Arthritis is very painful for dogs just as it is for adults. It can affect your dog’s neck, hips, shoulders, back, and elbows. When a dog is arthritic the bony layer beneath the cartilage becomes exposed which then becomes inflamed. The joint capsule that is surrounding the joint itself then thickens and has less elasticity which means it starts to stiffen allowing calcium deposits to build up and nerve endings to start sending pain signals to the brain of your dog. Finally, the dog’s motion becomes restricted as the joints start to degenerate and the pain halts any use of that joint for the dog. This can actually compound the problem even more because as the dog stops using certain joints they tend not to get as much exercise, leaving them to gain weight which further limits joint mobility.

The symptoms are relatively easy to notice. Although dogs rarely display signs of pain, you may notice just an overall slowing of movements. Just by watching their behavior you may be able to see the subtle signs such as:

• Limping
• Increased weight gain
• Sleeping more
• Less interest in playing
• Change in alertness
• Fail to do things that they normally did such as rush to the door when you get home
• Stops jumping
• Won't climb stairs

It is extremely important that you watch your pet’s behavior and take him to the veterinarian if you notice some of these signs. Unfortunately there is no way to remodel the joint without surgery, so the arthritis will still be there, but there are ways in which you can treat a dog which reduces the inflammation at the nerve endings so the dog is comfortable and mostly pain free. The most popular medications that are very successful in lessening the pain are steroids such as Prednisone, Dexamethasone, and other corticosteroids. This reduces the swelling and inflammation of the joints that are affected. Glucosamine also is recommended as it promotes the healing of joint tissues as well as relieving some of the pain while they are on this medication.

There are some everyday things you can do as well to help alleviate the pain that your dog may be feeling. When added to the steroids they can make your dog much more comfortable and may even bring back a lot of the enjoyment s/he previously had. These include:

• Changing your dog’s diet – Wheat which is found in a lot of the dry dog foods can actually increase inflammation and aggravate arthritis. It is best that you switch to meat and vegetable or veterinarian approved natural dog food.
• Give your dog a glucosamine tablet – A recommended dosage is decided by the dog’s weight. It should contain Chondroitin Sulfate which lubricates the cartilage.
• Reduce excess weight – Take your dog for several 10 minute walks per day rather than one long walk. Swimming is excellent for a dog with arthritis as well.
• Keep your dog warm on damp and cold days
• Apply moist heat to the aching joints
• Raise your dog’s food and water dish so that they do not have to bend their heads or necks down which may cause more pain
• Gently knead your dogs affect joints and surrounding muscles
• Install a ramp instead of using the stairs

Arthritis doesn’t have to mean the end of a dog’s life. With the proper treatment and following some of these steps to make your dog more comfortable, your dog can live a long and enjoyable life. You will have to make some concessions for your dog, but considering they really are man’s best friend, it is worth it.

Medstore International lists two prescription products for arthritis in dogs; Metacam (Meloxicam) and Rimadyl (Carprofen).

To view strength, pack size, pricing information and to buy click on either of the products below;

Metacam
Rimadyl

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