Canine arthritis is found more in older dogs. Those who are prone to canine arthritis are usually inactive and overweight dogs. Canine arthritis resembles human arthritis in many ways. It is a degenerative disease that makes the joints and muscles stiff. It is a common disease because of the constant wear and tear suffered by the joints as a result of continuous use. Canine arthritis can cause excruciating pain in some affected dogs. So dog owners should know what this disease is all about as well as how the disease can be treated.
If a dog is diagnosed having canine arthritis, the following methods of treatment are usually followed. For dogs with arthritis, NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) is prescribed in several cases. Although human formulas can also be effective, certain formulas are sometimes especially created for dogs. Among such drugs are Rimadyl (named Zenecarp in the UK), and Deramaxx . These drugs provide pain relief, reduce inflammation and slow down the progression of arthritis.
Joint fluid modifiers can be used for treatment of the disease that can modify the fluids in the joints to heal its surface. These new drugs concentrate mainly on the long-term benefits of the treatment. So it may not give a dog immediate relief from the symptoms linked with arthritis. That's why veterinarians often recommend these drugs to be used along with NSAIDs, which can soothe the pain.
For dogs with advanced stages of canine arthritis, there are often no other alternative than surgery. But dog owners are mostly reluctant to put their dear pets under the knife and the costs of surgery are prohibitive too. In any case, surgery is a real option for dog owners who can muster the courage to let them undergo surgery just to get relief. There are vaccines for dogs that can help them battle the effects of arthritis. This is more a preventive measure than cure. You can reduce the chance of your dog having arthritis by taking the pet to the vet for regular checkups.
There are varieties of natural treatment therapies as well for canine arthritis. You can purchase these cures at health care and herbal stores. However, the best method of treatment is to combine over-the-counter treatments with natural remedies. This combination will bring relief in quick time.
Some natural herbs and elements that can bring relief from the pain of arthritis include alfalfa, mussels, yucca, vegetables, stinging nettles, comfrey and massage oils. If you make a cup of tea using some fresh or dried alfalfa and give it to your dog, it will soothe the swelling in the joints. The dosage would depend on the dog's build and weight. It has been observed that sea foods, especially greenlip mussels and perna mussels can help restore damaged connective tissues. Shellfish extracts are also useful in this regard.
Yucca is another herb that can act as a pain reliever in canine arthritis. It contains natural steroids that can relieve the discomfort brought by the disease. Vegetables are also beneficial for dogs with arthritis as they contain the B vitamins that inhibit the metabolism of calcium. Give your dog asparagus, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, and parsley.
The essence of stinging nettles also helps dogs with arthritis. These herbs cleanse the blood and take care of your dog's aching limbs. Comfrey leaves and massage oils are also useful in giving relief to a dog suffering from arthritis. These natural remedies are more effective if combined with the vet's prescribed drugs.
