How Can You Tell If Your Dog Has Arthritis
Common signs of canine osteoarthritis include stiffness after rest, difficulty getting up, limping or avoiding the use of one leg. Arthritic dogs may also be less active, or reluctant to use stairs or get in or out of a vehicle. For pets with arthritis, just going for a walk or playing in the yard can result in joint pain and muscle soreness.
As in people, arthritis is a degenerative process defined as inflammation of a joint. It can occur in both young and old dogs, though it is more common as dogs age. Sometimes, as in Otis case, arthritis develops following an injury. It can impact all components of the joint, but the cartilage the connective tissue covering the bones where a joint is formed is the most affected.
Unfortunately, canine arthritis cannot be cured. Instead, the goal of treatment of arthritis in dogs is to reduce inflammation and increase comfort to improve a dogs quality of life regardless of age.
Exercise & Water Therapy
Maintaining mobility through reasonable exercise is important regardless of a dogâs age and the extent of their arthritis. A dog with mild, early arthritis can and should get more exercise than a senior dog with severe cartilage erosion.
Non-weightâbearing exercise â like swimming and hydrotherapy â is excellent if not contraindicated by other medical conditions. Look for a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner for help with designing an appropriate exercise program.
Well & Good Natural Blend Hip & Joint Health Chewable Dog Tablets
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Made with 95% natural ingredients, the health supplement can help your beloved canine company restore and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. All you need to do is convince him to eat one of these treats. Thankfully, the flavor has been carefully designed to make these supplements irresistible to your favorite four-legged friend. Our team has a couple of dogs well into their retirement years. We brought home a couple of bottles and tried it for a few weeks. During that time, we carefully observed how our friends handled everyday tasks. The amount of limping, or refusal to get up to play, decreased over the course of the fortnight. As such, we can wholeheartedly recommend this brand for pet owners nationwide.
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Best Cbd Oils For Dogs With Arthritis
As you can see, a little cannabinoid goes a long way.
But how do you choose the right product for your dogs health needs one that is not only effective but also safe for your pooch?
Heres a useful cheat sheet:
- Buy organic products. Hemp absorbs and accumulates both the nutrients and toxins from its environment. The goal is to avoid the toxins and maximize the number of nutrients. Organic hemp is the best for the job because its free from pesticides and heavy metals.
- Choose CO2-extracted products. CO2 extraction yields clean and potent products without using high temperatures and harsh solvents.
- Read lab reports. Always look for batch-specific certificates of analysis from a third-party laboratory. These documents list all ingredients in the tested sample and verify its potency, including the aforementioned contaminants, such as pesticides, solvents, heavy metals, and mold.
Below we recommend two brands that make premium-grade CBD oils and treats for dogs at reasonable prices.
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Royal CBD is a Nevada-based brand specializing in full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD extracts. The company uses the same high-quality CBD oil for its dog products as it does for human products.
In simple terms, the entourage effect allows lower doses to remain effective because the other cannabinoids and terpenes boost the efficacy of CBD.
Signs Of Arthritis In Dogs
Arthritis develops differently in each dog, but there are a handful of common symptoms of arthritis in dogs that display when they are suffering from arthritis that may alert their owners that they need medical care. Below are some of the most common signs that a dog is suffering from arthritis:
- Licking, chewing, or biting the affected area
- Muscle atrophy
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Vetiqs Hip & Joint Supplement For Dogs
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Tired of reading glowing review after glowing review? Trust us, we know how hard it can be to get to the bottom of a nice, long list like this. But we have saved a special treat for you as a reward for making it through to this point. VetIQ offers a chicken-flavored hip and joint supplement perfect for both small and large dogs. All you need to do is offer your favorite four-legged child one of these chews and he will be off in doggy heaven. Our testing showed that it helped our dogs regain some of the vigor of youth, playing more and enjoying life to its fullest. As such, we staunchly back this brand and hope that you have the opportunity to offer one of these treats to your dogs soon.
Evaluating The Options To Treat Your Dogs Arthritis
With dozens of alternatives to choose from, its hard to decide what to try for your dog. In 2009 the journal veterinary record assessed the efficacy of therapies used in the management of canine osteoarthrosis based on 68 papers published in peer-reviewed journals. The studies found strong evidence for the efficacy of NSAIDs in treating osteoarthritis. There was moderate support for the efficacy of glycosaminoglycan polysulphate , elk antler velvet, and a food containing green-lipped mussel .
In contrast, the studies found weak or no evidence to support the use of many other treatments. None of the reports offered final answers about what works and what doesnt, and all of them concluded that additional research is needed.
This review accurately reflects the lack of well-designed research examining the effectiveness of treatments for arthritis in dogs. As new products and procedures are developed, we who love our arthritic dogs will continue to experiment with treatments and combinations of treatments that help our dogs stay active and pain-free through old age.
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Just Cbds Cbd Oil For Dogs
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Some dogs will refuse supplements of any solid form, be it delectable chewables or hard biscuits. When you get to that point, you have to start outthinking your beloved pet. That is where Just CBDs CBD Oil for Dogs comes into play. Each bottle contains an amazing amount of bacon-flavored CBD goodness, ready to be sneakily added onto your dogs food bowls. One measured shot on top of their breakfast and they will be good to go all day.
What Are The Signs That Your Dog Has Arthritis
If youre worried that your dog could be suffering from arthritis, here are some signs to look out for:
- Stiff or lethargic movement
- Loss of energy
- Pain when being touched
If your dog shows these signs, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible so they can provide the proper dog arthritis treatment.
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How You Should Feed Dogs With Arthritis
Dealing with arthritis in dogs will require care and effort on the owner’s part, and it’s a painful process for the dog to go through. Dietary changes can help soothe the pain in his joints, and more importantly, a well-structured arthritis diet for dogs ensures proper weight management which is key to alleviating the symptoms.
Remedies For Arthritis In Dogs
Arthrities, a Painful Joint Disease
Arthritis is an acutely debilitating disease in humans, equally so for dogs. There are, however, ways of managing the disease to provide your dog arthritis pain relief.
Dogs are typically active animals. Bone, cartilage, and muscle damage happens all the time, which was thought to be the root cause of canine arthritis, but low-grade inflammation of the joints is now recognized as the most likely cause. Ultimately, the culprit is the dogs immune system, which releases proteins that can damage cartilage and diminish the lubrication around them, making the bone surfaces rub against one another. Older dogs are affected most often, but younger ones arent always immune.
How do you Recognize Arthritis in Dogs?
Is your dog less keen to exercise, or does your dog appear lame, stiff, reluctant to climb stairs, slow to move, and/or grumpier than normal? If the answer is yes, then theres a chance she may have arthritis. However, dont panic. There are a few ways you may be able to help your pet get some arthritis pain relief.
1. Start Your Dog on the Right Diet
2. Consider NSAIDs
These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They can help reduce stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joints. But dont just use human NSAIDs. There are animal NSAIDs that your vet can prescribe, including:
- Carprofen
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Should I Do Anything Else To Help My Dog Be More Comfortable
There are simple things that any dog owner can provide to a dog with OA that can help with comfort and mobility. These include:
- Soft, padded bedding
- Raised food and water dishes
- Non-skid floor surfaces
- A ramp for entering and leaving a vehicle
- Adhering to prescribed feeding and medication recommendations
Dog Breeds Prone To Arthritis
There are also certain breeds which are more prone to developing arthritis as they can suffer from predisposed bone conditions such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These breeds include working dogs such as Bernese Mountain Dogs, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Springer Spaniels, and Rottweilers.
Elbow dysplasia and also any wonkiness in the legs is seen most often in the short-nosed breeds like Shih Tzus and British Bulldogs. If the joint isnt formed properly, the weight of the dog can cause pressure in the wrong places of the joint and cause damage.
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My Dogs Veterinarian Said That My Dog Is Overweight She Prescribed New Food As Well As Some Medications And Nutraceuticals Why Are There So Many Things For Me To Give My Dog
Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet for treating OA. In fact, once OA is established, we are not so much treating it as managing it because OA is not a disease that can be cured.
OA is a very complex disease process, so managing it is a fairly complex process because we get the best results from combining multiple modalities. Typical multimodal management of arthritis generally includes the following:
Nutrition
Normalizing body condition is critical, so your veterinarian will prescribe a specific nutritional product to accomplish this goal. There is now a nutrient profile that can support the joints while helping to normalize body weight and condition. It is important to stick strictly to the prescribed nutritional program.
Pain medications
Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are generally used as the first line of defense against the pain of OA. Your veterinarian will determine if your dog is a good candidate for this class of medication.
Occasionally, a corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drug will be prescribed instead of a NSAID. The two classes of medication CANNOT be used together.
“Never reach into your own medicine cabinet when your dog limps or has been diagnosed with OA.”
Gabapentin is a pain medication that addresses chronic pain differently from NSAIDs or corticosteroids, and complements those medications. It provides a way to address the chronic nature of OA pain, and is especially helpful when the patient is older and not able to take a NSAID.
Keep Tabs On Your Dogs Diet
Did you know that diet plays a big role in your dogs joint health? Paying attention to how much and what kind of food your dog is eating can be a simple way to help your arthritic dog at home.
Feed your dog the right amount of food
It can be easy for doting dog parents to accidentally overfeed their dogs. After all, those begging puppy dog eyes can be so hard to resist. However, showing your love through food may be doing your dog more harm than good, especially when arthritis enters the picture.
When you maintain your dog at a healthy weight or, if indicated, help him shed those extra pounds, there is less pressure on the joints. This translates to less pain and improved mobility.
If youre wondering whether your dog is overweight, you can find out by calculating your dogs canine body condition score and discussing your concerns with your veterinarian.
Select the correct kind of food for your dog
Many of the commercially available foods found in pet stores are well-balanced and contain the correct amounts of essential vitamins and minerals. Always read the label to figure out who the food is designed for. Puppies, adult dogs, senior dogs, overweight or underweight dogs, and dogs with various activity levels have different nutrient requirements.
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What If I Think A Rabid Animal Has Bitten Me
immediately and wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water, and use a disinfectant such as iodine or ethanol if you have one. If you can safely capture the animal that has bitten you, you can try to confine it, but only if you can do so without being bitten again. If you canât catch it safely, remember what it looked like and where you saw it, so you can file a report with authorities.
If necessary, your physician will give you the post-exposure treatment recommended by the United States Public Health Service, a costly and painful therapy, to prevent the rabies virus from spreading through your body. Your doctor may also treat you for other possible infections that could result from the bite. Quick action is the key to protecting yourself from rabies.
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Anti Inflammatory Side Effects In Dogs
Side effects are a possibility with all medications, and NSAIDs are no exception. For easy remembering, pet owners are advised to be on the lookout for the common side effects of NSAIDs which are often described with the acronym BEST:
- B Behavior changes
- E Eating less
- S Skin redness or scabbing
- T Tarry stool
In more severe cases, and often due to long-term use, NSAIDs can cause potentially life-threatening side effects, such as:
- Stomach and intestinal ulcers and perforations
- Kidney failure and/or liver failure
Plus, it should be noted that, although not often, it is possible for some dogs to develop allergic reactions to NSAIDs. The signs of allergies are hives, itchy skin, and facial swelling usually require veterinary attention.
Finally, we should say that side effects are rarely seen with natural anti-inflammatories. This is the reason why many pet owners prefer holistic alternatives.
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Ways To Help A Senior Dog With Arthritis At Home
Dr. Julie Buzby
If your dogs muzzle is getting grey and arthritis pain is threatening to steal the joy from those golden years, you want to ensure your home is safe and comfortable for your older dog with mobility challenges. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby draws from her many years of loving and caring for senior dogs to share these eight practical ways to help your dog with arthritis at home.
If youre like me, and your dog has been celebrating a tenth birthday for the past three years, it may be easy to forget your dog is a senior. Most dogs are great at concealing their age. But as they develop arthritis and their mobility changes, it may become more apparent that the years are taking a toll.
It Takes A Village People
Were stronger when we work together! Come and join us. In order to give you with clear, simple pet care information you can rely on, weve assembled a team of veterinarians who specialize in preventative health and critical care, professional trainers, behavior experts, and dog and cat enthusiasts who are incredibly enthusiastic about their pets. We take care of everything so that you dont have to.
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How To Tell If A Dog Is In Pain
When it comes to masking pain, dogs are real masters. Hiding pain is instinctual for canines and goes back to their wild ancestor. Namely, when living in the wild, showing signs of pain is dangerous and makes the dog vulnerable to attacks and losing its social rank within the pack.
Therefore, by the time a dog starts exhibiting signs of pain, the underlying condition causing the distress is probably progressed. That said, pet owners need to be able to recognize when their dog is in pain. The good news is that you do not have to be a mind-reader to detect distress in your pup.
Here are the tell-tale signs that your dog is likely in pain:
- Loss of appetite and decreased water intake
- Notable swelling, inflammation, limping
- Vocalizations
- A sagging tail or a tail tucked between the legs
- Dull, droopy, or tired-looking eyes
- Behavioral changes
Other Causes Of Your Dog’s Mobility Issue
Lots of problems could be causing your dogs mobility issues, and its important to work with your veterinarian to determine which are at play in your dogs specific condition. Arthritis is certainly one of the most common, but it isn’t always the culprit. Other causes can also include:
- Degeneration of the nerves going to the muscles
- Muscle weakness and/or muscle mass loss
- Torn cruciate ligament or other trauma
On the other hand, it isnt always an orthopedic or neurologic condition thats hindering your dogs mobility. The cause could actually be pain unrelated to their muscles, joints, or bones, such as:
- Inflammation of or a mass associated with one of the organs in their abdomen
- Heart or respiratory disease can cause mobility issues
- Overgrown nails
The above conditions are just some of the reasons that could be causing your dog’s pain and mobility issues. Knowing the cause will help determine the best course of action to make your dog live comfortably.
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