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

Similar to a human’s joints, a dog’s joints are important parts of their body. A dog’s joints, whether it’s the ball and socket joints, the hinge joints or the gliding joints are all imperative to their mobility. Without joints a dog would be unable to move since they provide flexibility which enables their legs to bend, their hips to move, etc. If a dog owner wishes to see their pet living a healthy, mobile life, it’s essential to do everything possible to ensure joint health for dogs.

Many dogs unfortunately develop arthritis. Actually there are several conditions dogs develop which are often listed under arthritis. These conditions include degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia, inflammatory joint disease and osteoarthritis. These are the names pet owners will often hear regarding joint problems with their dogs. Each of these conditions can cause severe pain for a dog. Each of these conditions involves a dog’s joints and so it is important for dog owners to take the necessary steps to ensure joint health for their dogs.

As a dog owner, how do you ensure joint health for your dog? First of all it’s important that dogs have regular examinations by a licensed veterinarian. Veterinarians are trained to recognize specific signs and symptoms related to dog arthritis and joint disease. There are certain breeds that are prone to poor joint health and since a vet would be aware of this, they could monitor the dog. If problems with joint health are caught early enough they can be treated and the dog will likely enjoy a long life without much difficulty.

Because you, the owner spend the most time with your dog, it’s imperative that you do your part to ensure your dog’s joint health. Besides taking them to the vet you must make sure they receive regular exercise to keep their joints in good working order. Activity will make sure the dog’s joints are being used. Like a piece of machinery, if unused a dog’s joints may eventually stop working properly.

Your dog’s diet is very important to ensure joint health. There are special diets designed specifically for aging dogs to guard against joint problems. There are foods designed for dogs with arthritis. These foods contain necessary ingredients to prevent and/or help joint problems caused by arthritis.

Dogs right from birth require plenty of TLC. They also need certain vitamins and minerals to maintain a healthy body. It is recommended that dog owners should add a multivitamin supplement to their dog’s daily diet. Of course the amount, dose and type of multivitamin would depend on the dog’s age and size. As dogs grow older they are at a greater risk of developing joint disease. For this reason special attention should be paid to the dog’s diet including vitamin supplements. Chondroitin and glucosamine are believed to be beneficial in treating and relieving symptoms of dog arthritis and joint problems. These are just two of the recommended supplements for aging dogs. There are many other vitamin and multivitamin supplements on the market today which can help ensure joint health for dogs.

Although pet owner’s love their dogs and assume their efforts are enough to protect their health, often they aren’t. A dog owner might buy what they think is the perfect food while in fact the food may not contain anything useful to their dog. It’s important that a dog owner, especially as the dog ages, research and ask questions about necessary changes required for aging dogs. Nobody wants to see their dog in anguish and pain. Since dogs aren’t verbally capable of sharing their feelings, often they may be suffering silently. At times even the dog may not know there are problems with their joints. For example the cartilage that protects the joints can deteriorate. Because cartilage has little or no nerves, degeneration can take place without the dog feeling anything. This cartilage degeneration can be going on for a long time before it is actually discovered.

Learning details such as these are important for any dog owner. It puts them in a better position regarding taking preventative steps. To ensure joint health for dogs owners should always do their utmost to find preventative measures. Owning a dog is so much more than feeding them and giving them a warm place to sleep. Owning a dog is a major responsibility. These innocent pets depend on their owners to ensure they lead the best life possible. Because they are incapable of caring for themselves, they trust their owners to make the right decisions regarding their health. If you are a pet owner, this information regarding joint health for your dog may be brand new. Not everyone is aware of potential risks and risk factors for dogs. Maybe today you’ll commit to learning all you about the health of a dog and begin to take steps to ensure joint health for your dog. Craig Elliott is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning pet care such as Pet Medicineasap travel scarborough