Our dogs are beloved companions and family pets. They can’t tell us by speaking when they are in pain, so it is up to us to read their behaviors in order to know when they need our help. The signs of arthritis in our dogs might be difficult to spot at first, but there are some signs to look for to tell if they are struggling. When a dog has arthritis, their joints became inflamed, and they’ll experience pain, heat and swelling in the joints. As the arthritis advances, the dog will experience stiffness and immobility, so you might notice that your pet has a harder time getting up after sleeping, not playing their favorite activities, or maybe he is having a hard time jumping up to the couch or bed. Some dogs even flinch or nip when you try to pet them. Other dogs will seem depressed or grumpy or even change their eating habits. These are all symptoms that could indicate not only arthritis, but other maladies as well. Either way, it’s important to act quickly once you notice your dog acting differently than normal. Thankfully, there are many therapies, methods and medications available to help your dog feel better and have a good quality of life despite the arthritis. The first step is to visit your veterinarian, who has the ability to properly diagnose the arthritis correctly. Some products are the most effective if the arthritis is caught early on. To relieve arthritis symptoms, veterinarians will sometimes recommend products that contain glucosamine, perna caniculus, chondroitin, vitamins and minerals. The good news is that they are usually quite effective. In other cases, surgery may be an option. There are many other things you can do at home to make your pet’s life a little easier. A soft, comfortable, slightly elevated (about a foot off the floor), place to sleep is one way to enable your dog to not only sleep well, but to get in and out of bed easier. A soft rubber foam mattress at least 4 inches thick, or a couch is ideal for cushioning your dog’s joints as they rest. A hot water bottle tucked in their bed could also help relieve some of the aching and pain in your pet’s joints. Just like us, dogs need exercise to stay healthy. If your dog has developed arthritis, you’ll need to encourage exercise, but limit it to gentle, short walks, a few times a day. Our joints work the most effectively when we are at a healthy weight, and our dogs are no different. Help your dog maintain an ideal weight by feeding them a healthy dog food and always make sure they have a good intake of water each day. If you are unable to easily locate your dog’s ribs when you feel for them, then he might need to lose a few pounds. Find a good source of Dog Nutritional Supplements that are created to bring about the best results with an added focus on ease of administration. Larry Volwiler is CEO and co-founder of RadioFence.com featuring a full line of Pet Supplies including Bark Collars and Invisible Dog Fences.honeycomb blinds

Old age or even surgery should not keep a good dog down. Without walkers or wheelchairs at their disposal, dogs still need to be able to get up and around despite the pain of chronic diseases or surgery. Often, dietary supplements and bone and joint medications are their best hope. Anti-inflammatories One in five dogs in the United States is afflicted with osteoarthritis, making it one of the most common chronic diseases for dogs. This condition damages the dog’s cartilage or other joints. Sometimes even an attentive owner can miss the signs of arthritis, so ask yourself: Is your dog slowing down? Stiff and slow to rise? Gaining weight or sleeping more? These are all signs that could point to arthritis. A physical exam and an X-ray can help diagnose the problem. Treatments often involve Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) to control the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis. NSAIDs are also given after surgery to help the dog get up and around sooner. An active dog will be healthier and live longer. Deramaxx Chewable Tablets, an NSAID from the coxib class, help control the pain of both osteoarthritis and bone surgery. These beef-flavored tablets are chewable and available in three strengths. Another NSAID, Etogesic, also reduces the pain and soreness from osteoarthritis in dogs. Etogesic is not suitable for dogs under 11 pounds. It is generally well-tolerated and is also available in three strengths. Meloxicam is an oral NSAID that will help control the pain and improve the dog’s ability to get around. This oral syrup should be given with food. The medication is available in five dropper bottle sizes. The syrup should be placed directly onto the food of dogs smaller than 10 pounds. It can be administered directly into the mouth of larger dogs. Firocoxib, an oral NSAID for dogs, is designed to improve a dog’s mobility. The chewable medication can be given with or without food. Firocoxib is available in two strengths. Rimadyl (carprofen) is another NSAID to treat dogs’ arthritis pain and inflammation. It is also indicated to help control postoperative pain. It is available in three strengths as a chewable tablet or caplet, and can be taken with or without food. Tests show most dogs find the medication palatable. Zubrin (tepoxalin) is another NSAID to control pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis. Place this fast-dissolving tablet in the dog’s mouth, holding the mouth closed for four or five seconds to ensure the tablet disperses. It should be given with food or within one or two hours of eating. It is available in three strengths. Supplements In addition to medications, there are many supplements that can improve the quality of life of your dog. Adequan Canine is an intramuscular injection that helps control non-infectious degenerative or traumatic arthritis in dogs. It is a semi-synthetic glycosaminoglycan made from bovine cartilage. Arthogen for dogs contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which help rebuild damaged joint cartilage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that will gradually improve your dog’s health. Arthogen can be used in combination with other products to offer more relief to arthritic dogs. It is available in tablets, capsules, powders and oral liquids. It is usually given once a day for the life of the dog. Cosequin Double Strength chewables for dogs, which combine glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and manganese ascorbate, help dogs maintain healthy joints. The chewables are available in five strengths. Cosequin Sprinkle Capsules are also available for dogs weighing less than 24 pounds. Flexile Rx treats dogs with mild to moderate osteoarthritis by inhibiting pain along two pathways and providing powerful antioxidant activity to absorb harmful free radicals. Flexile Rx is not a drug, but contains baicalin, catechins and anti-inflammatory flavans and flavones from natural sources. Glyco-Flex III is designed to support a dog’s joint health. It contains a high level of MSM and calcium ascorbate, as well as vitamin E, selenium, dimethylglycine, glutathione and grape seed extract – all antioxidants. It is available in soft chews and chewable tablets. Synovi G3 is a nutritional supplement that helps fight the effects of degenerative joint disease, specifically in older arthritic dogs. It contains chondroprotective agents, natural anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. ProMotion is a nutrient formula containing the antioxidant bioflavanol (from grape seed extract), glucosamine and hydrolyzed collagen. It’s available in bacon-flavored tablets in two strengths. When starting a new medication or supplement, be sure to observe your dog for signs of an adverse reaction such as vomiting, yellowing of the gums or eyes, or change in appetite, thirst, bowel or urination habits. Report any adverse symptoms to a veterinarian immediately. Likewise, if your dog accidentally ingests an overdose of medication or a supplement, seek medical help immediately. These medications and supplements are worth investigating if you want to keep your dog moving and improve his quality of life. He’s been there for you – and now it’s your turn to do something for him. Barbara Delp is a freelance writer who writes about pet care and dog medicine.rhinestones

Dog arthritis is one of the most common diseases that affect canines, especially large breed dogs (60-90 lbs). Just as human arthritis, dog arthritis tends to get worse with age

Here are 10 tips that may help your arthritic dog:

1. Slip-free Flooring. Hardwood and tile floors are slippery and can be very difficult for dogs with arthritis to move around. Placing carpet or area rugs will help secure your dog’s footing. This can help prevent your dog from slipping and getting injured.

2. A Soft Bed. Soft bedding can help support your dog’s bones and joints and make your pet more comfortable. This can be especially important in thin dogs in which bony prominences are likely to rub on hard surfaces. Some beds are made especially for dogs with arthritis, such as waterbeds, hammock beds, and beds with plenty of extra cushion.

3. Ramps or Cubes. Stairs and furniture can become difficult obstacles for your aging companion. Ramps or specially designed cubes can help pets safely climb stairs, get into or out of bed or get in

and out of your vehicle. Ramps can be made of plastic or wood and are available from many pet catalogs. A new product called “Puppy Stairs” are soft modular cubes that fit together in combinations that permit pets to climb up or down from beds or sofas. These cubes are made of soft rubber, have rounded corners and washable covers.

4. Medication. Various medications are available that can help your dog feel better. Medications include drugs such as Deramaxx®, Rimadyl® or Etogesic®. These drugs are classified as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and work to suppress inflammation and pain. Other medications such as Cosequin® can also be beneficial by providing your dog’s body with necessary nutrients for cartilage repair and function. See your veterinarian to discuss if any of these medications could benefit your dog.

5. Peace & Quiet. As your dog ages, he may not be as tolerant or patient as he used to be. Sore joints make it difficult for your pet to enjoy rambunctious playful children. Supervise playtime and consider keeping your dog away from very young children. Even parties and holiday time can be distressing for an arthritic dog. Your dog may want to join in the festivities regardless of the discomfort. To reduce joint pain and inflammation, you may want to limit your arthritic dog’s time as the center of attention.

6. Massage. By massaging your dog, you can increase his or her flexibility, circulation, calmness and a general sense of wellness. Professional animal massage therapists are available to provide your pet a more thorough treatment.

7. Weight Control and Dietary Therapy. Arthritis is more of a problem in obese pets. Weight loss can be beneficial by reducing the workload on your dog’s bones and joints. In addition to basic weight loss, there are diets formulated for dogs with arthritis that may be beneficial for your dog. Diets, such as Hills® Science Diet® j/d™ and Purina® JM Joint Mobility™ have been shown to help dogs with arthritis maintain weight, reduce pain and improve mobility.

8. Exercise. Modest daily exercise can help some dogs. Special care is needed, so it is important to first see your veterinarian, who can recommend an appropriate exercise program. Exercise can strengthen your dog’s muscles and ligaments thus reducing your dog’s injury potential and risk.

9. Extra Time. Don’t rush a dog with arthritis. It often takes them extra time to walk, climb stairs or get in and out of the car. Support and help your arthritic dog if needed or just give your pet the extra time to get around.

10. Grooming. Grooming should not be neglected, especially in the older dog. Arthritic dogs have a difficult time keeping themselves clean, especially in those hard to reach areas. Help your dog stay clean by trimming the hair around the rear end. Brushing will help remove mats and tangles, which can injure delicate older skin. Follow these top 10 tips, and you’ll be able to keep your arthritic dog living longer, stronger, happier and healthier. With her PetPlace.com columns, Dog safety and health expert, Dr. Debra Primovic has helped thousands of dog owners keep their <a href="http://www.petplace.com/dogs.aspx” rel=”nofollow”>dogs living longer and stronger. For more information, check out www.petplace.com for 8,000+ veterinarian approved articles guaranteed to keep you from compromising the care of your dog.wholesale swarovski crystals

Arthritis affects people but also our dear pets. Statistics say that in US about 25% of pets are affected by arthritis. As a dog owner and lover, you should pay attention that your non-human friend is always in good mood, playful and that it eats well and healthy food. But if you do notice changes in your dog’s mood and activity like difficulty sitting, standing, running, climbing stairs, or if it’s less playful, or if it gained weight or its behavior changed you should probably pay your vet a visit. You friend could have arthritis. The veterinarian will do an examination and an X-ray to you dog. If this should be the diagnostic you’ll have to start a treatment immediately. The sooner the disease is discovered the better. But most therapies only ease the pain caused by the inflammation of the joint and decrease the progression of the disease.Arthritis is a disease where the joint is poorly lubricated and spacing in the joints occurs. There are a couple of factors that can cause arthritis like the age of your dog, overweight, infection, joint trauma, the wear of cartilage, the breakdown of the cartilage which is most likely the result of poor lubrication and hydraulic spacing in the joints. Before you start treating your dog’s arthritis you should talk with a veterinary first. Your vet, before prescribing medications, will do some blood tests to your dog to be sure that you dog will metabolize these drugs and not will suffer from side effects like diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite.Common treatments include a diet and an exercising plan to lose and maintain a normal weight, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, over-the-counter pet treatments and natural remedies. Many veterinarians prescribe drugs containing glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and methylsulfonylmethane.Glucosamine is a natural component found in your dog’s cartilage and it’s found mainly in shellfish and sea creatures. Practically, when this component is added to your dog’s diet in higher doses it stimulates the repair of damaged joints. When choosing the right medication containing glucosamine you should always go for a liquid form because it’s active ingredients are absorbed faster and better and where it’s most needed. For dogs with inherited bone conditions, like knee or hip dysphasia, glucosamine supplements may be useful.They also recommend including in your dog diet, other natural ingredients like Vitamin C, Boswellia, Greenlip Mussels, Zinc Selenium, Manganese, Bromelain that help ease the pain, reduce inflammation and repair the damaged cartilage. For decreasing the inflammatory effects of arthritis antioxidant vitamins and fatty acid supplements are also recommended and used as a natural remedy. Surgery may be offered as an option in cases where there is no improvement from physical therapy or medications or in advanced cases of arthritis. But there are fewer and fewer veterinarians that will accept to perform this kind of procedure as they are not equipped or qualified accordingly.Prevention is important when it comes to arthritis. If your dog is not affected by arthritis yet you can try to prevent this disease from affecting your dog by starting to include joint support ingredients in their middle years diet, by paying more attention to what your pets eats and in what quantities, by making an yearly appointment to the veterinary. Although glucosamine is a cure it has been shown it is also a good preventive measure. You should also take into account that recovery of dogs with arthritis takes time and you need to give them proper care and the extra attention. Want to learn more about your pet’s health? Visit our blog site with articles and tips on dog health and treatments to dog health problems. Read also our articles on dog arthritis and dog heartworm.Humvee Parts