As pet owners we worry about keeping our canine friends happy and healthy. When they are not feeling well we make sure they get proper medical care. Yet even with our best efforts sometimes are pets will suffer from some of the same ailments as humans.
One such ailment is arthritis. Like in humans, this painful, crippling disease attacks the dogs joints and bones making movement very difficult. I know because one of our dogs developed arthritis in his later years and it was heartbreaking to watch what was once a lively animal be reduced to a pet that could hardly walk, or stand without falling. Arthritis causes dogs to feel sick, sluggish and just not themselves. It is reported that the number one cause of chronic pain in pets is arthritis and it affects one in every five adult dogs.
When a pet is hurting he is unable to tell you what is wrong so it is up to you as a pet owner to keep a watchful eye for any signs of this dreaded disease. If your pet is not acting like himself, stops playing, or tends to fall easily, he could be experiencing some symptoms of arthritis. Here are some things to look for:
• He starts to favor a particular limb
• Difficulty sitting or standing
• Falls down easily
• Always sleeping
• Appears stiff in movement
• Afraid to climb stairs or run
• Show little or no interest in playing
• Starts gaining weight
• Less alert than usual
If you notice these signs in your pet, it may be a good idea to see your veterinarian. Early diagnosis and treatment of arthritis is very important. Similar to treating the human form of arthritis, there are many remedies and therapies available for dogs. They include a healthy diet and exercise program, medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which have been approved by the FDA, or over the counter medicines prescribed by your veterinarian. It is extremely important that you do not give your pet any human medications without your veterinarians' approval, especially drugs containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen as these may be toxic to your pet. Always remember too that your dogs' dosage from one breed to another may differ greatly.
If your pet should suffer from arthritis, your best course of action is to work closely with your veterinarian and together you can insure your canine friend gets the help he needs to live a full and pain free life.
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