Saturday, March 16, 2013

What to Do With Painful Dog Joint Pain

By Geraldine Dimarco


For those readers who have not experienced first-hand the discomfort that arthritis brings, great. For the ones who do, I commiserate with you. This degenerative disease may not be fatal, but it can be quite painful and very inconvenient. At least we can do something about it right? Our pets are completely dependent on us for their health. Arthritis is actually a prevalent condition in the canine population and you must endeavor to know as much as you can about this to help your suffering dog's plight.

Arthritis in animals is similar to ours. This ailment typically results in stiffness of the joints and muscles. Your pet will have difficulty sitting and rising up because of dog hip pain. If he was affectionate before, you will notice he will have an aversion to touch and will cry in pain when you pet him. If you see changes like these in him go and have him examined by a licensed vet immediately.

Usually, old age is the reason for arthritis for dogs. The eventual wear and tear of the muscles and joints will take its toll on his body, often resulting in dog joint pain. You will notice that obese dogs are more susceptible to this ailment. While senior and overweight dogs are the most likely victims, younger and smaller canines are not exempt from this as well. Sometimes an injury in the leg, or sickness, or a genetic abnormality can cause a form of canine arthritis.

The good thing is that we can always find something to help treat dog joint pain. Frequently, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed by vets to help inhibit the progress of certain diseases, as well as provide pain relief by reducing inflammation in the joints.

Many of the NSAIDs can be used by canines and humans. However, it is very important that you do not administer the exact same treatment to your dog as that of another human suffering from arthritis. The two species have different dynamics and more than that, your vet has to consider the animals weight, breed and health issues when deciding on the appropriate dosage.

NSAIDs are generally safe but there will still be cases wherein the subjects body does not react well to a particular chemical that the medication contains. Side effects like vomiting, intestinal infection, blood in the excrement, etc. may occur. When this happens, go to the vet and alter the dosage of the medication, or give him another form of therapy altogether.

A good diet can be greatly helped with the right supplements geared to enhance the function of the canines joints and muscles. Chondroitin Sulphate and Glucosamine Sulphate are safe compounds that are used to hold back the regression of cartilage and joint damage of the dog. These elements also improve the excretion of needed lubrication for areas that need it most, easing dog hip pain dramatically. If you want to provide faster relief, get a few drops of olive oil and massage the painful area to release tension and discomfort to the dog.

Practice a regular exercise regimen like walking around the block or taking a quick swim in the pool. Also make sure his diet is rich with fatty acids and vitamins that will boost up his immune system. Arthritis may be painful, but it is not what will define our pets life; it is our loving care that will.




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