Allow Your Dog To Age Gracefully: Treatment Options When Your Pet Has Arthritis
Posted on: 23 July 2016
If your dog is getting older and you notice signs that they are slowing down, this does not have to be a normal symptom of aging. While your dog isn't likely to act like the puppy it once was, basic arthritis can be very painful for your pet. With the right medication, food, and exercise, your dog may be able to enjoy a more active lifestyle once again. If you see that your dog is walking slower and struggling to walk up stairs, your dog may be suffering from arthritis, or a more serious condition. Whether this lack of ability has come on gradually or it is acute, it's important to have a veterinarian take a good look at your dog to assess the situation.
Proactive Treatments to Reduce Problems from Arthritis
Two natural supplements, glucosamine and chondroitin, can both be given to your dog as a proactive treatment to protect their joints. People use these supplements to help restore cartilage, and it has been effective for both humans and dogs for reducing the pain associated with arthritis. To help your dog have less stress on their joints, provide opportunities for moderate exercise every day to keep your dog healthy and lean. A dog that is obese will struggle more with arthritis than one who is an appropriate weight.
Foods that May Cause Your Pet Inflammation
Your pet food may be the cause of some of the pain your pet is experiencing. Grains may be causing inflammation, and you can try to reduce inflammation naturally by removing grains from your dog's diet. This may require that you prepare your dog's food instead of purchasing commercial products. Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids also help fight inflammation, so you can try feeding your dog meat, eggs, or cold water fish that is high in the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that they need to reduce inflammation.
Traditional Arthritis Medications for Dogs
Three medications used to treat arthritis in dogs are Deramaxx, Novox, and Rimadyl. These three medications are NSAIDs, and they are prescribed to reduce inflammation and decrease pain. You may find that a small daily dose of arthritis medication for your dog makes a world of difference in their ability to get around, exercise, and go for long walks. When you get your dog treated for arthritis, you may see some of the behaviors that you once enjoyed when they were a puppy once again.
Talk with someone at Seattle Emergency Veterinary Hospital for more information.
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