several things
that can be done for dogs with osteo-arthritis
joint disease. The first and most important
consideration for arthritic dogs is their weight.
It is vital that their owners understand the
importance of maintaining a low body weight.
Carrying more weight than required simply adds
more stress and strain to the joints which
already are suffering from the disease. It is
always advisable to keep an older dog slightly on
the thin side versus having extra pounds on the
canine.

Another very important factor for canines with
osteoarthritis is exercise. Although one has to
be very careful with older dogs with joint
disease and not allow them to overdo it, it is
very important that they do get sufficient
exercise in their senior years. If the animals
are allowed to become sedentary, the muscles
supporting the joints become weak and these
results in more stress on the joints themselves.
All dogs are different, so their masters must be
aware that their four legged friends can
seriously overdo it if left unchecked. Many times
they believe they are still puppies at heart and
can aggravate the existing symptoms significantly.

The veterinarian may suggest one of several
prescriptions drugs to treat the disease. Always
ask him or her about first trying a glucosamine
supplement treatment for the dog arthritis. Many
people have reported tremendous positive results
in their animals who take the liquid glucosamine
on a regular basis. They report it can take up to
several months before improvements are observed.
Because this treatment has no side effects, it is
advisable to first try this for the canine's
osteoarthritis symptoms before trying the
prescribed options.

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Learn more about how to help your older dogs with
canine osteoarthritis at Steve's site:
http://www.cactuscanyon.com

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