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How to Help a Dog With ArthritisTips to Treat Arthritic Pain and Joint Stiffness in DogsDogs can suffer from arthritis just as humans can and the effects can be just as debilitating, but proper treatment can dramatically improve quality of life.
Arthritis doesn’t just affect humans. Dogs too can suffer from arthritis-induced joint pain, stiffness and mobility problems, but managing arthritis through supplements, medications, and lifestyle changes can significantly improve a pet’s quality of life. Arthritis typically arises in middle age, so for a small or medium breed dog, symptoms can begin to set in by age seven or eight. With a large or giant breed dog, arthritis symptoms can arise as early as age four or five. “Owners have to remember that canine arthritis is a gradual process that occurs over the course of months and years. If your dog has never exhibited any stiffness or gait abnormalities but suddenly can’t walk properly one day, then it’s probably not due to arthritis. So before you begin treating your dog for arthritis, it’s important to be sure that no underlying injury exists,” explained Dr. Michael Levine, DVM. Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis in DogsBeginning treatment early will help slow the progression of arthritis in dogs, so it’s vital that pet owners understand the symptoms of canine arthritis. In dogs, arthritis typically manifests as joint and hip stiffness, particularly in the mornings or when the weather is cold. A stiff walk is not uncommon in dogs with arthritis. In its more advanced stages, the pet will lose range of motion; he may experience difficulty getting to his feet; the animal will appear unsteady while walking; and the dog’s stride length (particularly in the rear legs) will become short, with the feet remaining close to the ground. Managing a Dog's Arthritis Pain and StiffnessThe following measures can help pet owners manage a dog's arthritis, slowing its progression and improving quality of life for elderly dogs:
“There’s no one remedy for arthritis in dogs, and what may be effective for one animal may not be sufficient for another,” remarked Dr. Levine, who concluded, “The best thing pet owners can do is to keep their pet active and at a healthy weight. And begin thinking about arthritis when middle age rolls around because the sooner you begin arthritis treatment for your dog, the better.”
The copyright of the article How to Help a Dog With Arthritis in Dog Care is owned by Mia Carter. Permission to republish How to Help a Dog With Arthritis in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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