Dog Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis is not uncommon in older, inactive, or overweight dogs as the joints sustain wear and tear.



Dog arthritis is very similar to human arthritis. Arthritis is a degenerative disease that causes stiffness in the joints and muscles. The pain caused due to arthritis is very intense in dogs.



Every pet owner should be wary of what their dogs are going through to keep them from suffering too much pain and discomfort. Younger dogs can also acquire arthritis .The causes of arthritis in young dogs are injuries, accidents, and certain infections or diseases such as dog hip dysplasia which is characterized by lameness and pain around the joints. There are different types of arthritis seen in dogs such as degenerative joint disease, hypertrophic arthritis, shoulder (degeneration), wrist arthritis (carpi) and kneecap (dislocation).The most commonly found is osteoarthritis, which is associated with the normal wear down of cartilage due to overuse.



As this occurs, the bony structures begin to rub against one another causing arthritis pain and discomfort. You must work closely with the veterinarian to find the right treatment for the disease as soon as you see the symptoms of arthritis in your furry friend. It is vital to start the treatment at the right time for dog arthritis pain relief.

Dog Arthritis Remedies

Here are few common courses of treatment and dog arthritis remedies which are usually carried out to help deal with this disease:

• NSAID’s: NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are given to dogs for arthritis treatment. NSAID’s help by providing dog arthritis pain relief and reduce inflammation.
• Joint fluid modifiers: This modifies the fluids in the joints and the focus mainly on the long term treatment of this disease. This is usually prescribed along with an NSAID by the veterinarian.
• Surgery: In cases of advanced arthritis in dogs, surgery is the only option. This is only preferred by the pet owners who truly love their dogs as it is very expensive. Some dog owners don’t want to put their pet through such an ordeal.
• Physical therapy: It has become more readily available and can be an effective means of dealing with arthritis pain in dogs. Regular but frequent short walks, stretching exercises, and massage is another effective way to keep you dog healthy, even with arthritis.
• Adult stem cell therapy: Stem cell treatment involves removing tissues from arthritic dogs and processing the stem cells present in these tissues for injection into the affected joint. This improves the health and functions of the joint and can be quite effective in treating canine arthritis.
• Weight control: You must make sure that your dog exercises regularly as regular movement helps in releasing lubricating fluid for the joints. Proper exercise and maintaining your dog's weight is the best way to prevent and treat arthritis.
• Balanced diet: You must make sure that you feed your dog with the right food, as an imbalanced diet can also lead to arthritis. It is advisable to opt for homemade dog food instead of packaged foods.

Causes of Dog Arthritis

• Hip dysplasia and related diseases
• Age
• Improper nutrition
• Poor breeding practices
• Injuries
• Obesity
• Symptoms of dog arthritis
• Laziness
• Pain in the legs
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Diminished muscle tone
• Reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump, or play
• Lack of appetite
• Irritability