It's that eye-opening, mind-boggling, hair-raising sensation that causes some to yelp in pain as the sun bursts through the windows and initiates that very first morning step.
As one makes an attempt to roll out of bed in the morning, that very first step can be the big one. The painful one that causes the joints to crack, the spine to weaken and the overall range of motion to be limited to moving at the same velocity as a turtle who had few too many gin and tonics.
Just like humans, dogs experience Arthritis and Joint Pain.
At first, the symptoms might be a little vague as one tries to muddle through them. Their first few steps might be a bit slower. There is a definite stiffness and to an unaware observer, it may appear as though there were two-by-four boards attached to each leg. Bending their joints might seem virtually impossible They may sleep more, favor a limb, have decreased interest in playing, walk like they are on the sharpest of eggshells or a bed of hot coals, become a bit moody or less responsive to play. They may even moan as they get up or whimper as they lay down. You may notice that they seem to limp quite a bit.
It can happen at the hip, at the knees, back or even in their toes. Wherever there is a joint, they can be affected by this degenerative condition.
Arthritis and Joint Pain in Dogs.
Arthritis is a common condition that affects many dogs during the course of their lifetime. It is more evident in the morning after a long sleep or an afternoon nap. While at first they may only seem to struggle, the pain becomes more apparent as the arthritis worsens and doesn't get the proper medication.
In time, especially without medical care, it can be the beginnings of a painful journey for your pet.
Breeds
Though all dogs can develop arthritis, there are some breeds that are prone to suffering from arthritis and it can even begin at an early age. It is not just limited to senior dogs. Some of the breeds that are more susceptible are golden retrievers, boxers, mastiffs, German shepherds, Labrador retrievers and other large breeds.
Preventative Measures and Treatment
While there might not be a sure-fire way to prevent some dogs from attaining arthritis, hip dysplasia or other forms of degenerative trauma, there are things we can do to help.
The first thing is to keep them at an ideal weight. It is up to us to feed them the proper diet, so we have control of what they put into their bodies. It's a good idea to have their weight checked by your veterinarian to make sure they are not overweight or underweight. If your dog loves treats, break up carrots for them, instead of feeding them high calorie dog bones or if you're ambitious and know a healthy recipe, bake them homemade goods!
Exercising them from a young age helps to strengthen their muscles and remain strong. If they do develop arthritis, try to discourage them from jumping and performing strenuous and highly taxing activities, but encourage them to walk or even swim if they will oblige.
Again, be sure to check with your veterinarian on which brand and dosage he suggests, but glucosamine with Chondroitin and MSM for dogs is an excellent supplement. It is a natural substance that is found in cartilage in dogs (and even humans)! As dogs age, the body's ability to repair wear on tear on their joints and cartilage slows down. Glucosamine helps repair that cartilage and sooths the joints.
It may help reduce pain and rarely has side effects.
Chondroitin is another natural substance and adds to healing your dog's joints. In addition, MSM improves flexibility and decreases inflammation.
The combination of the three does take a month or so to begin working, so patience is definitely key. During that time, if the vet gives their seal of approval, NSAIDS may help alleviate some of your dog's pain.
If the arthritis becomes debilitating, your veterinarian can prescribe pain relievers along with NSAIDS to reduce the inflammation.
Some dogs respond well to physical therapy and even acupuncture. If you can, gently massage the areas that affect your dog, ensuring that you do not press to hard or inflict more damage.
For severe cases, some veterinarians may suggest surgery if they feel it may help more than hinder.
In Closing
As with humans, arthritis has certain levels of pain from mildly disturbing to excruciating. There's nothing we can do to stop the aging process in any species, so for our pets, the most we can do is try to provide care and wellness, and make them as comfortable as possible.
Often it is necessary to let them be the ones to make the choice. Some days will be good, other days perhaps not so much. If they act is if they want to get a little exercise, take them for a slow walk around the block and let them get the blood circulating. Keep in close contact with your veterinarian and abide by what individual suggestions he or she has for your pet. They'll be better able to determine what course of action you should be taking for your dog's needs, as no two dogs are alike, just as no two humans are alike, or share the same pain.
Take note that it is NOT suggest to give your pet medication that has been manufactured for humans. Always get the advice of your veterinarian as they have been properly trained in how to provide treatment for animals.
Keep in mind there might be some days when your dog doesn't want to walk around and those days his activity might be limited to a brief relief session outside and food and water. If his or her arthritis becomes progressively worse, it may be beneficial to take a trip to the doctor to see if there is anything that can be done to alleviate more of their pain.
I must disclose that I am not a doctor, merely a pet owner who has three senior retrievers with arthritis. After all, arthritis and joint Pain in dogs is common as they age. It is suggested that before you start any health care regimen with your pet, that you follow the strict instructions from your veterinarian. This hub is only a guidelines and the result of what has worked with my personal dogs and the advice I have followed over the years. My hope is that this hub has provided you with some questions to ask your veterinarian before you begin treatment.
Thanks for reading!
~ Elizabeth Parker
"Bringing awareness about dog adoption and rescue, one dog at a time!"
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