Dog Health Questions

You've just learned that your favorite pet dog has developed arthritis. It breaks your heart. We all know how painful and inconvenient this illness is to humans. Unfortunately it is not any different when it comes to dogs. While it hurts to see your dog in pain, you can help him or her cope with this terrible illness.

Osteoarthritis happens when the shock absorber between then bones, or cartilage, swells then breaks down. As the cartilage gets thinner, the bones actually rub against each other causing pain and damaging joints. When it develops in dogs, it often occurs in the hips and elbows.

Why does it occur
There are many reasons. Degenerative arthritis can occur as a condition of another health problem like hip dysplasia or it is sometime one of those things that happen over time. Inflammatory joint disease can be caused by infection or by underlying immune-mediated diseases.

How Do I know if my dog has arthritis?
How do you know? Possible signs

• Difficulty rising from a resting position
• Limping
• Lagging behind on walks
• Yelping in pain when touched
• Reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump, or play
• A personality change resisting touch

But don't assume arthritis that because Fido is stiff-legged after exercise, has trouble getting up in the morning, or is reluctant to go down stairs. It could be, but there are actually other causes for this behavior also.

What to do?

First you need a diagnosis from a veterinarian. She or he is the best person to determine which treatment is best for each dog.

Sometimes surgery is advised if it can provide relief. Outside of surgery, various medication are commonly used. Over-the-counter painkillers should never be used without the advice of a veterinarian. Dogs with arthritis should be under veterinary care. Common remedies include carprofen for pain and glucosamine for pain and anti-inflammation. Whatever is prescribed, make sure you strictly follow the administering procedures of the drug.

A Anti-Arthritis Lifestyle

Whether surgery or medication is used, you dog needs a lifestyle that helps bring relief.

Diet also plays an important part in arthritis treatment, especially to control the dog's weight. Excess weight causes more stress on the joints and exacerbates existing arthritis pain.

As well, regular exercise is actually an effective way of dealing with pet arthritis. Try to walk your dog as frequently as you can. This way, your pet’s joints and bones will have a better chance of healing. Exercise likewise helps your dog in dealing with the physical pain.

Arthritis does not have to be the end of your dog's world. With care and some changes in lifestyle, both you and your pup can get relief.

Note: This is not in a professional advice on how to treat pet arthritis. The proper way is to go to your veterinarian for the right advice and treatment for your pet’s health problem.