How Is Arthritis Treated In A Dog?

Like people, dogs can also suffer from arthritis. This commonly happens as the animal ages. His bones begin to weaken, and trouble begins. To treat arthritis in a dog, a series of strict guidelines must be followed.

What is arthritis in a dog?

Arthritis in a dog is a disease that inflames the joints. As these become inflamed, the bones are also affected. There are a wide variety of causes for arthritis in a dog. They are:

• An infection
• Genetic causes
• A hit or injury
• Autoimmune mechanisms in the animal’s body, which cause the body to attack itself
• Degenerative arthritis, a condition that affects older dogs

It is common for arthritis in a dog to appear at an advanced age of the animal. However, there are cases of arthritis in young dogs. This may be due to a blow or injury, which caused the condition early.

Today one in five dogs suffers from arthritis, or some condition related to this pathology.

Symptoms of arthritis in a dog

Many people ignore the fact that, as they grow old, their dogs will start to walk poorly. But, if arthritis is caught early, it can be treated very effectively. At least, to avoid pain to the animal, and keep its figure in the best condition. It is necessary to be very aware of the symptoms of arthritis in a dog. These are:

• Rigidity.
• The dog no longer performs certain movements, which it used to do. For example, facial gestures.

• The animal shows difficulty when jumping or climbing on the table, chair or stairs.
• It is becoming increasingly difficult for you to simply lie down and then get up.
• The animal’s joints begin to look inflamed.
• Sometimes, “noises” are heard in the joints of the animal, when it performs a movement.
• Joint pain. Constant complaints can be noticed in the animal, when moving.

Veterinarian Treatment for Arthritis in Dogs

Upon noticing any of the symptoms listed above, it will be necessary to take the dog to the vet. The professional will diagnose if the animal suffers from arthritis or not. If the diagnosis is that the dog has arthritis, the veterinarian will advise a treatment to follow. The purpose of this treatment will be to relieve pain and slow the progression of the disease.

There are several options for veterinary treatments for arthritis. Everything will depend on the particular case:

• Drugs: it is a treatment that includes antibiotics, analgesics and anti-inflammatories.
• Food supplements: supplements such as Omega 3 or chondroitin sulfate are recommended, which will help regenerate damaged cartilage. In this way, the joints will begin to heal.
• Surgical intervention: this is the least frequent of the options. However, depending on the case, the veterinarian may also choose to operate on the animal.

How to care for a dog with arthritis at home?

In addition to the treatment assigned by the veterinarian, the animal can also be cared for in its own home. For this, it is necessary to follow a series of habits and routines. All as long as the dog suffers as little as possible.

When caring for a dog with arthritis, it is important to avoid overeating. Obesity will only make your joint pain and condition worse. It’s simple: the higher the body weight, the more work for the joints and bones. Especially if the dog is elderly.

It will be advisable to change the diet of the animal and replace processed and poor quality foods with homemade and healthy meals. The feeding habits of the animal must be of the highest possible quality. Turmeric, for example, is a spice particularly used to treat arthritis. This product can be included in all the animal’s meals.

When it comes to treating arthritis in a dog, exercise is also essential. Hikes, walks, swimming, everything will do. It is important that the animal exercises and is in constant movement. This will help strengthen your muscles, as well as your joints.

In a dog with arthritis, a short period of daily exercise is ideal. No more than 30 minutes, as the dog will tire easily due to its condition.

Food and physical exercise are the two most powerful weapons to combat arthritis in a dog.

Main image source: Carol Von Canon