Dealing with pet arthritis

arthritis is one of the most common medical problems of dogs today and a growing number of cats are also affected by it.

The disease can be secondary to an early injury or surgery or caused by genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia. It can also be the result of a number of degenerative processes that are not fully understood to this day. There can be infectious agents involved in some types of arthritis as well as an autoimmune component.

Don't diagnose arthritis in your pet yourself. Be absolutely sure that your veterinarian has ruled out other causes for stiffness, lameness, and pain on movement.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used as a first line treatment for arthritis and pain for young animals. But the downside is this can make arthritic conditions worse while masking pain. NSAIDs also have serious side effects.

A better option is to explore many effective and safe alternatives that are available for the treatment of arthritis symptoms in pets.

Decreasing carbohydrates in the diet can contribute to weight loss that could lead to pain relief. This is true in dogs with hip dysplasia, arthritis or any form of pain on movement.

Glucosamine/chondroiton supplements are effective in dogs and cats for the relief of arthritis symptoms. In addition, they lubricate the joint, reduce inflammation and help rebuild cartilage in affected areas. These supplements don't just mask pain; they actually help heal the joint. But not all glucosamine supplements are created equal; be sure to use one that has undergone independent testing.

Fish oil has a number of important anti-inflammatory benefits and has been used with good results for arthritis. Be sure to give extra vitamin E as increased levels of fish oil in the diet increases the body's need for that vitamin.

Homeopathy can help ease the pain of chronic arthritis but this has to be done carefully.

There are a number of other supplements that others have had tremendous luck with, including MSM, SAM-e, and Cetyl Myristoleate. If you try them, be sure to use them for a long enough period to make a fair judgment of their effectiveness. Supplements don't work like drugs, and you can't expect overnight relief.

If supplements fail or become less effective over time, veterinary acupuncture is a promising next step. This has a beneficial effect on pain and inflammation and reportedly produces miraculous results in as little as a single visit.

If your dog or cat suffers from arthritis pain, don't make it suffer any longer. Relieve joint pain, lubricate the joints, increase flexibility and improve mobility with the right Dog osteoarthritis Medicine .