Know The Signs That May Indicate Your Dog Has Arthritis

Does your dog seem lazy, reluctant to show
enthusiasm for his morning walk, limping a
little? Are you noticing changes in his
behavior? Is he hesitating before jumping onto
the couch? These are tell-tale signs of pain and
possibly the start of arthritis.

These are common symptoms of joint inflammation.
Arthritis is a very old disease, even dinosaurs
are known to have suffered from it. It affects
humans and pets alike and as yet there is no
absolute cure. Large breed dogs often get
osteoarthritis. This is because of the weight
their limbs carry. They can often be quite young
when this occurs. If you are considering buying a
dog from a breeder, be cautious and inquiring as
to the possibility of joint malformation before
purchasing.

Small breed dogs can also be susceptible to
arthritis and it is best to take your dog to the
veterinarian as soon as you notice any of the
fore-mentioned symptoms. He or she will want to
run tests and take x-rays to determine not only
the kind of arthritis you dog has, but also the
severity of it and what kind of treatment to
administer. Arthritis in dogs is a progressive
disease and immediate care needs to be given.
There are various types of arthritis and it is
essential that your veterinarian gives a correct
diagnosis. If your dog is in obvious pain there
are many different medications available. These
all have side effects and should only be
administered for a short period. Pain will be
reduced immediately, however, and you will need
to discuss this and other options with your
veterinarian.

Together with pain medication, liquid
glucosamine chondroitin sulfate is in the family
of nutraceuticals, which are very popular and can
be purchased easily enough online. This aids in
the body rebuilding tissue surrounding the
joint, and can be poured on your dog's food
every day. This is not a quick fix, rather a
perfectly natural supplement that is absorbed
quickly with healing occurring within a few
weeks. Your veterinarian will often recommend
this either alone or with pain medication.

If your dog is overweight, find out the correct
weight for the breed and lessen the calorie
intake in his food at meal times. Do not give
fatty treats or excess carbohydrates. He will
not love you less! There are many additional
nutritional non-fattening treats available these
days. Encourage your dog to eat vegetables,
especially those containing vitamin B. Just a
little at first can be blended and introduced to
his regular food. Swimming would be very helpful
as there is no strain put on the joints.

Be aware of how much exercise your dog can
enjoy. Keep the walks frequent and short, no
running on rocks, uphill or jumping. Make his
bed super soft and warm. Raise his food bowls so
he doesn't have to stretch so far down. Consider
either making or investing in a ramp or steps in
order to facilitate his movements.

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