Your dog has reached what in human years translates as seniority. She or he may have some difficulty jumping off the car or may wake up stiff in the morning.While this may be bothersome to some owners used to see their dog romping around all day, the good news is that if you take care of the arthritis swiftly your dog has still good chances of preventing the initial stages of arthritis fro progressing.

It is vital therefore, to have your geriatric dog seen at the first signs of lameness. This will help your veterinarian rule out other more serious conditions such as Lyme disease or bone cancer.

A diagnosis of arthritis comes after a physical examination followed by x-rays. Large dog breeds usually after 7 years of age seem the most to be affected, however arthritis may affect just about any dog breed.

Once diagnosed, with arthritis your dog may have prescribed some anti-inflammatory drugs often also known as NSAIDS (non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory drugs), Common medications prescribed are :Rimadyl, Previcox, Etogesic and Deramaxx. However, make sure to discuss side effects well with your vet as Rimadyl and Previcox have been known to have created major health problems in some dogs..

NSAID ALTERNATIVE TERAPIES

GLUCOSAMINE

Also known as Glyco-Flex or Cosequin, this is not really a medication but rather a supplement. When dogs are affected by degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis their joints lack good quality joint fluid and cushioning which consequently brings to bone degenaration. Glucosamine derives from the mussel Perna canaliculus (hence, the fishy odor of the tablets) and it helps lubricate the joints once again. Always inquire with your vet about putting your dog on any supplements, not consulting with your vet may cause a delay in getting better or even a worsening of symptoms since your dog may be suffering from other serious disorders not related to arthritis.

ADEQUAN

This medication is distributed throughout the body following an injection in the muscle. The maximum effects are felt after 48 hours and the relief persists until 72 hours. The injection works by stimulating cartilage and fluid joint production.Side effects are very little when compared to those derived from the use of NSAID'S. In some cases dogs may get an upset stomach post injection and in very rare cases there may be a reversible bleeding disorder. Discuss with your vet this option.

ACUPUNCTURE

More and more pets are seeking practitioners of this alternative traditional medicine and more and more practices are offering this option for our four legged friends. Dogs show great improvement after an acupuncture session especially when presenting chronic disorders such as arthritis. This practice is surely worth a try, should you be looking for an alternative therapy.

ASPRIN

While aspirin is not really recommended long term in our pets, under a vet's supervision it may be used for relief of arthritis. Discuss this option with your vet and discuss the potential side effects. Never start your dog on an aspirin regimen wothout consulting with your vet first.

WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME

Keep your dog lean

The leaner your dog, the less strain is put on the joints. Try to not over feed your dog especially if he does not get sufficient exercise. If your pet is obese consult with your vet on how to reduce weight and perhaps put the dog on a weight loss program. There are many dog foods available today by prescription that will help reduce weight.

Invest in ramps

If you dog has difficulty getting around there are special ramps that may help your beloved dog climb up to the bed again or climb up those painful stairs. These ramps can also make it easier for your dog to climb up and down a vehicle.

Prescription diets

Hill's produces a prescription diet called J/D (joint diet) made on purpose for dogs suffering for arthritis. Because it is a prescription diet your dog would need to be evaluated in order to have it prescribed. There are many testimonials of owners that have witnessed great benefits once on this special diet.

Offer comfort

Allow your dog to sleep on a comfortable dog bed so to minimize the typical morning stiffness. If your dog sleeps on the floor give him/her a nice comfy bed so that he /she will waken up with less stiffness in the mornings. Mornings are critical for people and pets suffering for arthritis so it is best to minimize the pain and discomfort by providing something soft to sleep on.

Exercise

It may sound odd but exercise may actualy help your arthritic dog .Of course the exercise need not to be strenous, rather allow moderate exercise. A good level of exercise will allow muscles and ligaments to get stronger supporting better those painful joints.

Slip free areas

We used to see these poor dogs at our vet's office. They were laying on the floor and had difficulty getting up and were slipping here and there. You could almost feel their pain. If you toss a few rugs on your tiled or wooded floor areas your dog will very likely use them. If your dog is having trouble getting up and walking due to hip problems place a towel under the abdomen and grab the two ends. Gently pull upwards the ends so to reduce strain on the hips by lifting your dog slightly up.

An arthritic dog is not like a rusty car soon to be demolished. Rather many artritic dogs lead healthy lives again thanks to many veterinary advances and tips you can easily follow at home. Some people have witnessed a return to the rambunctious puppy attitude in their senior dogs after following some therapies listed above. Hopefully the above tips may help your dog get better as well and gain back a couple of years off his back and off his joints!.