Tips On Special Joint Care For Dogs And Pain Relief For Arthritis

By Shelly Wright


As a pet owner, you feel the pain as it is felt by your dog when it ill or uncomfortable. For the pets, they age and are as uncomfortable as elderly human beings. This is why veterinarians recommend special joint care for dogs. Arthritis is one of the most common health problems in canines but is unfortunately detected when it is already too late. You are only left with the option of managing the condition.

With age, the joints of canines wear out in a manner similar to that in human beings. This condition is commonly refereed to as degenerative disorder or osteoarthritis. You are almost certain to encounter this condition if you rear a dog. It occurs when the body fails to repair cartilages as fast as they are worn out. Movement and any activity involving joints become extremely painful.

The early signs you will detect in the canine include reluctance to move. It shortens play period or is totally uninterested. It never runs up and down the stairs or yard. In the morning, it shows signs of stiffness and sometimes limps about. The condition graduates and may be difficult to spot on time. The canines will also be hesitant to move. The angle of motion or leaping decreases with time.

Before the vet administers medicines or suggests natural arthritis relief for dogs, he will conduct certain tests. A simple stroll to the examination room will allow the vet to observe the signs of trouble. Other observable signs include shrunken muscles on legs and spine because they have not been used for a while. When the joint or affected area is palpated, the dog winces. To confirm the suspicion of arthritis, the vet conducts x-ray tests.

Therapy is as terrific in providing arthritis pain relief in dogs as it does in human beings. Some of the therapy options available to canines include hydrotherapy, heat treatment and whirlpool. It works by soothing their aching joints. The muscles are relaxed when heated using pads or water. It is also an effective way of boosting blood circulation which makes the dog calm. This relief lives on long after terminating therapy.

Arthritic feet will also benefit from proper care especially on nails. They should be trimmed regularly to give the pet the right walking and running gait. The trimming should be gradual until they just touch the ground when the dog is standing. Any abnormal posture will put pressure on ligaments and joints. Grooming using rosin spray gives your pet a confident posture.

There are athletic canines like gray-hounds and sled dogs that are prone to arthritis. To slow down or prevent the attack, it is advisable that you expose the pet to regular exercise. Take regular walks and engage in interactive play. A massage will also help to relief the pain. In fact, it is a bonding session since pets love the attention and touch.

Be careful with the food you give to your pet from an early age. Measure the right quantity and be conservative on calories. Pets naturally clear the plate. As such, avoid starving it by choosing foods with lower calorie content. An obese dog will be prone to arthritis in old age.




About the Author:



 

Popular Posts