How Is Arthritis In Dogs Diagnosed
There is no specific test that tells us that your dog has arthritis. Often the diagnosis is made following a detailed discussion and physical examination by your veterinary surgeon, who can tell if there is any pain or stiffness in your dogs joint.
In some cases, the veterinary may recommend further tests such as a blood sample or x-rays to check for other conditions that may be causing joint problems.
X-rays can show whether the arthritis is advanced, but the early stages dont show up on an x-ray, however even if it cant be seen it should still be treated, helping to reduce the damage in the long term.
If there is something else wrong with your dog, this will need to be treated as well as the arthritic change in the joint for the best prognosis.
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*Testimonials are for informational purposes only. The information is not a substitute for expert veterinary care. Testimonials are written by actual customers and represent their own observations. These observations are not guaranteed, are not medically substantiated, and may not be typical for other pets.
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The 7 Most Popular Dog Arthritis Medications
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Dog pain causes the production of prostaglandins, the hormone that causes inflammation. NSAIDs reduce the amount of prostaglandins that are produced, thus relieving pain and reducing swelling.
Prostaglandins are also involved in the process of muscle contraction.
In the past, dog arthritis was treated with low-dose aspirin but the recent development of a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs has changed the course of dog arthritis treatment. Carprofen, firocoxib and meloxicam are long-acting and effective treatments for canine arthritis.
Warning: NSAIDs prescribed for humans should be given to your dog unless specifically prescribed by your veterinarian.
Be aware that there are known side effects connected with these drugs. Discuss these side effects with your veterinarian. He can help you understand the risks and make the best choice for your dog. If your dog has liver, kidney or heart problems, use NSAIDs with caution.
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Human Medications Dogs Cant Have
Before we get into what you can give your dog for pain, lets talk about the human medications you should never give your dog. These OTC human pain medications are not safe for dogs:
Always consult a veterinarian before giving your dog over-the-counter medications.
Some over-the-counter medications, like aspirin, are safe for dogs only in the appropriate dosage. Dosage depends on the weight, size, and health history of the dog, and unfortunately, it can be very easy to give them too much. You should always consult a veterinarian before giving your dog over-the-counter medications.
Provide A Dog Bed In Every Room Where Family Spends Time
Some dogs have one dog bed and it may not necessarily be available to the dog until bed time. This is fine with young dogs, but older, arthritic dogs need something to cushion their protruding joints wherever they spend time with humans.
If your arthritic dog is laying on a cold, wood floor of a game room while the kids play for hours at a time, your dog will thank you for placing a dog bed in the game room.
Now lets move on to products that can be added as budget permits.
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Supplements For Managing Arthritis In Dogs
Next, lets look at supplements as part of our multimodal approach to managing arthritis pain in dogs.
Glucosamine Chondroitin
Much has been made of this supplement in both the human and veterinary worlds. There is scientific debate whether oral glucosamine and chondroitin, the two most common ingredients in joint supplements, are absorbed and improve joint mechanics. Personally, I believe the case is strong that these compounds increase the production of joint fluid and promote health of the cartilage that line the joint surfaces.
While glucosamine and chondroitin arent necessarily the magic bullet, they are an important component in the multi-modal management of arthritis in senior dogs. Further, because the two supplements are virtually harmless, there is no reason not to try them, either as a preventative or treatment. Im a big fan of cant hurt, might help therapies.
Dogs may respond differently to different products, expressing a type of individual variation, much like humans. Some people respond better to certain supplements or medication than others. Once starting a product, I recommend a 30-day trial for my patients. There are several options when you purchase a joint supplement and quality varies significantly.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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Buying Guide For Best Dog Pain Relief And Arthritis Medications
Just as humans are prone to more aches and pains as they grow older, so, too, is your dog. But while youre able to seek medical attention on your own for health concerns, your pooch is entirely dependent on your care. Dogs do suffer from arthritis and other painful conditions as they grow older, but just because these health issues are common doesnt mean you should ignore them. There are medications specifically made for dogs to address these issues and help your pet be more comfortable.
Its important that you not write off any signs of pain in your pet, such as limping or lethargy, as normal signs of canine aging. Luckily, there are quite a few dog pain relief and arthritis medications available, both by prescription and over the counter.
If Fido doesnt seem to be quite himself these days, its time for a visit to the vet to pinpoint the problem and figure out a solution. Our buying guide contains helpful information about some of the treatments your dogs veterinarian is likely to recommend. Weve included some of our favorites, too.
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If You Want To Help Your Dog With Arthritis First Call Your Vet
Going to the vet is extremely important, especially for older dogs. I would argue that other than you, your veterinarian is your dogs biggest ally.
As a veterinarian, I believe its my job to listen carefully to what dog parents are saying and read between the lines to pick up on changes that they may not realize are significant. A thorough nose-to-tail examination and some diagnostic tests complete the picture. Then we can work together to tackle whatever challenges your dog is facing.
If your veterinarian diagnoses your dog with arthritis based on a physical examination and your observations, dont despair. There are countless ways to help a dog with arthritis at home!
Options like pain medications, joint supplements for dogs, physical therapy, laser therapy for dogs, and acupuncture can all help relieve arthritis pain in dogs. There isnt a particular treatment that is superior to the others. In fact, the best results often come from a multimodal approachusing several of these options together. Much like people, each dog responds differently, so finding the right combination for your dog can take a bit of trial and error but pay huge dividends in quality of life.
Canine Arthritis Home Assessment Tool
The website, Canine Arthritis Management, is a top-notch, extensive resource developed by a veterinary surgeon. Its mission is to help practitioners and pet owners treat dogs with arthritic pain. It approaches the multi-modal management strategy using an excellent pyramid-based outline. Additionally, you will find tools to help you assess your dog at home.
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What Can You Give Dogs For Arthritis Pain
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, help reduce swelling, stiffness, and joint pain in humans, and they can do the same for your dog.
They can bring relief to a dog with arthritis, or one whos just had surgery.
But dont give your pooch something from your medicine cabinet.
Video answer: What to give my dog for pain?
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Just as with human beings, dogs can also benefit from receiving supplements a more natural remedy for dog arthritis provided they are in the right dose, are safe for canine consumption, and do not interact with any other medications being ingested.
CBD Oil to Treat Arthritis in Dogs A treatment option that has gained popularity in recent years is using CBD oil to treat arthritis in dogs. In short, CBD is a compound found in cannabis and hemp
Other pain-relieving medications like tramadol, amantadine and gabapentin may be prescribed by veterinarians, particularly if a dogs arthritis is severe or does not respond to other forms of treatment.
NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, help reduce swelling, stiffness, and joint pain in humans, and they can do the same for your dog. They can bring relief to a dog with arthritis, or one whos just had surgery. But dont give your pooch something from your medicine cabinet.
29 Related questions
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Natural And Herbal Arthritis Remedies Recovery In Dogs
Arthritis is painful. Ease your dog into these natural methods of relief and healing. With so many options, you can try several to get the right fit for your budget, your dogs likes and dislikes, and the time you can give to care for your dog. Be patient. Your dog is not going to feel better overnight. But with time and lots of love, you will begin to see improvement. As your listless dog begins to exercise more, you can provide muscle massages as they get used to increased exercise. Consider canine acupuncture, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy too.
If you are changing your dogs diet, make slow changes and include supplements or herbs in treats when possible. If you are adding new whole foods to your dogs bowl, add bone broth as well to give the fruits and vegetables a meaty flavor the dog will enjoy.
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Symptoms Of Arthritis In Dogs
Symptoms of arthritis in dogs are similar to those experienced by people. Here are signs you can identify they could be experiencing arthritis pain:
- Reluctance to play or climb stairs
- Lameness, or walking stiffly
- Difficulty getting up or laying down
Some dogs will try to hide their pain until its severe. It can be difficult to watch once-active dogs slow down and lose interest in normal activities. The good news is advancements in veterinary medicine can provide pain relief and support for arthritic dogs.
Arthritis In Dogs: Overview And Symptoms
If you see your dog in pain and suspect he might suffer from arthritis, the first step to effective treatment is to rule out a proper diagnosis.
The telltale symptoms of arthritis in dogs include:
- Limited mobility
- Difficulty to stand from a lying position
- Problems jumping onto a bed or couch
- Losing muscle mass in the rear limbs
Above all, you should take your dog to your veterinarian. The vet can diagnose arthritis in dogs by conducting a physical test, interviewing you about symptoms, and taking radiographs .
Your veterinarian will draft out a personalized arthritis management plan to relieve pain and improve mobility.
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Joint Supplements For Dogs
*NOTE* DO NOT give human joint supplements to your dog, as they may contain ingredients harmful to your pet and may not actually contain the correct amount of each listed ingredient. Only use veterinary-formulated joint supplements for your pet.
Joint supplements are a crucial, drug-free, part of helping your dog with arthritis. They aid in the protection of the cartilage in the joint as well as act as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Commonly recommended supplements include Synovi G4 chews, Cosequin DS, or Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM.
What Ingredients to Look for in Canine Joint Supplements
I usually recommend starting with Glucosamine and MSM, and as your dog ages and possible symptoms arise, then you can find ones with more ingredients, as per the list below:
- Glucosamine helps slow down collagen degradation and inhibit inflammation-producing factors.
- MSM crucial for connective tissue and an excellent anti-inflammatory agent. It may also have hepatoprotective properties as well . Helps with pain due to how it works.
- Boswellia serrata good anti-inflammatory activity.
- Superoxide Dismutase helps to scavenge molecules known to cause damage to tissues.
- Yucca schidigera a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
- Chondroitin Sulfate acts as an anti-inflammatory agent as well as helps reduce the breakdown of collagen.
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New Zealand Deer Velvet Joint Supplement
Omega-3 Supplements for Dogs
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Honest Paws Relief Bites
Image Courtesy ofHonest Paws
This is the second time a product from Honest Paws has landed on our list, and for good reason. This company prides itself on providing high-quality health supplements for your pets, taking the time and energy needed to iron out every little detail. One product that we are amazed by happens to be their CBD chews, which come in a number of formulations depending on the specific goal of treatment. For arthritis, we recommend the Relief Bites.
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Have An Appropriate Exercise Regime:
- One that doesnt cause repetitive trauma and abnormal weight distribution, like catching a frisbee, or high-impact agility.
- Proper conditioning by gradually and slowly increasing activity time. Think of it as if you were training for a marathon you wouldn’t run 26 miles on day one! Prevent fatigue by not exercising your dog too hard or too long. Also, watch the severity of impact these activities have on your dog’s body. Both are important in helping to lessen inflammation with exercise. Simply walking your pet with a harness and leash is great. Swimming is a great form of exercise as well.
- If you have a puppy or young dog, read our article for other activities to avoid, in order to lessen the probability of arthritis.
What Is Dog Arthritis
Dog arthritis is a condition that affects the joints of dogs. Just like arthritis in humans, arthritis in dog causes inflammation and pain in the joints, which can lead to a loss of mobility.
Arthritis can worsen to the point that dogs are unable to walk or move around comfortably much at all. However, with the proper management plan, you can help your dog prevent severe arthritis.
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Arthritis In Dogs: How To Manage Pain
At the end of the day, although an arthritis diagnosis might seem frightening, there are many different methods and strategies available to you to help your dog and manage his pain. Your veterinarian can help you find the right plan based on your dog specifically and answer any questions you may have throughout the process.
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Treating Pain Is Often Overlooked And Underdone
Posted onMay 24, 2022byHome With Dignity
Modern Veterinary Medicine Has Made Great Advances in Pain Control WHY Has it Not Found its Way to Most Clinics?As a chronic severe pain patient, myself, I have a very sincere and personal interest in pain control. I have studied this subject and focus on practical methods for controlling pain in all animals, but especially those nearing the end of their life. I cannot stand to see an animal in pain and 70-80% of our senior pets have some disease process that generates pain. These include cancer, arthritis of both the limbs and spinal column, spinal disc disease, stroke, old injuries, chronic infections and the list goes on.
Please do not let your pets suffer with pain, either because of not knowing the signs of pain, or by believing that something you bought over the counter is working. So often I hear of a pet owner giving a half an aspirin or glucosamine for their dogs severe pain. These things are practically useless, especially in any case with moderate or severe pain. Over-the-counter supplements are also a waste of your money. You would be far better off spending that money on things that actually work.
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If you would like to read more on the lack of effectiveness in alternative pain medications, see this site: The Skept Vet. https://skeptvet.com/Blog/
Multi-Modal Pain Management
How Do I Know My Pet is in Pain?
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Human Pain Meds For Dogs Are Human Medications Safe
As with humans, there are times in many dogs lives when they will experience joint pain.
Whether your dog is recovering from an injury affecting one or more joints or is showing pain and stiffness due to a degenerative condition like arthritis, you may be asking what can I give my dog for pain relief?
It is important to understand the treatments available to relieve or lessen pain for your dog to help improve their quality of life.
While there are medications available to help with pain and inflammation, the best long term approach involves using natural supplements that support joint health.
Medications To Treat Arthritis In Dogs
NSAIDs. NSAIDs are a class of drugs formulated to aid with pain and inflammation in the body. They are usually very effective in the short-term management of pain but can cause side effects like vomiting and bloody diarrhea.
Galliprant. Galliprant is a prescription medication that is given to dogs for pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. The drug is effective for both long and short-term management of arthritic pain.
Carprofen. Carprofen is another type of NSAID for inflammation and pain. While it tends to be more effective than Galliprant, some vets still recommend Galliprant because it has fewer and lesser side effects.
Meloxicam. Some dogs respond better to Meloxicam than other NSAIDs. After assessing your dog, the vet will decide which medication is most suitable. Avoid relying on over-the-counter meds as the sole treatment plan for your dogs arthritis.
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