| Arthritis and Your Dog | | | | helpful for both of you. ` |
| Do you know how to tell if your dog has arthritis? | | | | More Arthritis Help |
| Since arthritis manifests itself by causing soreness | | | | Try supplements in your dog's diet. Digestive |
| and stiffness in hips, also shoulders, knees, elbows | | | | enzymes can help with this absorption of nutrients |
| and the lower spine--if your dog companion is | | | | and fatty acids in his diet. These supplements are |
| becoming reluctant to climb stairs or jump in or out | | | | safe to give and an enhanced digestion may support |
| of the car, more than likely your dog is suffering | | | | better mobility. |
| from arthritis. | | | | Natural veterinary experts suggest giving divided |
| These symptoms do resemble the same type of | | | | doses of Vitamin C to help reduce inflammation of |
| discomfort that we humans can also experience. As | | | | the joints and build collagen. You can buy capsules |
| time progresses, some breeds find that they are | | | | and open them and sprinkle over their food or cut |
| predisposed to genetic problems and these inflamed | | | | the tablets in half. I have done both, but when I use |
| joints can lead to structural degeneration, restricted | | | | the tablets, I put a little cream cheese on them. That |
| movement, and cartilage damage. | | | | makes it very palatable. |
| Primary Arthritis is associated with aging and long | | | | Essential fatty acids help to fight swelling, lubricate |
| term overuse. | | | | bones, ligaments and joints. Many supplements are |
| Secondary Arthritis results from unstable joints, like | | | | made with your dog's condition in mind--these are |
| sublaxating patella, better known as slipping kneecaps | | | | based on the same products made for humans. |
| in smaller breeds, trauma or bone or cartilage defects. | | | | Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate are two very |
| How To Help Your Dog Cope With Arthritis | | | | popular joint support supplements for people and |
| There are a few things that you can do to help your | | | | animals, as well. |
| dog with his arthritic discomfort. A healthy diet of | | | | Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM powder is another |
| wholesome foods is very important and keeping his | | | | great supplement for arthritis symptoms. |
| weight down. An overweight dog stresses his joints, | | | | There are many anti-inflammatory herbal |
| just like a person does who is overweight and | | | | combinations, also, like enzymes such as bromelain, |
| arthritic. | | | | and other natural herbal ingredients for dogs with |
| Make sure that your dog has a soft surface to sleep | | | | arthritis. |
| on. Laying on concrete or wood can really make the | | | | Considering diet--remember that red meat is VERY |
| joints stiffen up. You can use old quilts or blankets to | | | | high in uric acid, which is a main contributor to many |
| make a soft bed if you do not want to buy dog | | | | arthritic conditions. If your dog is on a mainly red |
| bedding. If he sleeps on the bed with you, you may | | | | meat diet, you should consider gradually shifting to a |
| need to provide a ramp for him to get up and down. | | | | diet mostly of chicken. (If you have arthritis, this |
| These bed ramps can be purchased, but you can | | | | change in diet might also help you. Think about it!) |
| easily construct one yourself. Make sure it's sturdy | | | | Today, there are many holistic veterinarians. Perhaps, |
| for your dogs weight. | | | | you can locate one close to your home for |
| Elevate his food and water bowls. This may not | | | | Homepathic care. If there's no one available, you may |
| seem important to you, but it can mean a big | | | | want to search the Internet for information. There is |
| difference in his comfort level. As your dog copes | | | | help for your pet. |
| with sore joints, he may be reluctant to jump in and | | | | Last, but certainly not least, be sure to pet your dog. |
| out of your car. If you have an SUV that sits up | | | | This means so much to him and massage can help |
| high, you may need to provide a step up. Lifting your | | | | relieve pain. So much of this advice can be applied to |
| dog may not be something that you can do | | | | humans and pets. We are so very closely related |
| comfortably yourself, so making a step up will be | | | | when it comes to arthritis pain. |