Posts Tagged ‘dog nutrition’

Treatment Options for Dog Arthritis

Saturday, January 16th, 2010

Arthritis can be caused by many factors in your dog’s life. The most common causes are inherited conditions, joint injuries, and aging. A minor injury can result in arthritis. Certain conditions that are more common in some types of dogs can put them at higher risk for this disease. Even if no previous ailments have occurred, older dogs may develop arthritis due to aging itself.

This condition has many forms and causes joint inflammation. Any joint can be affected and become inflamed causing discomfort and pain on a regular basis for your dog. Symptoms come on gradually and will continue to get more intense if the condition is not treated. Your dog will have difficulty walking, be less active, and will experience pain when being touched around the inflamed joints. Symptoms are more noticeable when your dog first awakes. The stiffness will not be as noticeable later in the day.

Medicines can help treat inflammation, but they often come with side effects. Natural treatments such as dog supplements can be more helpful and do not have any side effects. The most popular supplements for preventing and alleviating arthritis are glucosamine, chondroiton, and MSM. They are also used to treat arthritis in humans. Glucosamine is a sugar produced by the body but as a dog ages they do not produce enough of it. The amount needed cannot be found in most food products but a supplement ensures they are getting plenty.

Changes in diet are very helpful in treating arthritis symptoms. Combine a good diet and plenty of exercise and the effects will be greatly reduced. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight will lessen the chance of server joint pain because stress on the joints will be reduced. Use dog vitamins to promote healthy joints and body functions as your dog ages. Doing these things can actually prevent arthritis from occurring and ensure your dog has the best chance for a long and healthy life.