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Canine arthritis is a common condition for older dogs, and its symptoms can be both painful and hard to manage. Not only does it cause discomfort, but it can also impact a dog’s general mobility. And you know that there is no worse feeling in the world when you see your beloved pet in pain. They don’t know what is happening to them and you do, which makes things worse because you know it won’t go away.
Though canine arthritis is not curable, there are treatments that can help to relieve pain and improve quality of life. So let’s explore different ways to manage the symptoms of canine arthritis.
From supplements to lifestyle changes and more, read on to learn about the best treatments for your pup so they can live their best life with you.
Arthritis in Canine Patients
As our canine friends age, they are more susceptible to developing arthritis. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are ways to manage the symptoms and help your dog enjoy a good quality of life.
Here are some tips for managing the symptoms of canine arthritis:
- Keep your dog active. Joint flexibility and muscle strength can be maintained through exercise. It also helps to reduce pain and stiffness. Plus it is super fun for them, they never get bored of chasing the ball.
- Provide a comfortable place for your dog to rest. A soft bed with plenty of supportive pillows is ideal. Elevate beds can also help to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Excess weight puts additional stress on joints which can worsen arthritis symptoms.
- Give your dog supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. A joint supplement for dogs can help to protect joints and reduce pain and inflammation.
- Use anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed by your veterinarian. These can help to relieve pain and swelling associated with arthritis.
Causes of Canine Arthritis
There are many different causes of canine arthritis, but the most common cause is age. As dogs get older, their joints and bones begin to degenerate, which can lead to pain and inflammation. Other common causes of arthritis in dogs include injury, infection, cancer, and obesity.
Arthritis is a very painful condition for dogs, and it can make it hard for them to move around. If your dog is showing signs of pain or stiffness, it’s important to take them to the vet for an evaluation. There are many different treatment options available for dogs with arthritis, so don’t hesitate to get help if your dog is in pain.
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Ask a Vet Live NowDiagnosis of Canine Arthritis
There are several ways to diagnose arthritis in dogs. The first is through a physical examination by your veterinarian. They will feel for any signs of pain or swelling in the joints and look for any abnormal movement.
The second way to diagnose arthritis is through x-rays. This will show any bone changes or joint damage that has occurred.
The third way to diagnose arthritis is through a blood test. This can look for certain markers that are associated with inflammation.
Once arthritis has been diagnosed, the next step is to begin treatment. Treatment options will vary depending on the severity of arthritis and the dog’s overall health. Some common treatments include:
Weight management: Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help reduce the amount of stress on their joints.
Exercise: Low-impact exercise is important for keeping the joints flexible and muscles strong.
Medication: There are various medications that can help relieve pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged joints or correct deformities.
Diet and Supplements to Treat Canine Arthritis
There are a few things you can do to help manage the symptoms of canine arthritis and help your dog feel more comfortable. Make sure your dog is eating a healthy diet full of all the nutrients they need. You may want to talk to your veterinarian about switching to a joint-health formula food or adding supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin to their diet.
Swimming is a great low-impact activity for arthritic dogs. You can also try short walks or gentle play sessions. Just be sure not to overdo it – too much exercise can actually make arthritis worse.
Finally, there are a number of pain medications and other treatments available that can help relieve your dog’s discomfort. Your veterinarian can recommend the best options for your dog based on their individual needs.
Conclusion
Canine arthritis is a painful, debilitating condition that can greatly reduce your pet’s quality of life. Fortunately, there are ways to manage the symptoms and improve their comfort levels. Diet and exercise changes, supplements, massage therapy and even prescription medications can all be used in combination to help keep your dog’s joints healthy and functioning as best they can. It may take a bit of trial and error to find what works best for your canine companion but with patience and dedication, you should be able to make sure that they live out their golden years as comfortably as possible.
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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