Home | Pets

Arthritis Treatment For Man's Best Friend

Arthritis treatment for dogs? Seems strange on some level, yet much like human arthritis treatment, dogs have many options for pain relief when it comes to arthritis. Affecting one in every five adult dogs, arthritis is one of the most common sources of chronic pain that veterinarians treat in clinics today.

If your dog is facing arthritis, there are several signs that your dog may exhibit. You might see that your dog is favoring one limb, they may even sleep more, and even have difficulty sitting or standing. Sometimes you may notice that your pet seems to have stiff or sore joints. Other signs of arthritis in your pet might be their hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs. Even more sad is the fact that your dog may have no interest in playing anymore and may even show signs of weight gain. All of these are typical signs of arthritis.

It is important to take your pet to their veterinarian for an arthritis evaluation. After a complete examination, if a diagnosis of arthritis is made, then your vet will advise you of the available arthritis treatments for dogs. Interestingly enough, these arthritis treatments for dogs are similar to that of humans.

It is important for your dog to have a healthy diet and get exercise to help maintain proper weight. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDS, are the most common form of pharmaceutical arthritis treatment for a dog. Also there are over-the counter, OTC, pet treatments such as pills or food that can aide in treating your dog's arthritis. Be sure to talk with your pet's vet about these additional options. Some OTC options are glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, omega fatty acids and Boswellin.

Glucosamine is a super charged sugar molecule that is a key component of the extra cellular matrix of cartilage. Glucosamine absorbs and releases water with each step your pet takes and so it acts like a shock absorber for the joints, making your dog more comfortable. Glucosamine also stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans. These important proteins are found in cartilage and are known to aid in slowing the deterioration of joints. Again, this can help to reduce your pet's pain.

Chondroitin sulfate serves to attract fluids into proteoglycan molecules which assist in two ways. First it draws nutrients into the cartilage and second it increases the flow of fluid into your cartilage to add resiliency. Chondroitin also helps protect existing cartilage from premature degeneration and provides structure and flexibility to your joints.

Constituents of fish oils, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids act as anti-inflammatory agents and help reduce pain wherever there is inflammation present.

Another OCT that can help provide your pet with pain relief is Boswellin. This arthritis treatment for dogs helps to improve the blood supply to the joints and maintain the integrity of blood vessels. Boswellin also helps reduce swelling and improve mobility in stiffened joints leading to less pain.

With appropriate arthritis treatments for your dog, you might see an improvement in arthritis symptoms within just a few weeks. Make the call today to schedule an appointment with your vet to get an accurate and timely diagnosis if you believe that your dog has arthritis. Don't just assume that your pet is getting old and the decreased mobility and signs of pain are just a "given". Not always the case. They deserve to be treated for their arthritis pain just like you. With the many arthritis treatment options available for your dog, your vet is bound to find something that will work for your doggy.

Make the call today and talk with your vet about your dog's symptoms. If your dog is diagnosed with arthritis, then do the research, talk with your vet and make a decision to seek appropriate treatment.

Arthritis treatment for dogs is readily available! Call your vet today.

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

For more important information on arthritis resources visit www.arthritis-life.com where you'll find information on arthritis topics such as arthritis symptoms, arthritis relief & more Click here for other unique arthritis articles.

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License, which means you may freely reprint it, in its entirety, provided you include the author's resource box along with LIVE VISIBLE links (without "nofollow" tags).