Dogs cannot tell us when they are in pain yet senior dogs develop arthritis in their joints just as their owners do. Symptoms of arthritis in dogs are:

*Difficulty standing after lying down

*stiffness in legs

*Dogs is reluctant to jump or run as usual

* Reluctance to run or jump

*Dislocation of joint

*Swelling of one or more joints

Damp days or the cold days of winter may increase stiffness and pain in your dog's joints. The exercise of walking may ease the stiffness and symptoms may seem to come and go from day to day.

Aspirin may be recommended by your vet and baby aspirin is often the dosage used for canine pain. Stomach irritation can result from long term use of aspirin and the anticoagulant effects may lead your vet to suggest other pain relieving products. The hip joint is often a source of pain for larger breeds who are prone to hip dysplasia and for dogs with osteoarthritis. Pain is caused by a wearing away of the cartilage that protects the bone. Loss of cartilage is part of the aging process but can lead to arthritic symptoms and pain if untreated.

Glucosamine and chondroitin therapy works best for large breed and senior dogs. When aspirin is stopped the pain immediately returns but with glucosamine the joint can be returned to normal function. While glucosamine and chondroitin are considered an alternative to prescriptive pet meds, Deramaxx is often recommended by vets for chronic pain. Deramaxx is safe for daily use which is important when you realize that one of five adult dogs suffer from arthritis or joint pain.

Aging pets may begin acting like a puppy again when placed on Rimadyl for dogs. Rimadyl does not contain steroids and is strong enough to be used after soft tissue surgery to control pain. The caplets and chewable form are available by prescription and act as an anti-inflammatory. Any pet medicine may have side effects and Rimadyl is no exception. Side effects are visible in the first few days of beginning the medication and can include:

* Vomiting

*Jaundice (yellowing) of skin, gum or the whites of the eyes

*Change in bowel movements

*Loss of appetite

*Yellowing of the whites of the eyes and gums

*Change in appearance or frequency of urination

*Irritated or reddened skin

* Redness or scratching of skin

Remember that Rimadyl for dogs and other pain treatments are pet meds. The taste of Rimadyl is one your dog will like so medications should be kept where the dog cannot access them as treats. If your dog manages to eat a quantity of any medication such as aspirin or Rimadyl contact your vet immediately. Before administering medicine to your dog, consult a veterinarian to find the best solution for your animal and to arrive at the proper dosage for his weight and age. Administer the dog arthritis medicine only to the pet that was diagnosed and prescribed the medication. Order online from a discount pet medication site for significant savings on pain medicines for your dog.