Arthritis

Symptoms

As your pet ages it may show signs of achy inflamed joints and stiffness which usually appear when your dog is trying to get up after a nap, during a long walk or when attempting to jump up onto the sofa. Arthritis results from the wear and tear on the pet’s body.

Treatment

Keeping your pet's sleeping area well paddled and warm will help. You can use a heating pad and also massage the achy bones.

Weight control is important. Select food that is designed for senior dogs.

Controlling exercise will help maintain muscle tone and joint flexibility. Any activity that causes your pet to become acutely lame for a period of time afterward is excessive. Failure to provide adequate exercise is just as bad as doing too much. Light daily walks followed by rest helps decrease inflammation and strengthen joints.

Ask you veterinarian for medication or alternative treatments to help your pet better manage this aliment. We recommend nutritional supplements (glucosamine and chondriotin sulphate), cortico steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Metacam7 and Rimadyl7).