Older dogs often suffer joint pain caused by arthritis, just as their owners do. Arthritis treatment for dogs can relieve the pain and joint stiffness due to advances in veterinary care in recent years.
Stiffness, difficulty getting up, or an unwillingness to run or play may be signs your dog is suffering pain when he moves. There may not be a pronounced limp, and your pet can’t tell you when he is in pain.
Senior dogs often develop arthritic joints, but a younger dog can do the same after an injury, or arthritis may be joint for some dog breeds. Giant breeds often are at risk of hip dysplasia and will benefit from the same dog arthritis treatment. Ageing does slow a dog’s activity to some extent, and bu pain does not have to be part of the ageing process for your best friend.
A decrease in activity level or a dog that chooses to remain in one place when he previously followed you from room to room is a change the pet owner should follow up on.
If your dog has painful joints, he may gain weight due to decreased exercise and play. He may seem less alert and sleep more than usual. If the pain is severe, you may notice a difference in his behaviour if roughhousing or massaging causes additional pain.
A mild injury may cause joint pain for a few days, but if your pet is favouring one leg for longer than a week, it’s time to visit your veterinarian for a checkup. When dog arthritis is diagnosed, early treatment will slow the progression of the disease and provide many more years of comfort for the animal.
Do not give human medications to your dog for joint pain or stiffness as they can be toxic to canines. Although dogs can tolerate baby aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be poisonous, and dosages must be carefully monitored. Aspirin or other canine pain medications should only be given on the advice of your veterinarian.
The best course of action for a pet owner is a diagnosis by a veterinarian followed by dog arthritis treatment with medications designed explicitly for dog joint pain. Your vet may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as an over the counter treatment for anxiety.
Prescribed medications may also carry a recommendation that your dog be put on a diet to control weight gain or to reduce his size. Excess weight adds more strain to joints already stressed by ageing. Cutting back on treats and changing to high-quality food designed for dogs with weight management problems will help shed the extra pounds.
The most popular medication is Rimadyl for dogs in a chewable, tasty pill. Your dog will readily accept this daily treat of dog arthritis medicine and, within days, may begin acting like a puppy again as the pain disappears.
Another essential component in treating arthritis in dogs is regular exercise. Jumping or running to fetch may be too hard on the joints, but a daily walk will help increase flexibility. Start with short, leisurely walks if your pet has been sedentary in the past. Slowly increase the distance and the speed as he responded to the dog arthritis treatment. Your older dog will enjoy life to the fullest with a combination of arthritis pet med, weight management, and moderate exercise.
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