Arthritis Pain Relief For Dogs
Did you know that arthritis affects one in five dogs over
the age of seven? It is a painful condition that affects the joints
and can occur in your pets neck, hips, shoulders, elbows and back.
However, there are many simple solutions that you can provide at
home that will relieve the aches and pains in your dogs joints.
* Change Your Dogs Diet
Easy enough and it worked for my dog. Be sure you are providing a
high-quality dog food with no added preservatives, food colorings,
wheat, corn or soy products. It would be preferable to get a dog
food that is low fat AND has low carbohydrates, but unfortunately
there is no such thing as a low-carb dog food. Just be aware that
grains (which make up a large component of dry dog food) tend to
increase inflammation and aggravate arthritis. A better alternative
would be to switch to home-prepared meals with either cooked or raw
meats and vegetables.
However, if you dont want to prepare meals for your pet, then cut
back on the dry food and start adding a cup of fresh veggie salad
every day. Celery is excellent for the joints. I often chop up
lettuce, celery, cucumber, some carrot, and any other fresh
vegetables I have on hand. Just make sure to cut all vegetables
into very small pieces for easy digestion (a food processor is
perfect for this) and dont use onions or mushrooms as they may be
toxic to your dog.
* Provide Supplements That Reduce Arthritic Swelling and Pain
Give your dog a glucosamine tablet. Glucosamine helps the body
manufacture glycosaminoglycans, which is designed to maintain
cartilage structure. The recommended dosage is mg of a 500mg tablet
per 10 pounds of body weight once a day. Preferably use a
glucosamine tablet that also contains Chondroitin Sulfate. This
supplement helps to attract water into the cartilage for added
nutrition and lubrication. It also seems to inhibit excessive
cartilage destroying enzymes.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring organic
dietary sulphur that has been shown in studies to relieve arthritic
pain, slow joint deterioration and reduce inflammation with no
negative side effects.
Dogs dont usually get enough Omega 3 fatty acids in their diets.
Omega 3 helps to regulate pressure in the joints, among many other
things. A good source for this is fish oil capsules. Additional
vitamin E will also be needed since adding more oil to the body
increases the need for this vitamin.
* Reduce Excess Weight
Extra weight on a dog puts extra pressure on the joints and causes
more pain and swelling. Begin by reducing the amount of treats
given, cut back a bit on food, and provide a lower fat diet for
your dog. Exercising is also important. If possible, take your dog
out for several shorter 10 to 15 minute walks each day rather than
going for one long walk. Another great strategy is to take your dog
swimming. Theyll get the exercise without stressing the joints. A
bathtub works well for very small dogs. However, if your dog is a
landlubber and hates water dont push the issue.
* Keep Your Dog Warm and Cozy on Cold, Damp Days
Set up a soft bed or some layers of fleece in the area where your
dog normally sleeps. If your dog usually stays outside, then
provide an insulated dog house with soft bedding on the floor. Be
sure the doorway is somewhat sheltered and facing away from the
wind. Better yet, bring them inside when its cold and/or wet.
* Apply Moist Heat
Apply a hot water bottle with warm water or use a towel soaked in
warm water thats been wrung out to your dogs aching joints. Moist
heat penetrates deeply and provides welcomed relief. Do not use a
heating pad as it may get too hot for the dog and burn them
especially if your dog has limited mobility - they may not be able
to get up and move away from a pad that is too hot.
* Raise Your Dogs Food and Water Dish
If your pet has arthritis in their neck or shoulders, consider
raising their food and water bowls so they dont have to bend their
head down to eat.
* Give Your Pet a Massage
Dont we all love to have sore muscles rubbed? Gently rub around the
affected joint and massage the surrounding muscles. This gentle
kneading and the heat from your hands should ease some of the
pain.
* Use a Ramp For The Stairs
If your dog has a hard time going up and down stairs, think about
buying or making a ramp that can be laid over the stairs so your
dog can more easily maneuver them. This is especially useful for
when they need to go outside to do their thing or are required to
jump into a truck for a trip to the vet.
Additional alternatives include herbal and homeopathic products,
acupressure, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. Safer and often
just as effective, these are just some of the things that you can
do at home for your dog to give them relief from arthritic
pain.
About the Author
Is your dog sick and getting sicker by the day? Are you
searching for answers & alternative solutions to your dog's
health care problems? Rose Smith is the owner of Caring for
Canines, a web site that focuses on holistic approaches to dog
health issues. Visit us at http://www.caringforcanines.com
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