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Expert Opinion On Long Term Joint Care For Dogs And Pain Remedies For Arthritis

By Shelly Wright


As a pet owner, you feel the pain as it is felt by your dog when it ill or uncomfortable. For the pets, they age and are as uncomfortable as elderly human beings. This is why veterinarians recommend special joint care for dogs. Arthritis is one of the most common health problems in canines but is unfortunately detected when it is already too late. You are only left with the option of managing the condition.

With age, the joints of canines wear out in a manner similar to that in human beings. This condition is commonly refereed to as degenerative disorder or osteoarthritis. You are almost certain to encounter this condition if you rear a dog. It occurs when the body fails to repair cartilages as fast as they are worn out. Movement and any activity involving joints become extremely painful.

It is possible to spot early signs of arthritis if you are keen. The signs include restrained and labored movement. The dog may also resist your invitation to play and no longer enjoy going up and down the stairs. In the morning, you will notice stiffness and it may limp while in motion. Degeneration is usually gradual and thus easily missed by many pet owners. Other dogs no longer leap or will do so at reduced angle and vigor.

Before the vet administers medicines or suggests natural arthritis relief for dogs, he will conduct certain tests. A simple stroll to the examination room will allow the vet to observe the signs of trouble. Other observable signs include shrunken muscles on legs and spine because they have not been used for a while. When the joint or affected area is palpated, the dog winces. To confirm the suspicion of arthritis, the vet conducts x-ray tests.

Therapy, like it does to human beings, offers arthritis pain relief in dogs. The most common options are heat treatment, hydrotherapy and whirlpool treatment. Therapy soothes pains and aches around arthritic joints. Heating using pads or using water relaxes body muscles. It boosts blood circulation which calms affected areas. Your pet continues to experience the relief long after therapy.

Proper care, especially on nails is another effective way of tackling arthritis. The nails are trimmed on regular basis to ensure that your canine achieves the right running and walking gait. Trim the nails gradually until they only touch the floor when your dog is standing. This eliminates abnormal posture which applies unnecessary pressure on limb joints and ligaments. Rosin spray may also be used to groom the toes because it results in a more confident posture.

There are athletic canines like gray-hounds and sled dogs that are prone to arthritis. To slow down or prevent the attack, it is advisable that you expose the pet to regular exercise. Take regular walks and engage in interactive play. A massage will also help to relief the pain. In fact, it is a bonding session since pets love the attention and touch.

Be careful with the food you give to your pet from an early age. Measure the right quantity and be conservative on calories. Pets naturally clear the plate. As such, avoid starving it by choosing foods with lower calorie content. An obese dog will be prone to arthritis in old age.




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