Dog arthritis commonly occurs to large dog breeds and senior dogs. It is a canine disease characterized by a pain in the joints. If your dog has arthritis, you will observe a drastic change in his physical activities. He will be reluctant and lethargic to move, jump or play and is lagging behind on walks. Your dog will also yap in pain when tapped.



If your dog is suffering from arthritis or hip dysplasia, there are numerous treatment options that you can do to address the problem, ranging from dietary supplements to pain relief medications. But whatever method you choose, make sure to consult your veterinarian first to determine which treatment is best suitable for your dog.

Dogs with arthritis that experience severe pain usually need anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin and carprofen to address the pain. These drugs are effective at reducing pain and inflammation and are used during the first few days of beginning a glucosamine regimen. Though these medicines don't have the ability to remodel the joint, they can lessen the inflammation at the nerve endings so that the dog remains comfortable.

Certain medications such as steroids prednisone, dexamethasone, and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to minimize swelling of joints. There are also nutritional supplements that you can give to your k9 to boost his immune system against complications related to arthritis.

Besides the medical treatment, dogs with arthritis should also be under careful and intensive veterinary care, as well as proper food intake. Changing your dog's diet also is also important in dog arthritis treatment. It is very essential that your dog maintains the correct weight for his age and always eats well-balanced diet with the necessary nutrients. You must control the weight of your dog by limiting snacks and foods that can worsen the inflammation of joints. Your dog must also gets regular exercise to enhance his strength and metabolism.

Bear in mind that excess weight or fat in your dog causes more stress on the joints and exacerbates existing dog arthritis pain. Among large dog breeds, periods of swift growth can result to formation of dysplasias if the causal genetic makeup is present. In this case, it is a must to to pay attention to your dog's diet to avoid rapid weight gain.