How To Help A Dog With Arthritis?

Dogs are energetic animals. These lovable animals are always on the go. It can be noticed that adult dogs would have the high spirits of puppies. Dogs though similar to their human friends also suffer from degenerative diseases. People start to feel muscle and joint pains as they mature. We feel the aches and pains whenever we move so that getting up especially on chilly mornings would be too much of an effort. These movement difficulties that are viewed as signs of old age can actually be symptoms of arthritis. Dogs are affected by aching muscles and sore joints as well. About 25% of dogs in US suffer from this painful muscle and joint disorder.

A dog may suffer from inflammatory or from degenerative arthritis. Arthritis is a very painful concern that is commonly attributed to the age related weakening of the bones. A traumatic injury or infection can cause joint instability. Obesity can cause arthritis too as the weight of the dog increases the concussive pressure on the joints.

Symptoms of canine arthritis is very similar to what arthritic people feels. Although dogs cannot speak about how they feel a discerning owner will know that the pet is not well. Moreover, the impaired mobility would also be a sign that the dog is suffering from the degenerative disease. Being very energetic animals, dogs would not walk if they can run. Because of the stiff and painful joints, the dog’s movements will be impaired so that even the simple movement of getting up would be difficult. The pain causes the dog to run a temperature.

The pet must be taken to a vet for proper management of the disease. Anti-inflamatory drugs and steroids are commonly prescribed but these medications often comes with side effects. Acupuncture and surgery are other options that a dog owner can take to lessen the discomfort of the pet.

TLC must be given to pet weighed down with the pain associated with arthritis. The dog may refuse to move but exercise is necessary to maintain mobility. The best thing a pet owner can do is to make the arthritic pet comfortable. An orthopedic bed or a well padded one will give the dog a good nights rest. Massage eases the pain felt by arthritic people thus give your pet a massage too. Massaging the dog would an ideal opportunity to bond with the pet.

Sarah’s Dogs has more answers to questions about dog arthritis as well as information about first aid for dogs.