Dogs may also suffer from arthritis. Arthritis which means "inflammation of a joint or joints," may cause a lot of pain and distress to your dog and may even threaten your dog's life. When a dog has arthritis, its joints, which are the points of connection of two bones, are inflamed due to damage, usually caused by trauma. Dog arthritis is so common that it occurs in one in every five adult dogs in the US. It can happen to all dogs, regardless of breed, size, and age. However, the risk of developing arthritis is higher in dogs of old age, and in large-breed dogs. Other causes of dog arthritis include improper nutrition, injuries, and obesity.

Most pet owners cannot easily detect if his or her dog is suffering from arthritis. Most dogs would manifest certain behaviors that could be telling signs of arthritis. While some dogs may feel lazy on occasion, most dogs who become lethargic and remain to be so for a long period of time may be suffering from arthritis. Inactivity and sudden change in their mood, as well as observed difficulty in performing motor skills such as standing, sitting, and running are indicative of pain caused by arthritis. When the arthritis has become severe, your dog may develop fever. Weight loss due to loss of appetite is also an indication that your pet is sick or is in distress.

If your veterinarian diagnosed your dog with arthritis, he or she might suggest that you take some of these measures to control pain and inflammation:

* Give your dog a balanced diet so you can manage its weight. Having less weight may help lessen the pressure on his joints.

* Take your pet to a 20- to 40-minute walk regularly, because exercise helps in reducing your dog's joint pain.

* Be watchful about your dog's actions and behaviors, so you can monitor the progress of its arthritis. Taking regular trips to the veterinarian is also very helpful in managing your dog's arthritis pain.

* While there is no known cure for arthritis, doctors commonly prescribe pain relievers such as NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, specially formulated for pets to ease their discomfort.

There are a number of branded NSAIDs available in the market that you can choose from. But if you are looking for discount pet meds, you can try Novox, which is a generic brand equivalent of Rimadyl (carprofen). It is cheaper but has the same efficacy as other branded pet meds. Novox comes in caplet forms, and introduced orally. Like any NSAID, it helps ease dog pain caused by arthritis by inhibiting enzymes that produce prostaglandins - the chemicals responsible for triggering inflammatory responses such as pain and swelling. Pain relief efficacy may be recognized within hours of introducing Novox to your pet, and anti-inflammatory effects can be seen after a number of days. As with any medication, Novox may also come with side effects such as stomach upset and diarrhea. When administering any medication to your pets, it is always best to consult your veterinarian or your pharmacist.