Arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling in a joint. The cause can be abnormal bone or joint development, instability of the surrounding ligaments and tendons, damage or injury to the joint, an infection, or injury caused by the immune system. While anti-inflammatory medicines are popular treatments for arthritis, another approach involves protecting the cartilage in the joint and "nourishing" the joint.
Here are tips that may help your arthritic dog.
Slip-free Flooring. Hardwood and tile are slippery and can be very difficult for dogs with arthritis to navigate. Placing carpet or area rugs will help secure your dog's footing. This can help prevent him from slipping and injuring himself. Glucosamine for dogs
Swimming is a good aerobic exercise and is especially good for arthritis symptom dogs because there is no jarring impact. As swimming is a non-weight bearing activity.
It exercises every muscle of the body without any stress. When swimming, muscles and joints are able to move through a complete range of motion without bearing any weight.
Swimming in warm water has the added benefit of relaxing muscles (specially important for arthritis symptom dogs) and increasing overall blood circulation. Warm water relaxes muscles so the dog will not feel pain when exercising, thus improving joint lubrication. Older dogs have the added benefit of cardiovascular strengthening and weight loss, improving general fitness.
Your dog should use all four legs to doggie paddle. If he paddles with just his front paws, lift his rear legs to help him float. He'll quickly understand that he needs all four of his legs to swim.
Daily, low-impact exercise helps to improve strength and stamina, joint mobility, and stimulates joint cartilage metabolism.
While helping maintain your dog's weight, it also decreases the need for pain-relieving medications.
A Soft Bed. Soft bedding and heated beds can help support the bones and joints, making 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. Our new Durabed may be right for your older do.
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. Keep eyes & ears clean, also.
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. He may want to join in the festivities regardless of the discomfort. To reduce joint pain and inflammation, you may want to limit his time as the center of attention.
Massage. Massage can increase flexibility, circulation, calmness and a general sense of wellness. Professional animal massage therapists are available to provide your pet a more thorough treatment.
Weight Loss. Arthritis is more of a problem in obese pets. Weight loss can be beneficial by helping to reduce the workload on the bones and joints.
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 the muscles and ligaments thus reducing the potential and risk of injury.
Supplements. There are many products on the market that can be used in addition to a good diet.
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 them if needed or just give them extra time to get around.
Mary E. Joyce http://www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com
no-contract cleaning service Mundelein ..The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With... Read More
I've been around many people who try to lead a... Read More
Many people want to make sure their family pet has... Read More
By Jeffrey Rolocopyright 2004 AlphaHorseIn the dating world many men... Read More
Although many horsemen and trainers extol the virtues of the... Read More
Can cats and dogs live together without constantly being at... Read More
We are all busy these days and I know it's... Read More
Small dog breeds are great pets, but since their personalities... Read More
If your feline friend could speak your language, here a... Read More
As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, it's... Read More
Wether it be on a vacation to your favorite resort,... Read More
You've made up your mind, it's the American Pit Bull... Read More
Having a pet is an experiance that I think everyone... Read More
You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on... Read More
Canine mastitis is a breast infection in brood bitches, usually... Read More
Looking for some quick Rottweiler dog facts? Here's a quick... Read More
Dogs are quite amiable creatures. Much like our human counterparts,... Read More
All puppies are small dogs ? some, however, won't be... Read More
After years of practicing both conventional and holistic medicine for... Read More
Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More
The act of offering Christmas gifts is always enhanced if... Read More
Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More
When I carried him home, he was this tiny little... Read More
When I had a Toy Poodle, I used a small... Read More
Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty,... Read More
maid service near Glenview ..Part 2: Protecting your petIf you own a cat, then... Read More
Occasionally, some of us get to do work that is... Read More
With all the companionship and love that our dogs give... Read More
My two therapy dogs, Nikki and Benny, bring joy to... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
Ever since the beginning of time there has always been... Read More
From the first day of life on a leash, most... Read More
According to holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks, the maximum life... Read More
Bark CollarsMany pet owners become lost as to what to... Read More
The aim of a Westie rescue centre such as the... Read More
* Lock things up that could cause harm* Keep the... Read More
There are three important litter box considerations to account for... Read More
Quieting a barking dog is a quick and easy process.... Read More
It has been said that everything old is new again.... Read More
Flowerhorn Cichlids Flowerhorn cichlids is a hybrid cichlid that was... Read More
Do you have a home robotic vacuum cleaner? They are... Read More
The main ways a puppy will play with another dog... Read More
The most important thing to remember in analyzing the behavior... Read More
I am a happy owner of two rat terriers. They... Read More
Dear Fellow Dog Lover,I assume you love your dog, or... Read More
Just say the word cancer and any of a host... Read More
IntroductionA long time ago, before evolution turned the primate into... Read More
There are many of us who consider our pets as... Read More
Everybody loves a baby animal and Westie puppies are adorable,... Read More
Do you have a puppy that jumps on you, company... Read More
Pet |