Dogs with arthritis can’t tell you they’re hurting.  Instead, dog owners need to be able to recognize the warning signs.  One common symptom of arthritis is lameness or limpness in one or more legs.  If you notice your dog favoring one leg more than the other, it may be a sign of arthritis.  Dogs may also whimper or moan when one or more of their joints are touched.  Another way to watch for canine arthritis is to see if your dog has trouble jumping up on the furniture or shows difficulty climbing into the car.  A dog suffering with arthritis will usually sleep more and show signs of lethargy.  An arthritic dog may have joints which appear swollen and his movements may be stiff or awkward.  If your dog shows any of these symptoms, it’s important to take him to the veterinarian for an evaluation.  

It’s crucial to have your dog examined by a professional if you suspect he has arthritis.  At the clinic, the veterinarian should give your dog a thorough examination and check for tenderness in the joints.  The veterinarian may also take x-rays and perform an analysis of your dog’s joint fluid.  If your dog is diagnosed with canine arthritis, you will need to discuss the possible forms of treatment with the veterinarian.  Always ask the veterinarian first before giving any pain medication to your dog.  Some human drugs may be harmful to them.  

One of the most common forms of arthritis treatment is drug therapy.  The veterinarian may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication as well as a pain reliever.  Allivet.com carries a wide selection of anti-inflammatory and pain medication such as Rimadyl, Metacam Oral Suspension, Deramaxx Tablets, Adequan Injectable, and Sarapin.  

Another component of the treatment might include a weight-loss program.  Obesity is a major problem for quite a few dogs diagnosed with arthritis.  Losing weight may help alleviate some of the stress on the joints. Allivet Pet Pharmacy carries dietary food such as Purina Canine Overweight Management Formula, Purina JM Joint Mobility Formula and Vetri Lean Tablets, a weight loss support supplement for dogs.  Proper exercise and better eating habits should be important parts of a dog’s weight-loss program.  

Many people have found that canine dietary supplements help combat the effects of arthritis. Your veterinarian may suggest giving your dog supplements containing Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Omega fatty acids, and Hyaluronic Acid HA. Allivet.com carries a wide selection of Pets joint supplement such as Cosequin, Conquer K9, Glyco-Flex, and Synovi-G3. View them all. Another form of treatment that might help your dog is pet massage.  This treatment may alleviate some of your arthritic dog’s joint discomfort and make him feel more comfortable. 

Canine arthritis can make your dog miserable, but it is treatable.  Dog owners need to watch for possible signs of canine arthritis.  Visit the veterinarian if your dog shows difficulty climbing or jumping, whimpers or moans from joint pain, moves stiffly, or has swollen joints.  Various treatment options are available.  Drug therapy, controlling obesity and dietary supplements are all possibilities in the fight against canine arthritis.  Changing some aspects of your dog’s environment may help as well.  With the right amount of medical treatment and lots of loving care, arthritic dogs have a better chance of living happily and comfortably.  

By J.S. Gordon - Copyright 2012 Allivet Trusted Pet Pharmacy