Dog Arthritis - What Can You Do About It?

By Gary Pearson

When the weather turns damp or a bit chilly, you feel it in your joints. Your muscles ache, and you are stiff all over. You are miserable, right? What about your dog? Few dog owners consider arthritis affecting their pet's health, but about a quarter of households with dogs have pets suffering from arthritis. Just as you feel, their muscles are tight, their joints ache and are swollen, and they are stiff all over their bodies when the weather turns. So what can you do about it?

So how do you know if your dog has arthritis? Well you will need to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis, but if you notice your dog is taking more time getting going, is wobbly after laying down for extended periods of time, and does not like to walk around that much, chances are good that he's suffering from an arthritic condition. But again, only a veterinarian will know for sure.

Most dogs that have arthritis are given steroidal medication from their veterinarians. Steroids help your pet health by reducing the inflammation within the joint. This allows your dog to get around better and loosens the joint up for better mobility. However, just like humans, extended use of steroids can have side affects. Another common medication given to dogs is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory that contains ibuprofen. This is generally given out more readily due to the affects of steroids on the body's systems. Some dog owners swear their pet's health turned around by simply giving them two baby aspirins a day. While baby aspirin is quite yummy to taste, it is best that you consult your veterinarian before handing your dog human medication, even if it is a low dose.

There are natural remedies that can help improve your pet's health. Much like their two legged counterparts, dogs have been receiving Glucosamine to aid in joint recovery and arthritic conditions. There are other natural remedies as well, but Glucosamine is the most common one given for arthritis. Just remember to consider the products level of purity. Just as you would monitor what you put into your body, you should be as diligent with your pet's body as well.

For serious conditions, veterinarians are turning towards acupuncture for relief. While most dog owners will find it a bit extreme, acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation and symptoms of arthritis in both humans and pets. If your dog is truly suffering and no regular medications will suffice, acupuncture can relieve the pain and improve your pet's health. Veterinarians even consider massage therapy as another alternate, holistic remedy to help ease the pain of arthritis. If you would like, you can do research on dog massage and learn the techniques yourself to help your dog feel better. It can be a great bonding experience for you and your pooch.

Just remember that your dog is relying on you to ensure that they have great pet health, so keep to a schedule. A well balanced diet, regular exercise and a lot of love can help your dog live a long and happy life.

Gary Pearson is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about dog arthritis visit Pet Health Knowledge for current articles and discussions.