Dog Arthritis Medication

Canine arthritis is one of the most common conditions dogs suffer from. Most veterinarians would agree that this condition is one of the more popular reasons why dog owners bring their pets for a checkup. Aging dogs are the typical victims to dog joint problems. And since dogs are active and playful by nature, as they age, their joints age along with them, thus, begin the whole process of arthritis.

As dog owners, we should be responsible to seek the much needed care for our dogs who have succumbed to this condition. It is important to understand available treatments, dog supplements and medications that are available in the market. By doing so, we would be equipped and be well prepared once this disease catches on to one of our beloved pets.

First and foremost, it is important that we, dog owners, take meticulous measures in providing a well balanced diet for our dogs. Watching and keeping track of our dog’s weight can lessen the chances of unwanted body fat that could easily lead to obesity. This would eventually lead to several conditions. One of which is arthritis. Since there is so much unwanted weight in the dog’s upper body, the pressure of the excess weight pushes down on the joints, which results to limping, thus, arthritis. In treating obese arthritic dogs, veterinarians would usually put these dogs to an exercise regimen. The exercise involved would be light and strain free to avoid any more pains the dog might be experiencing. Though some dog owners would think that this would worsen the condition, since exercise involves movement of the joints, in reality, this does the dog a lot of good. Exercise enables joints to stretch and move from a long period of immobility and reluctance to do any activity. With the regular and swift movements, this allows the joints to release a lubricating fluid that allows the bones to glide over each other normally. Continuous exercise will gradually allow your dog to get back on its feet and be able to shed the unwanted weight, which would later lessen or eventually get rid of the arthritis and insure good dog joint health.

However, exercise may not be the only treatment if dogs are suffering a lot more than just unwanted weight. With the veterinarian’s assessment on the current condition of your dog, he or she might prescribe over-the-counter medications that would provide immediate relief to your arthritis- stricken pet. One of the widely used medications is Glucosamine, which is considered more of a supplement than that of a drug. Glucosamine contains amino acid sugar complex that has anti-inflammatory components used against canine arthritis. Since arthritis is an inflammation in the joints, the Glucosamine supplement has ingredients that soothes pain caused by the irritation, thus, reducing the pain and swelling in the affected joint/s and helps the deteriorating cartilage to regenerate itself.

Today, further research and studies has produced a new wave of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that helps relieve dogs suffering from arthritis or any other joint problems. Furthermore, other over the counter medications would include aspirin and prescription drugs like Rimadyl. Dog owners who use these drugs to relieve their dog from any pain should first consult with the veterinarian to avoid overdose or misuse of the drug. There could be a lot of dangers involved in giving a dog medication that is not prescribed because it can lead to unwanted side effects or death. This is the reason why dog owners should be wise in making their decisions on pet medications. Learning the risks and benefits of drugs they give to their dogs could not only help their pet, but also avoid any unwanted mistakes in the long run.