Top 10 Ways To Treat Arthritis In Your Dog At League City, TX
Arthritis in dogs can be as a result of past injuries, diabetes, and/or even obesity. It usually causes inflammation and swelling that can make the simplest efforts, such as walking or getting up from a nap, quite painful. But may also.
Pet arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage around the joint is worn away quicker than it can regenerate creating friction between the bones. Arthritis is a long-term disease in dogs that needs life-long management.
Breed Specific
Dog breeds most predisposed to Arthritis include the German Shepherd, Old English Sheepdog, Rottweiler Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, and Saint Bernard.
Arthritis in cats is more common than previously thought probably because cats can mask their pain more than dogs.
Dog arthritis symptoms
Dog arthritis symptoms include taking a narrow stance in the rear limbs, discomfort, inflammation, pain, difficulty or reluctance to stand from a lying position, difficulty going up stairs or jumping onto a bed or couch, wasting away of muscles in the rear limbs, and lameness that eventually leads to bone damage and severely restricted mobility making them reluctant to run, play or jump.
10 Ways To Treat Arthritis In Your Dog
1.) Anti-inflammatory medication
This could be prescribed for pain control on the recommendation of the veterinarian after a blood test has been performed to determine if the pet is eligible for non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), and the appropriate dosage to help manage arthritis pain. Ensure that you resist the urge to give them human NSAIDs, like Ibuprofen as they are toxic medications to dogs.
2.) Stem Cell Therapy
Most arthritis treatments can only slow down the progression of the disease and mask symptoms. Stem cells can actually regenerate cartilage in the joints and regrow tissue cells and repair damage.
3.) Diet to Treat Arthritis in Dogs
Consult with your veterinarian in order to ensure that you have the right food for your dog and that it meets his nutritional needs and maintains a healthy weight. The veterinarian will most likely recommend diets that contain natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, or Omega fatty acids.
4.) Supplements
Your vet doctor will recommend additional supplements to ensure that your dog gets all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
5.) Water therapy
Many vet doctors and even owners speak about the effectiveness of hydrotherapy.
6.) Chondroprotective drugs
These are drugs designed to promote cartilage production. Consult your veterinarian to verify that your dog can be put on these drugs.
7.) Holistic therapies
Like acupuncture, acupressure, and targeted pulsed electromagnetic field therapy are other feasible alternative options that can be considered.
8.) Regular exercise
Regular, controlled exercise and staying fit will help your dog’s muscles stay strong and take some of the strain off their joints.
9.) Acupuncture and cold laser
Can help reduce your pet’s pain, and treatment protocols will be tailored to their specific needs.
10.) Heat therapy
Heat soothes painful joints – a heating pad under your dog’s bed may give them extra comfort, especially on cold days.