Having a dog it is important to be aware of some of the diseases that can occur with dogs, one of them being arthritis. With puppies and younger dogs arthritis is not a very common concern.
Older dogs, however, more often suffer from arthritis. It can become harder for them to move freely and can also be very painful. This should be reason enough for every dog owner to be aware of the characteristics of the condition and be able to initiate treatment if required.
What signs should you watch out for? If your dog normally likes playing, running, and jumping and gradually loses interest in these activities, this should make you alert. Also if climbing stairs gets difficult for your dog this can be a sign you should take seriously.
The aforementioned signs may also be a symptom of other canine diseases, such as hip dysplasia, so therefore it is essential for the dog to be examined by a veterinarian.
Once the vet rules out any other possible cause for concern, he may order x-rays to determine if there are fractures or if it is a matter of arthritis.
Various methods are available to treat arthritis. Most of the time vets' first approach is the use of anti-infectious medications. But there is a possible downside to this treatment. The drugs sometimes go along with side effects. Therefore report anything unusual to your vet immediately.
There are some means other than medications and drugs that can help to relieve your dog from the pain and discomfort of arthritis. During cold weather periods you should keep your dog indoors. Also make sure you keep him away from drafty areas.
Some vets recommend orthopedic dog beds for arthritic dogs. The idea behind this is that the memory foam provides relieve for the dog's pressure points and makes lying down more comfortable.
There are supplements available as well, designed to improve mobility in dogs with arthritis. Before giving your dog a supplement, consult with a veterinarian.
Older dogs, however, more often suffer from arthritis. It can become harder for them to move freely and can also be very painful. This should be reason enough for every dog owner to be aware of the characteristics of the condition and be able to initiate treatment if required.
What signs should you watch out for? If your dog normally likes playing, running, and jumping and gradually loses interest in these activities, this should make you alert. Also if climbing stairs gets difficult for your dog this can be a sign you should take seriously.
The aforementioned signs may also be a symptom of other canine diseases, such as hip dysplasia, so therefore it is essential for the dog to be examined by a veterinarian.
Once the vet rules out any other possible cause for concern, he may order x-rays to determine if there are fractures or if it is a matter of arthritis.
Various methods are available to treat arthritis. Most of the time vets' first approach is the use of anti-infectious medications. But there is a possible downside to this treatment. The drugs sometimes go along with side effects. Therefore report anything unusual to your vet immediately.
There are some means other than medications and drugs that can help to relieve your dog from the pain and discomfort of arthritis. During cold weather periods you should keep your dog indoors. Also make sure you keep him away from drafty areas.
Some vets recommend orthopedic dog beds for arthritic dogs. The idea behind this is that the memory foam provides relieve for the dog's pressure points and makes lying down more comfortable.
There are supplements available as well, designed to improve mobility in dogs with arthritis. Before giving your dog a supplement, consult with a veterinarian.
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