An ailing pet is a heartbreaking sight. Usually, most dogs succumb to arthritis in their older days. Arthritis in dogs is common and painful. Many pet owners wish they could alleviate the pain of their dogs and offer comfortable remedies for the dogs. Arthritis is an inflammation of a joint where there is pain and discomfort even when it is not moved. Eventually, the joint will become atrophied and cannot be utilized by the animal anymore.

There are many kinds of arthritis in dogs and these include osteoarthritis, idiopathic, infective and immune mediated. These are all painful arthritis in dogs and the most common of the four is osteoarthritis. This is a disease in the joints where degeneration of the cartilage is followed by some new bone formation. This formation of new bone is the sign of arthritis in dogs.

Causes of Arthritis in Dogs

Arthritis in dogs is usually caused by a traumatic injury to the joint which causes the bone formation resulting in arthritis. Obesity is also one cause of arthritis in dogs because the irregular weight adds to the concussive forces or pressure to the joint. Weak joints as a result of many joint diseases can also contribute to arthritis in dogs. For puppies and young dogs, arthritis can be caused by the malformation or wrong development of their bones.

Natural Remedies and Treatments for Arthritis in Dogs

Increased daily doses of sodium ascorbate (vitamin C) can help maintain and prevent further joint deterioration. Rhus Toxicodendron can also help alleviate arthritis in dogs by easing the pains and aches. Glucosamine can also be added to their supplement as this is what humans take to help their condition. Ask a vet for the proper dosage of the supplement before giving it to your dog. Extra Virgin coconut oil is also one natural remedy that you might like to try out for arthritis in dogs. Start out with lower dosages since the dog's system might have to adjust to the oil but many claim that this works for dogs as well as in people also.

We want to take care of our dogs and we always want the best for them. Make sure that your vet is aware of the dog nutritional supplements and cures that you are giving your dog. Just remember that a balance of diet and exercise is of most value when dealing with arthritis in dogs.