Sunday, December 03, 2006

Arthritis Treatments For Man's Best Friend

Article Title: Arthritis Treatments For Man's Best Friend
Author: Jeff Foster

As an owner of a dog with arthritis, I was happy to find out
there are many options for arthritis treatments for dogs.
Arthritis affects one in every five adult dogs and is one of
the most common sources of chronic pain that veterinarians
treat.

There are several signs that your dog may display if they are
suffering from arthritis. Your dog may favor a limb, sleep
more, have difficulty sitting or standing and seem to have
stiff or sore joints. Other signs of arthritis in your dog may
be their hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs. Decreased
activities, no interest in playing and weight gain are
additional 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 are the most common form of
pharmaceutical arthritis treatment for a dog. There also are
over-the counter pet treatments such as pills or food that can
aide in treating your dog's arthritis. Some of the over the
counter treatment options are glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate,
omega fatty acids and Boswellin.

Glucosamine is a charged sugar molecule that is a key component
of the extra cellular matrix of cartilage. It absorbs and
releases water with each step thereby acting as a shock
absorber for the joints. Glucosamine also stimulates the
production of glycosaminoglycans which are important proteins
found in cartilage. This helps to slow the deterioration of
joints and ease the 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.

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are constituents of fish oils that
act as anti-inflammatory agents. This helps to reduce pain
where inflammation is present.

Boswellin is another form of an over the counter medication
that can aid in the arthritis treatment for dogs. Boswellic
acids improve blood supply to the joints and maintain the
integrity of blood vessels. Boswellin also helps reduce
swelling and improve mobility in stiffened joints.

There are several different arthritis treatments for dogs. Your
dog may see improvement within a few weeks. It is important to
see your veterinarian to first determine if your dog has
arthritis and then which is the best treatment option for them.
Your best friend deserves the best treatment and just like us,
there is simply no need for your dog to suffer with the pain of
arthritis.especially when there are arthritis treatment options
available for your dog.

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.


About The Author: For more important information on arthritis
be sure to visit http://arthritis-life.com where you will find
information and resources on arthritis such as arthritis
relief, arthrits treatments, and other articles that you can
view at http://www.arthritis-life.com