Arthritis is a common disease in dogs. Osteoarthritis, the most common kind of arthritis, is caused by injury, aging, disease or infection. A dog's joints, especially in the hips and legs, are damaged and swollen, and the dog moves with pain and difficulty. Though arthritis cannot be cured, many remedies ease the pain and inflammation.
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Basic Remedies
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Simple changes help arthritic dogs. Provide a dog bed or pad to protect diseased joints. A dog sleeping outdoors needs dry and warm sleeping quarters. An overweight dog needs to lose excess pounds and take weight off swollen joints. An inactive dog needs moderate exercise for overall health and mobility.
Look at your home or yard from your dog's point of view. Raising his food and water bowls from floor level to knee-height takes strain off his spine. In a two-story home, an arthritic dog can no longer safely use staircases, so block them with child gates. Move footstools or benches that block easy access to the yard or food area.
Remove clutter such as toys and shoes that can trip your dog. Provide ramps or portable steps to help your dog get up and down from decks, beds or cars.
Home Remedies
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You can treat your dog with supplements of chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) to relieve sore joints and protect cartilage. They are available in over-the-counter liquids, tablets and powders made specifically for dogs.
Essential fatty acids like omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 reduce arthritic inflammation. Essential fatty acids are commonly found in fish oils and vegetable oils such as flaxseed. Herbs such as boswellia are offered by herbalists for treating canine arthritis.
When a dog has arthritis, he will often curve his spine, pulling his body limbs inward to avoid being bumped or touched. When joints are swollen, even playful hugging can be painful. Gentle massage and other techniques flex the tense muscles and stiff joints. The improved circulation helps a dog stretch out from a cramped position and relax. These home therapies rarely work quickly and must be repeated over time. Animal specialists trained in acupuncture, acupressure and other holistic methods provide clinic or in-home treatment.
Medical Help
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Arthritis that cripples a dog requires veterinary attention. X-rays or other tests will identify where your dog is injured or suffers arthritis. Blood tests can determine whether the arthritis is aggravated by infections or serious disease.
A corticosteroid prescription such as prednisone offers short-term relief, but steroids compromise resistance to infection and are not often used for long-term treatment. Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs reduce joint swelling and pain. Some over-the-counter NSAIDs such as acetaminophen are toxic. Others are safe and a veterinarian can advise the correct dosage. Other dogs might need prescription remedies for long-term pain relief. Talk with your veterinarian about side-effects.
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