Arthritis in Dogs
As a dog begins to age or suffers constant stiffness or has a disability, watching their arthritic decline is heart wrenching. This disease progresses at a slow pace, beginning with a discomfort that is hard to pinpoint. The worst cases turn into an animal not being able to stand, walk about, or even eat their meals.
When the body’s organs are not functioning properly due to nutritional deficiencies, the metabolism suffers. When the body cannot metabolize nutrients, it leads to an accumulation of minerals and calcium in the joints. Pain increases as the cartilage becomes brittle and dry and ligaments lose flexibility and tone.
Symptoms of arthritis in dogs
Dogs will develop the symptoms of arthritis as they age. The most prominent symptoms are joint pain and stiffness. The dog will have difficulty getting up from a lying position or walking for long distances. The dog may limp or hesitate to climb stairs. The joints may be deteriorating with age, or they may be inflamed. The symptoms of arthritis can be alleviated with medication, exercise, and diet.
He starts to favor a particular limb
Difficulty sitting or standing
Show little or no interest in playing
Though different dogs may exhibit signs of arthritis in varying degrees, the commonly cited symptoms of any arthritis type are stiffness, limping, reluctance to perform usual activities, conscious and cautious movement, and oversleeping. Dogs suffering from arthritis are reluctant when it comes to fetching sticks, greeting you by the doorway, running, and climbing the stairs. They usually respond adversely when touched especially on the body part affected by the arthritis.
Treatment of arthritis in dogs
The good news is that the disease can be managed and discomfort kept to a minimum. Nutrition is the core of any treatment plan. A natural diet is essential. Supplements such as vitamin C, alfalfa or kelp are helpful. Glucosamine is a commonly recommended supplement which works to stimulate joint function and repair. It has been proven effective for relief of osteoarthritis pain, rehabilitation of cartilage, and repairing joints.
In some quarters, this treatment is derided as being “all in the mind”, possibly because people cannot believe that something as simple and easy as a special magnetic collar or sleeping pad can bring such relief to animals. However, there is considerable scientific proof that the beneficial effects of this Magnetic Therapy are not just due to a placebo effect.
Your dog should have soft cushioned sleeping quarters. Do not place your dog on a hardwood floor or in a dog house. Massage therapy is also a good alternative treatment to help mobility.
There are some great nutritional supplements that you should consider feeding your dog before they develop arthritis and of course if they have arthritis. Glucosamine and Chondrotin formulas are definitely supplements worth feeding to your dog. Make sure you purchase from a manufacturer that is known for their quality product.
Arthritis in your dog can also be dealt by providing warm sleeping mattress. Do not allow your dog to sleep on newspapers, as they are slippery and provide no traction when they try to get up after sleeping. There are several orthopedic mattresses available specifically for pets, though a basket with an old sweater or towels would also be sufficient.
