Arthritis Only A Disease of Older Dogs?
Although Arthritis is something that usually affects older dogs, 65% of dogs over 6 years old show some signs.
Dog arthritis is a debilitating and painful disease. It can adversely affect your four-legged friend’s comfort, lifestyle, and emotional wellbeing. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent and treat arthritis naturally, allowing our dogs to enjoy a better quality of life for a longer period of time.
What to Look For
Is your dog recently walking with a limp? Or does he seem to have a painful joint and is having difficulty going up and down the stairs? These are telltale signs that your dog may be suffering from arthritis. Click on the next tab to check out some dog arthritis symptoms.
Chico is now showing all those signs. There are some days that he will go up and down the stairs fine and some days, he whines for someone to come help him. Sometimes it can depend on the weather and how cold it is, but not always.
Conventional Treatment
Conventional treatment usually involves the use of arthritis medication, such as steroids, NSAIDs, to get rid of the symptoms without actually curing the disease. In certain cases, surgery is needed to repair damaged joints.
Research has shown that continuous use of arthritis drugs can cause numerous side-effects in our pets, such as stomach ulcers, as well as liver and kidney problems.
Conventional medications can also worsen an arthritic dog’s condition because long-term use is harmful to cartilage, and prolonged corticosteroid (Prednisone) use often produces weight gain, further stressing damaged joints.
Alternative Treatment
Dogs with arthritis need the professional care of veterinarians. However, it doesn’t mean that we cannot use some safe and natural remedies to relieve the pain caused by arthritis, as well as to strengthen and protect the cartilage and joints so that the condition does not deteriorate drastically.
If your dog has been diagnosed with arthritis or other joint problems, discuss with your vet the possibility of using holistic treatments instead of, or in conjunction with, drug therapy. Consult a holistic vet if necessary.
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