Thursday, July 12, 2007

Handy Dandy Arthritis Treatments For Dogs

Article Title: Handy Dandy Arthritis Treatments For Dogs
Author: Jeff Foster

So your dog has arthritis?

Well, even though it is hard to hear, you must realize that you
are not alone. Arthritis in dogs is one of the most common
sources of chronic pain the veterinarians treat in their
clinics today. Research seems to indicate that one in every
five adult dogs is hammered with arthritis and the pain that
goes along with it.

If your pet is suffering from arthritis you may see some signs
that your pup is favoring one leg more than the other, she may
sleep more, or seem to have more trouble standing for sitting.
If your dog has arthritis you might also notice that she is
more hesitant to climb stairs, run or jump. It may even seem
that her joints seem sore or that she has no interest in
playing. In some cases, dogs with arthritis also begin to show
signs of weight gain.

If you are concerned that your dog may be suffering from
arthritis, then it is quite important that you take your pet in
to see the vet for an accurate screening and diagnosis. With an
appropriate diagnosis, the treatment for dog arthritis is quite
similar to arthritis treatment for humans.

For dogs suffering with arthritis, regular exercise is
important to help maintain a proper body weight. NSAIDS or
non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs are the most common form of
pharmaceutical arthritis treatments for your dog. Over-the
counter dog arthritis treatments such as glucosamine,
chondroitin sulfate, omega fatty acids and Boswellin may also
be prescribed by your veterinarian.

Glucosamine absorbs and releases water with each step, acting
as a shock absorber for the joints. It also stimulates the
production of glycosaminoglycans, important proteins found in
cartilage, which helps to slow the deterioration of joints and
ease your dog's arthritis pain.

Chondroitin attracts fluids into proteoglycan molecules which
draws nutrients into the cartilage and increases the flow of
fluid into the cartilage which adds resiliency. Chondroitin
also helps protect existing cartilage from premature
degeneration and provides structure and flexibility to the
joints. Giving more life to your doggy's joints.

Other options for medications for arthritis include Omega 3 and
6 fatty acids which are constituents of fish oils. These fatty
acids act as anti-inflammatory agents helping to further reduce
the pain from inflammation.

Boswellin may also be recommended by your vet for its ability
to improve the blood supply to the joints and maintain the
integrity of blood vessels. It is also known for helping to
improve mobility in stiff joints by reducing swelling. Less
swelling, less pain for your best friend.

While there are varying arthritis treatments for dogs you will
need to talk with your vet to determine the best course of
action for you're your pet. Some therapies may take a few weeks
to completely work, so don't get discouraged. Seek the best
treatment for your pet, after all isn't that what they deserve!

Arthritis treatment for your dog is too important to ignore and
if your dog is suffering, then she deserves your full attention
and the most comprehensive treatment plan that your vet can
design.

No dog should suffer needlessly, so if arthritis is slowing
your pet down make the call to your vet today to screen your
dog for arthritis.

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

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