Just
like humans, older dogs can lose flexibility and experience
pain in their joints. This condition, known as osteoarthritis,
or degenerative joint disease, is caused by the degeneration
of the cartilage between the bones that form the joint.
It's a painful disease, and pets who suffer from it
may show stiffness of movement, lameness and swelling.
Some animals may feel pain when touched in certain
areas or held in certain positions. They show the
most discomfort upon rising, and may have serious
difficulty getting up.
What You Can Do to Ease the Pain of Dog Arthritis
Steroid
and nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs alleviate
the pain, and there are other simple steps you can
take to accommodate your arthritic pet's condition.
Soft bedding is a must. If possible, try to engage
him in short, gentle play. If your animal isn't
able to exercise routinely, Experts recommend
massaging his muscles and joints while he's relaxing.
Take care to be extra-gentle. To avoid neck and
spine strain, put the dog's food and water dishes
on a low table or crate, or in a raised feeder.
You can also help your pet by grooming the areas
of his body that may be hard for him to reach. But
arthritis isn't limited to older animals. It can
occur as a result of a joint infection, dislocation
or trauma. If you suspect your pet may be suffering
from arthritis, your vet can take x-rays and perform
lab tests to help determine its root cause. Treatment
could involve antibiotics or painkillers. There
also are a number of new products on the market
that may ease your pet's discomfort. Many veterinarians
prescribe a nutritional supplement that provides
the raw materials that help animals replenish cartilage.
Sometimes buffered aspirin can help a dog feel more
comfortable, but check with your veterinarian for
dosage and suitability first.
Arthritis in Larger Dogs
Arthritis
also plagues giant breeds of dogs, such as Mastiffs
and Great Danes. Any injuries or sprains during
a larger dog's growth period can cause the animal
to develop arthritis later in life. If you own a
larger breed, it's essential that you carefully
monitor his food intake while his bones are still
growing.
Finally,
if your dog has arthritis, you should consult your
vet who can help relieve the pain your pet is experiencing.
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