How Common is Arthritis in Dogs

Some people are troubled with a condition that commonly affects movement of joints. From the Greek word “artho” and “itis”, arthritis means joint inflammation. Commonly, this joint disease is caused by osteoarthritis, infection of the joint or old age.

Little did we know that not only humans are affected by this disease. Arthritis in dogs is also common. In fact, one out of five dogs suffer from arthritis during their lifetime. So the question is: How can pet owners know that their dogs are suffering from arthritis? Also, what are the common treatments for this disease?

Arthritis in Dogs: What are Its Symptoms

Although arthritis is commonly attached to aged dogs, younger ones can also suffer from it. Causes of arthritis include hip dysplasia, ruptured ligaments and joint trauma.

So, how can an owner say that a dog suffers from joint inflammation? Dogs can experience lameness, stiffness and joint pain. To say so, they exhibit irritability and moodiness. Before, your dog might be playful and often looks happy but with arthritis, its movements might decrease. Dogs will be less playful and often lay down. The feeling of pain increases in cold and damp surroundings.

Once diagnosis is done and x-ray is accomplished, the results will show bone density increase around the joints and space of the joint is narrowed.

Treating Dog Arthritis

What is saddening about the arthritis is that the disease is progressive and incurable. And although it cannot be stopped, physical therapy and weight control are two helpful remedies to substantially improve the dog’s life. Physical therapy will be helpful for the dog to exercise its muscles and bones. Moderate exercises are advisable also to preserve the joint flexibility. Take note, however, that too much exercise might cause pain. Thus, high jumps are not encouraged.

arthritis in dogs

Studies show that bigger dogs have higher tendencies to acquire arthritis. In this regard, weight control is highly advisable. To attain this, dog owners must establish a schedule in feeding their pet. It is also helpful to measure dog food to ensure that the dog is getting enough nutrients without compromising its body’s needs. Lastly, analgesics prescribed by a veterinary doctor would also be helpful to ease the pain and improve functions.

Problems that lead to arthritis commonly begins in the early pet life. Pet owners might not even notice the pain or lameness in the pets younger years. However, it is always important that starting from the younger years, the dog must be exercised to avoid future problems especially on its bones and muscles. And yes, arthritis in dogs is common.

Ways To Remove Pain In Dogs

Dogs are very smart and resilient creatures, but from time to time they run into trouble and get injured or come down with an illness. When you notice that your dog may not be as active or energetic as they usually are, that is usually a sign that there is a problem with your dog. Side effects they are exhibiting such as not eating as much or sleeping too much are usually indicators that there is something bothering him or her. The first thing that you can do is go online to try and diagnose what is going on with your dog or go to a vet to have them checked out. But once you do, there are a lot of options that you can try and remedies to try and remove pain in dogs and provide them with some pain relief. These options may take longer to take effect than prescribed medications, but they can provide some all natural relief for your dog.

Homeopathic remedies are one way to treat dog pains but you must be choosy in picking the right remedy. Lining up the right remedy to the symptoms that your dog is exhibiting is crucial to the approach working. For instance if you know that your dog has suffered an exact injury, this may be easier to treat. But symptoms such as chronic pain being exhibited can be difficult because they may be showing up due to underlying symptoms. Consult a vet for a further diagnosis as well as advice.

Acupuncture can be another helpful application to help remove your dog’s pain. It is a little on the Eastern medicine side, but there’s a reason why the practice has been a staple of the Asian continent’s treatment in medicine for so long. Acupuncture is not as painful as many assume it to be and the effects have been touted by many in their health-giving effects. It has even made its way into the veterinary world, helping to provide natural pain relief for dogs so they can be treated for their acute as well as recurring chronic pain without experiencing any side effects.

Amica is another remedy that falls into the homeopathic natural category and is used in the relief of blunt traumas such as sprains, muscle pains, bruises and strains. If your dog has sustained an injury and is in pain, you can give your dog natural pain relief when they don’t want to undergo touch due to the pain of the injury. St. John’s Wort is especially helpful in terms of treating nerve injuries that can occur in many areas from the gums to the tail. Try this after research as well as marsh tea. Essential oils can also be helpful, mixed with conventional oils to form a topical oil and massage oil that can really relieve your dog’s pain. Combine oil with lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, or ginger oil and rub into your dog’s muscles and joints for relief they can feel.

Treating your dog with Epsom salts can also help deal with wounds as well as swelling. An Epsom salt soak in a nice warm bath made of lukewarm water can ease the swelling as well as the time it takes for your dog to heal. This is particularly effective in conjunction with the medication. Heat packs applied to your dog’s ailing area can also help. Try the bath twice a day and soak them for five minutes if you can get them to stay in it! For the heat pack, use a towel that is soaked in the epsom salt solution and applied to your dog’s wounds for relief.

For fleas, you can try borax powder to use the crystals to kill the fleas by applying to your dog’s fur and gets rid of the little critters like magic by poking holes in their exoskeletons! It’s also non-toxic for optimal protection of your dog’s health. Or you can try citrus, which is a powerful flea treatment. Boil water and pour over lemons to steep over the night time, then pour into a spray bottle and apply to your dog. No more fleas and no more pain.

Natural remedies are a great way to remove pain in dogs. They are non-toxic and really do help with relief the same way remedies do in humans. Taking care of your dog will help them feel better, and they will thank you for it with their love and affection. You’ll be happy your dog is in optimal health, and so will they.