| Arthritis is a health problem that not only humans | | | | Even thought your dog may be in pain, it is still |
| have to deal with, but so do our pets. In fact, | | | | important that he gets a short amount of exercise. If |
| one-fifth of dogs in the US, over the age of seven, | | | | he is not skittish to water, try having him swim. For |
| suffer with painful DJD (degenerative joint disease) | | | | smaller dogs, a kiddy pool would work great. This |
| as veterinarians like to say. It is also one of the top | | | | way, there is no pressure on the joints, yet he is still |
| recurring pains in dogs that they treat. Arthritis in | | | | being mobile. Also take him for short 15 minute walks. |
| dogs can affect their back, elbows, shoulders, hip and | | | | Do not expect too much from him such as running |
| neck. | | | | after a ball or jumping. |
| If you are not sure if your dog has arthritis, here are | | | | Warm and Comfortable rest area |
| a few of the more obvious signs: | | | | Provide a soft, comfortable area for your dog to |
| Does he tend to favor once side over another (His | | | | rest. In the winter time, when the cool air can stiffen |
| joints could be too painful on one side, so he will tend | | | | joints, try placing an old sleeping bag or pillow on the |
| to put more pressure on the other to avoid pain. He | | | | floor to help keep his joints warm. If your dog is an |
| may even show discomfort while standing or even | | | | outside dog, you may want to bring him into the |
| sitting on a particular side) | | | | garage at night, to avoid the temperature drops. |
| Unusual weight gain (Because of the painful joints, he | | | | These are just a few ways that we can help make |
| may tend to be more lethargic or even sleep more | | | | our pets lives more comfortable. Although, visiting a |
| not getting the exercise a healthy dog would | | | | veterinarian should also be considered. Your |
| generally get) | | | | veterinarian will probably take an x-ray to see the |
| Not as active (If you have noticed he is not as | | | | damage to the joints. With the rising amount of |
| playful or unusually hesitant in his movements. This is | | | | animals that are developing arthritis, there are |
| due to stiff joints) | | | | medications that have been developed to alleviate |
| If you have noticed your dog with any one of the | | | | and even help repair the joints. |
| above symptoms for more than a week, do not | | | | A popular medication for dogs in alleviating pain is |
| hesitate to take him to a veterinarian. This way he | | | | glucosamine. It is a sugar that is generated from shell |
| can be properly diagnosed and treated. | | | | fish that motivates joint repair and lessens joint pain. |
| There are home remedies that you might even want | | | | Glucosamine is a natural ingredient that is found in |
| to try to ease his pain. | | | | animals, but with age, the body has a decrease in |
| Diet | | | | production of this essential element. Glucosamine |
| Your dog's diet is one area that you might want to | | | | works by stimulating your body to produce Synovial |
| look into. Dry dog food is made up mostly of grains | | | | fluid. Synovial fluid is needed for healthy joints. It |
| which cause inflammation of the joints. A better | | | | lubricates the cartilage to aid in mobility. |
| choice would be to try preparing his meals with raw | | | | Never take matters into your own hands by giving |
| or cooked meat as well as cooked vegetables. They | | | | your dog human medications. They can be toxic to |
| are not only healthier for him but should help alleviate | | | | his body, especially if given in the wrong dosage |
| some of the swelling in his joints. (Stay away from | | | | form. |
| anything spicy such as peppers and even onions). | | | | Animal care has come a long way in meeting the |
| Omega 3 fatty acids can be used as a supplement in | | | | needs of our canines. Taking your dog to regular |
| order to decrease the amount of inflammation in the | | | | check ups at a veterinarian is one way to keep up |
| joints. Try giving him fish capsules. Flax seed is also a | | | | with your dog's health needs. If we want our animals |
| great anti-inflammatory. | | | | to have happy and healthy lives, taking care of their |
| Exercise | | | | bodies is important. They cannot do it without us. |