What is Dog Arthritis?
Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease as a result of wear and tear of the joints. This is caused by the damage done to the surrounding cartilage and tissues that would normally provide protection to the joints.
Not only do people have arthritis, dogs of any age may also suffer from this.
We trust that none of us would bear to see their dogs suffering from arthritis, but in the unfortunate event that it does happen, read on to find out how you can make your dog's life happier and more enjoyable even with this condition.
Causes of Arthritis
Arthritis can be found in dogs of any age, but some factors will increase the probability of this disease.
? Large breed dogs
? Dogs over seven years old
? Lack of essential nutrients and fatty acids
? Overweight which means extra pressure on the joints
? Dogs that suffered from hip dysplasia, excessive strain, or previous injuries on their joints
How do you know it's Arthritis?
Exactly! We would not know. Thus, it's important to watch out for any symptoms that could indicate the presence of arthritis.
Some symptoms of arthritis may include:
? Weight gain
? Sleeping more
? Favoring a limb
? Stiff or sore joints
? Changes in behavior
? Not as alert as before
? Hesitant to run or jump
? Difficulty in sitting or standing
? Decreased activity or less interest in play
? Showing signs of pain when being touched
If any of the above symptoms continued for more than two weeks, bring your dog to your veterinarian for a thorough checkup. A physical examination and X-rays will be required to determine arthritis.
Treatments and Therapies for Arthritis
Once arthritis is confirmed, the best option is to start the treatment as soon as possible.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) when used together with pills or food containing glucosamine and Omega fatty acids can reduce the pain and effects of arthritis that is bothering your dog.
Exercises such as swimming are highly recommended because this helps to relieve the symptoms and does not put on any pressure on the joints.
Therapeutic massage can soothe your dog's pain by massaging gently on the affected areas such as your dog's joints.
Weight control is also very important because excess weight will put more pressure on your dog's joints and worsens the condition. Thus it is advisable to ensure your dog is not overweight.
The pain that arthritis bring to your dog could be worsened by cold temperature, therefore you have to take note of the room temperature.
Understanding your Dog's Pain
Life is short and this is especially true for a dog.
With the appropriate treatments and therapies administered, your dog's pain and discomfort would be greatly reduced.
This would help your dog to lead a happy and usual lifestyle as before.
Lawrence & Andy founded Reviews-Corner.net. You can also expect to find information and tips on various topics related to dogs & babies at http://www.reviews-corner.net
Related Articles:
Dog Aggressive Training: Understand & Eliminate Your Dogs Aggressive Behavior
Aggression behavior in a dog is a normal form of canine communication similar to human frustration or anger. Like human, aggressive behavior occurs in every dog.
Lucky Dog Ranch Offers Cage-Free Boarding and Los Angles Base Dog Training
Dogs are shuttled to Lucky Dog Ranch, spend all day with other dogs the same size in a safe and stimulating environment, and then they're shuttled home.
Dog Training - Train Your Dog to Come On Command
One of the most important commands for dogs in their early years or as an untrained dog for safety is the 'come' command. If your dog breaks the leash and runs free, this command could save your dog from running in front of a car or into any other of the many dangers untrained dogs face.
Dog Training -What You Should Keep In Mind When Playing With Your Dog
Dogs, especially young dogs are very playful by nature.Play provides them with the opportunity to exercise and also to form bonds with littermates.
Dog Micro Chip - Dog Training
You'd be surprised how many dogs go missing each year around the world when their perfectly good owner has a brief laps in concentration and the dog ends up running away after a squirrel or other animal never to be seen again.
Dog Training Tips and Tricks: Recall Training Your Dog
Recall training has two basic concepts. The first is to treat your dog well each time he comes to you. Be it a kind word, a pat on the head, or a scratch behind the ears, Buddy will relish the affection you show him.
Dog Training - How To Communicate With An Elderly Dog
As dogs grow older, their senses become less sharp and this can lead to communication difficulties developing.Other problems, such as a breakdown in toilet training, can also arise, and while the effects of aging cannot be cured, regular veterinary check-ups should help to combat them for a period.
Dog Training Techniques: How Dog Training Has Progressed Over the Last Few Decades
When a dog owner looks down at their brand new, small and tender puppy quietly sleeping in its little bed, it's difficult to think that in just two to three months it may grow to be 40, 50, or even up to 100 pounds depending on the type of breed Although your dogýs behavior may cute at first, like jumping up and putting his front paws on your body, these actions will be far less pleasurable when your dog is all grown up and literally knocking you over
How Valuable Is Dog Agility Training For Your Dog
Having an active dog is quite stressful Even though your dog have undergone a good obedience training, it is much better to dog in to something and train them further to make your dog really intellectual so to speak
Training Your Dog To Jump The Rope Trick: Simple and Fun Dog Trick
To teach a dog to jump, with your right hand hold a cane just high enough above the ground so that your dog can easily step over it, and in your left hand hold a piece of treat just in front of him, so that he will have to step over the stick to get it. As the dog grows older and understands what you want him to do, you can raise the stick a few inches at a time, so that he will be obliged eventually to jump over it to obtain the reward.